Solo 454, 456, 456 SW, 457, 454HD Operator's Manual

US9456702 (04-08)

Operator’s Manual & Parts List

Compression Sprayers: 454, 456, 456 SW, 457,
454HD, 456HD, 457HD, 454V, 456V, 457V, 407CI

STOP!

If you are missing parts, instructions or have questions, DO NOT take this unit back to the
store. Call 1-800-SOLO-INC. Solo will send the missing parts/information to you promptly.

WARRANTY:

Solo model 454, 456, 456 SW & 457 sprayers are covered by Solo’s 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. Solo manufactured parts which
fail due to defective material or workmanship will be repaired or replaced without charge. See page 6 for full details.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

Do not exceed 45 psi pressure.

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Do not fill with, use or spray flammable materials.

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Do not use gasoline, acid, caustic or potentially injurious chemicals.

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At the time of manufacture of this sprayer, we are not aware of any approved plant protection chemicals which

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would adversely affect this sprayer when applied in their usual concentration.

Observe the recommendations of the chemical manufacturer.

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Prior to removing any part of the sprayer pull the pressure relief valve to release any pressure in the tank.

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Wear rubber gloves, safety goggles and appropriate protective clothing.

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After pumping be sure handle is in the locked down position.

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Individuals should be trained in the proper use of this sprayer. Where training is not available, individuals

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should study and follow the procedures detailed in this manual.
Do not use acetone based chemicals.

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WARNING:

Chemicals can be harmful to individuals and the environment if improperly used. In addition, some chemicals are caustic, corrosive, or
poisonous and should be avoided. Read warnings and chemical manufacturer’s instructions. Solo high density polyethylene sprayers
are fitted with Viton® seals which are resistant to a wide variety of agricultural, industrial and household chemicals; however, care
should be exercised to ensure that sprayer components are clean, functioning properly, and in a good state of repair before and during
use. If in doubt about a particular chemical, check with manufacturer. If you suspect or observe indications that the material may be
unsafe in a Solo sprayer... STOP! Do Not Use or Apply Chemical. ALWAYS WEAR RUBBER GLOVES, SAFETY GOGGLES AND
APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING.

Read and follow operating instructions.

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Do not fill sprayer over maximum fill mark. Releasing pressure in an overfill condition can cause harmful venting of sprayer contents.

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Relieve pressure only with sprayer upright and while standing on the side of the sprayer opposite the pressure relief valve. Venting

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of sprayer contents can occur if liquid is over bottom of relief valve.
CAUTION: To prevent injury from ejected pump assembly and/or solution, never stand with face or body over the top of the tank

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when pumping, or loosening pump.
Do not modify sprayer or pressure relief valve.

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Never spray in the direction of humans, animals or property which might be injured or

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damaged by spray formula.
Do not use disinfectants, solvents or impregnating agents unless first tested to ensure

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they are not harmful to the environment and sprayer.
Do not use liquids with a temperature above 120°F (45°C).

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Remember that a sprayer with liquid is a significant amount of weight (8 lbs. per

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gallon). Use caution when bending, leaning or walking. Bend only at the knees and
support yourself as required to ensure personal safety.
Do not inflate sprayer without liquid in the tank.

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Do not climb on ladders, trees or other unsteady or potentially unsafe structures.

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ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS FOR WAND

1. Ensure that the O-ring is on the non-threaded end of the wand.

2. Insert the non-threaded end of the wand into the O-ring into the open end of the shut-

off valve.

3. Tighten the screw cap.

Optional Pressure
Gauge Mounts Here

O-Ring

Shut-Off Valve

year
warranty

Screw Cap

Wand

Install Wand Here

CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENT FROM SOLO’S SERVICE DEPARTMENT

In the event the sprayer you have purchased has missing or damaged parts, please call 1-800-765-6462, 9:00 AM—5:00 PM EST.

In order to assist your service representative, please have the following information available: sprayer model number, part description

and part number. A parts list is included in your operator’s manual.

Solo is committed to your satisfaction and is continuing its efforts to earn your future business.

Visit us on the web at www.solousa.com

Troubleshooting and parts ordering available online.

USING THE ADJUSTABLE NOZZLE

To change the spraying pattern, first make sure the retaining nut
(2) is screwed tight to the elbow (5). If it is not tight, the nozzle
cap (1) and nozzle body (3) will
rotate inside the retaining nut and
the nozzle will not adjust. For a
straight stream pattern, rotate the
nozzle cap outward. For a hollow
cone pattern, rotate the nozzle cap
inward towards the retaining nut.
If it becomes difficult to rotate the
nozzle cap, remove the nozzle cap
from the nozzle body and lubricate
the O-ring on the nozzle body with
a non-water soluble grease*.

4. Filter with gasket

1. Nozzle cap

2. Retaining nut

3. Nozzle body

5. Elbow

CLEANING:

Carefully clean sprayer after every use.

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Pour or spray all remaining chemical out of sprayer.

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Pour a small amount of water for water soluble chemicals, or
mineral spirits for oil-based chemicals, into the tank.

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Pressurize and spray through system until all liquid is gone.

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Repeat process with warm soapy water.

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Repeat process with warm clear water.

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Use an absorbent cloth to dry all internal surfaces.

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Follow the recommendations of the chemical manufacturer for
disposing of waste water and chemicals.

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Do not use aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents.

REMOVING ADJUSTABLE NOZZLE

Unscrew the nozzle cap (1) from the nozzle body (3). This
is best accomplished while the retaining nut (2) is securely
fastened to the elbow (5). Next, unscrew the retaining nut (2).
Push the nozzle body (3) out of the retaining nut (2). The filter
(4) will come out with the body. To re-install the nozzle, reverse
the above instructions.

OPERATION:

Before using sprayer with chemicals, fill sprayer with fresh

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water to assure that you have it properly assembled;
pressurize and then practice spraying. When thoroughly
familiar with sprayer operation, follow normal operating
procedures.
Turn pump handle counter clockwise to remove pump.

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Fill tank with premixed formula up to desired level. (Do not

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exceed maximum fill mark.) Observe recommendations of
chemical manufacturer.
Tighten cap and pump assembly for a good seal.

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Pump to a maximum 45 psi or 3 bar pressure. The valve

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stem on the pressure relief valve will rise up to vent excess
pressure over 45 psi.
Start or stop spraying by squeezing or releasing the lever on

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the shut-off valve (3). The spray pressure can be monitored
with an optional pressure gauge.
Prior to every removal of pump (1), release pressure first by

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pulling up on the pressure relief valve stem (2).

MAINTENANCE:

Prior to storage, empty, clean and dry sprayer.

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Always store the sprayer in a dry area, protected from

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freezing, heat and sunlight.
Lubricate O-ring in pressure relief valve with non-water

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soluble grease* on a regular basis.

Disassembly: Unscrew pressure relief valve from tank
and pull the valve body out of the screw cap. Clean,
lubricate, and replace.

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Pump Maintenance: Pump pressure sealing is accomplished

with an O-ring (5) on the pump piston (4) which moves within
the cylinder (3). Periodically this O-ring should be greased
with a non-water soluble grease*. If worn, it should be
replaced. A small umbrella valve at the bottom of the cylinder
prevents the formula from entering the cylinder. Keep these
parts clean and replace if worn.

Disassembly: Unscrew pump assembly from tank.
Carefully remove umbrella valve (6) from the bottom of
cylinder (3). While holding cylinder firmly with one hand
and the handle of the pump piston (4) firmly in the other,
with the piston fully inserted in the cylinder, pull back on
the piston quickly and forcefully. To re-assemble, place
the piston assembly back into cylinder, place heel of
hands on opposite sides of the tank cap, while keeping
cylinder in place with fingers, tap bottom of cylinder
against a flat padded surface. Assembly will lock into
place.

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6

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Tank Cap: A small amount of non-water soluble grease*

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on tank cap threads and both sides of the gasket eases
tightening and loosening.

Regular Inspection: Inspect and replace worn or damaged

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parts promptly. Pay particular attention to tank cap gasket,
pressure relief valve and seal, inflation valve (if fitted),
umbrella valve O-rings and seals throughout sprayer. Regular
lubrication of O-rings and seals is recommended.

2

* Solo Superior Grease or petroleum jelly work well.

OPERATING FEATURES:

Nozzles - Your Solo sprayer is standard with nozzle arrangements which provide a variety of spray patterns.

Item Application Part #

Flat spray nozzle Row treatment 4074263

Jet stream nozzle Spot & longer range 4074755 Plastic adjustable Spot, shrubs & bushes

Item Application Part #

Jet stream nozzle Shrubs and bushes 4074755
and swirl plate =
hollow cone

4900527

Spray tips should be assembled as follows for desired spray patterns.

SPRAY TIP ASSEMBLY

1. Flat spray nozzle 5. Nozzle cap

2. Filter 6. Nozzle body

3. Jet cap 7. Brass adj. nozzle*

4. Swirl plate 8. Nozzle retaining nut
*Brass adjustable nozzle is not a standard item on all Solo sprayers.

No-drip-check valve
replaces # 2 on heavy-duty
models

Flat spray Hollow

cone spray

In the best interest of continued technological progress, we reserve the right to change design and configuration of any product without prior or other notice.
Therefore, please note that text and illustrations of this manual are not to be considered binding and do not constitute a basis for legal or other claims.

WILL THE PLASTIC MATERIAL LAST?

Only high-grade polyethylene is used. The material is
chosen for high molecular weight, high-impact strength,
and excellent resistance to chemicals and stress.
Ultraviolet inhibitors are used in the material to reduce
deterioration caused by sunlight.

WHAT SPRAY NOZZLE SHOULD I USE?

A flat spray nozzle is supplied for spraying paths, garden
beds, and general area spraying. A cone nozzle is also
supplied for spot spraying and for the treatment of bushes
and small trees. For spot spraying, simply remove swirl plate
from behind nozzle tip. Save the swirl plate for future use.

Brass

adjustable

nozzle*

Jet stream Plastic

adjustable

nozzle

Available as an option is a reflux filter with a built-in check

HOW HEAVY IS THE UNIT?

Compression sprayers weigh approximately 5 1/2 lbs.

valve (27 00 316) which opens at 5 psi and closes at 4 psi.
This virtually eliminates the dripping of fluid still contained
in the spray wand. A wide selection of nozzles such as

CAN I USE WEED KILLER AND INSECTICIDE IN

THE SAME SPRAYER?

In theory you can, if the sprayer is thoroughly cleaned
out with a bleach water solution of 1:25. In practice, the
use of both types of chemicals in the same unit is not
recommended as the risk to plants can be high. Use
caution when handling any type of chemicals and when
cleaning your sprayer. Do not mix cleaning agents.

deflector, adjustable, and anti-drift nozzles are available.

CAN I DO SPOT SPRAYING?

The shut-off valve on the Solo sprayer is well suited for
spot spraying. It’s almost effortless! The shut-off valve
handle incorporates a clip which holds the valve open for
area spraying without tiring the operator’s hand. A pressure
gauge may be added with increments from 0 to 6 Bar
(0-90 psi).

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