FAQ

A field with a moderate infestation of weeds would use a very small amount of actual chemical (i.e. 1/8 of a litre per acre of actual Roundup).

The 5' wick is the most common size but our company will manufacture lengths of any dimension. Each foot of length holds 1.4 litres of solution.

The normal mix ratio is 2:1 (two parts water to one part chemical). The chemical is used as a thickening agent and therefore if you put water by itself in the wick weeder it will run out readily. The mix ratio of 2:1 is used primarily for products like Roundup Roundup Transorb. Always mix your chemical and water first before putting into the wick tube.

The rate of flow out on the wicks is controlled by a cap and rubber grommet. On initial setup solution is put into the tubes through a top loading cap. As you are filling the machine if there is any excessive dripping you would slightly tighten the cap at that spot until the drip only occurs at intervals of less that 20 seconds. In true field operation this slight amount of dripping will not occur because product is being used from the wick. Dripping is not an issue with our wick weeder.

On a 90 degree day, the moisture will evaporate off of the wicks, you can wick when it is cooler out or mix your chemical 3-1 to help keep your wicks wet. A pressure system would also solve this problem. This tank is used to provide extra capacity and flow onto the wicks where weed infestation is heavy.

It usually takes about an hour for the wicks to become saturated. You can speed up this process by leaving the fill cap off.

Best results are obtained with speeds of 4 to 6 miles per hour in the field.

When you have an heavy infestation of weeds it is a good idea to wick in both directions. In large patches of weeds you may miss some if you only wick from the one direction.

A 40' machine would take 2 people approximately 4 hours to assemble.

Pasture – thistles, buck brush, etc.
Establishment of hay land – broadleaf weeds, cereals, thistles, grassy weeds.
Organic crop production – using acetic acid
Pulse crop production – used to eliminate any plants growing above crop. Parks – or other areas where drift is a concern.

Roundup, Roundup Transorb.

Other chemicals may also be used by themselves or in combination but they should be tested in a jar for jelling.

Other chemicals which have been added in small amounts are Lontrel, 24D, etc.

A field with a moderate infestation of weeds would use a very small amount of actual chemical (i.e. 1/8 of a litre per acre of actual Roundup).

Vogels Wick Weeders will custom build for any application. We have mounted wick tubes onto self propelled sprayers, argo’s, and UTV side by sides.

If the wick weeder is not used for more than a day we suggest that it be drained. This is very simply accomplished by removing the end wick of each tube and draining that tube. On a 40’ machine this is accomplished in 10 minutes or less.

If the wicks accumulate a build up of dirt or green plant material they can be washed by simply pouring water over them or if a garden hose or high pressure washer is handy they can be used also. Changing from one chemical to another does not require special clean up if the chemicals are compatible. Remember this machine is only contacting the weeds.

The tubes should be drained and the wicks washed with a hose. If possible the entire machine should be stored indoors. If this is not possible the individual tubes can be removed quickly and stored inside. A small amount of solution left in the tubes over the winter will not cause any problems.