AX-1 maintenance

Table of contents

• General safety

• Cleaning the spray system

• Cleaning the machine (external and internal)

• Filters

• Generator maintenance

• Periodic inspection

Regular and properly executed maintenance helps extend the AX-1's service life and improves operational reliability. The product warranty is valid only if the maintenance schedule is followed.

Some repairs and maintenance tasks can only be performed by service personnel authorized by Kilter, for example, annual maintenance and the periodic inspection of the sprayer (sprayer certification). All spare parts must be original parts supplied by Kilter AS or an authorized distributor.

General safety

Warning: Risk of pinching, cutting, shearing, severing, entrapment, entanglement, pulling in, catching, and impacts at unprotected danger points. Follow the safety instructions during all maintenance, repairs, and servicing activities.

• If covers or other protective equipment are removed during maintenance, repairs, or cleaning, they must be reinstalled afterward.
• Damaged protective equipment must be replaced.
• The machine's main power switch must be turned off during all maintenance and repair work.
• Before performing service or repairs, the machine must be emptied of herbicide and the circulation system must be cleaned.
• The machine must be externally cleaned to eliminate the risk of contact with herbicide residue.

Before each startup

Inspect hoses, pipes, valves, and connection parts for leaks, wear, and defects. If faults are detected, they must be repaired and/or reported immediately.

Control unit

Danger: Contact with high-voltage points poses an immediate life-threatening risk.

Any issues related to the control unit must be addressed by authorized service personnel, particularly anything that involves opening the cover. The inside of the control unit contains exposed high-voltage points and other sensitive components.

It is strongly discouraged to connect a personal computer to the control panel's ports for troubleshooting or software updates, as this can result in critical software errors.

Service tasks that users may perform themselves are limited to cleaning the exterior of the control panel and cleaning or replacing the air filter.

Cleaning the spray system (full procedure)

Use the full cleaning procedure when changing herbicide, emptying the tank, or preparing the machine for storage. For short pauses during operation, use the Quick Rinse procedure described above instead.

Caution: Always use the necessary safety equipment when draining herbicide.

  

Step 1: Drain the herbicide tank

Warning: When draining herbicide and disposing of cleaning residues, no discharge into the environment is permitted. Residues must be collected, labelled with their contents, and delivered to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

After spraying, residue may remain in the herbicide tank. Drain it before cleaning:

1. Place a collection container under the drain point.
2. Set the valves to the "Drain system" position and start the pump.
3. Let the pump run until the tank is empty of herbicide.
4. Open Valve 7 to release the last remnants.
5. Set the valves to "Rinse system" position to prepare for rinsing the tank, hoses, and nozzle blocks.
   
   

Step 2: Clean the spray system after use

The full cleaning procedure is available in Kilter Remote. Follow the step-by-step guide in the app, as it provides access to the necessary machine controls and the most up-to-date procedures. Refer to the label under the left cover of the machine for illustrations of commonly used valve positions.

The cleaning process follows the principle of stepwise dilution of residual herbicide. The liquid system is rinsed and flushed with a washing nozzle three times using water. After each step, the rinse water is drained.

Residual volume after draining

After completing the cleaning procedure, a small residual volume (less than 0.1 L) of herbicide may remain in the tank. This can be drained manually by opening Valve 7.

Changing herbicides

When switching between herbicides, use a soap specifically designed for cleaning spray equipment.

Cleaning the spray system when herbicide is still in the tank

Caution: Make sure Valves 2, 3, and 4 are closed to prevent unintended dilution of the herbicide.

1. Place a collection container under the drain point.
2. Set the valves to "Rinse system", except for Valve 3 (which remains closed) and Valve 6 (which is opened).
3. Run the pump until all the water in the rinse tank is used. Perform two rounds of Nozzle Rinsing (accessible in Kilter Remote) while the water flushes the system.
4. Set the valves back to the "Normal operation" position.

Pump

Perform the internal rinse procedure (described in the cleaning section above) after each spraying session to maintain the pump. If leaks occur or replacement parts are needed, contact your Kilter customer representative.

Cleaning the machine

Warning: Always use the recommended protective equipment when washing the machine, as herbicide residue may be present on it.

Key rules for all cleaning of the machine:

• The machine must always be turned off during cleaning. If powered on, the fans may draw in water and damage the electronics in the control panel.
• The generator must always be turned off and its power cord disconnected during cleaning.
• Use low-pressure water when rinsing around the tank to minimize water contact with the underside of the control panel and the generator.
• Do not spray the wind sensor with high-pressure water.
• Do not use soap to clean the nozzle blocks — soap can compromise the nozzles' sealing capability and lead to leaks. Clean the nozzle blocks with water only.
• Do not use paper or lint-producing cloths on the nozzle blocks. Debris and lint can cause leaks and reduce droplet quality.

 

External cleaning

Important: Do not clean the machine with a high-pressure washer. High-pressure water can penetrate and damage the electronics.

The machine can be cleaned externally using a water hose, soap, and a sponge or lint-free cloth.

Internal cleaning

Warning: Never clean the inside of the control panel.

The interior areas have different cleaning requirements:

• Tank module (under the left side cover): Clean using a low-pressure water hose, sponge, or lint-free cloth. Soap may be used, but make sure no soap residues enter the tanks.
• Generator (under the right side cover): Do not use a water hose. Use a sponge or a damp, lint-free cloth instead. Soap may be used, but make sure no residues enter the fuel tank.
• Spray units and inside of the boom: Clean with a low-pressure water hose, sponge, or lint-free cloth. Make sure no lint or debris enters the nozzle holes. Do not use soap, as it can compromise nozzle functionality if it enters the nozzle holes.

Spray unit

Important: Do not use a high-pressure washer to clean the spray units externally, this can damage the nozzles and electronics. When using a water hose, avoid directing the stream straight into the nozzle outlet.

Spray fluid may accumulate on the nozzles after use. Rinse them gently with low pressure from a water hose.

If you encounter issues with the spray units, contact Kilter AS for support. Do not attempt repairs on your own without approval from Kilter, doing so will void the warranty.

Filters

The AX-1 has several filters that must be inspected and cleaned regularly. Residual herbicide caused by inadequate cleaning of the spray system can lead to clogged filters, so consistent maintenance is essential.

Suction filter

The suction filter is located at the front of the tank, beneath the left side cover, in the fluid line before the pump.

1. Open the filter housing.
2. Remove the filter and the magnet.
3. Wash the filter thoroughly with clean water.
4. Reassemble the filter and housing.

Empty and rinse the filter regularly. Inspect it visually before each use, and make sure it is free of visible particles before reinserting it. If the filter has been clogged and a deformation has occurred, replace it with a new filter, this is also a sign that inspection and cleaning need to happen more often.

The filter is equipped with a magnet that captures metallic particles. Clean the magnet by wiping it, blowing it with compressed air, or using tape to remove debris. Check and clean the filter especially before and after long-term storage.

Make sure the filter screen is centered in the filter housing before tightening the lid. Misalignment can damage the filter.

Warning: Individuals with pacemakers should avoid handling magnets.

Warning: Wear safety goggles and gloves when handling large magnets. Avoid pinching fingers between magnets or letting them collide with other magnets or metallic objects — collisions can cause magnets to crack.

Important: Strong magnetic fields can permanently damage credit cards, hard drives, watches, and other electronic devices.

Important: If the filter is defective and its filtration capability is compromised, it must be replaced before the machine is put into operation.

High-pressure filters (on spray units)

Each spray unit is equipped with a fine-mesh inlet filter (250 mesh) that captures small particles. Inspect the filters' condition before use.

1. If there is liquid in the tank, disconnect both hoses of the spray unit from the boom.
2. Open the filter housing carefully.
3. Make sure the hose connection area does not get contaminated with sand or dirt.
4. Unscrew the filter cup.
5. Remove the filter screen from the filter cup.
6. Submerge it in soapy water to dissolve any residual herbicide.
7. Rinse both the filter and the filter cup thoroughly with clean water.

Note: Compressed air can also be used to blow the filters clean instead of soapy water. Either way, make sure to rinse the filter in clean water as the final step.

Important: It is very important to wash the cup as well as the filter.

 

Tank strainer

Remove the tank strainer from the tank opening, empty it, and rinse it with clean water regularly or as needed. Make sure it is free of visible particles before reinserting it into the tank opening.

 

Control panel air filter

The control panel has an air filter at the air intake on the front of the robot. Clean it as needed, or every two weeks during the operational season.

1. Open the front door using the red handle located under the left side cover.

2.  Loosen the two screws at the bottom of the filter tray, beneath the control panel.
3.  Tilt the filter tray downward, then pull it out.
4. Unscrew the gasket plate from the filter tray.
5.  Remove the two air filters. Clean them by either washing with lukewarm water or vacuuming. Make sure they are completely dry before reinstalling. Alternatively, replace them with two new Xiaomi filters (model SDLW04RR).
6. Reverse steps 1–4 to reinstall the filters and secure the filter tray.

Generator maintenance

Caution: Familiarize yourself with the specific warnings in the generator's user manual regarding service and maintenance.

1. Unscrew the four screws securing the generator baseplate to the machine.
2. Tilt the generator slightly upward at the front, then lift the generator and baseplate diagonally out of the machine using the carrying handle.
3. Refer to the generator's user manual for the specific steps to follow.
4. Place the generator and baseplate back into the machine's right compartment. Tilt the rear end slightly downward for proper placement.

Oil change

Caution: Used oil drained from the generator must be disposed of as hazardous waste at a recycling station.

Perform oil changes regularly as outlined in the generator's user manual.

 

Cleaning the generator's air filter

Clean the air filter regularly as specified in the generator's user manual.

Spark plug

Inspect and replace the spark plug as recommended in the generator's user manual. The spark plug can be inspected or replaced without removing the generator from the machine.

Other generator maintenance

For additional tasks such as checking and adjusting valve clearance, cleaning the combustion chamber, cleaning the fuel tank and filter, or inspecting the fuel hose, refer to the generator manufacturer and user manual.

Periodic inspection

Contact your dealer or Kilter (Contact Kilter) to have the periodic inspection performed. Some maintenance tasks, including annual maintenance and sprayer testing, can only be performed by service personnel authorized by Kilter.

Granting access

You can grant a workshop or inspector access to the machine for 24 hours via Kilter Farm.

National and regional regulations

The machine is subject to national regulations for periodic inspection of the robot's spraying functionality.