MKR-5000D Series

Foam Marker Owner's Manual

P/N: DOM-MK005, rev. C

Congratulations on your purchase of a Bestway Foam Marker. This manual is designed

to help you install and operate your new marker properly. All the information you need
to get up and running should be here. All units are operated at the factory before
boxing. If you have questions that simply aren't addressed in this manual, call your
local dealer. Or if he is inaccessible, the factory service department will be happy to
consult. Use the following number for service.

Bestway Service Department: 1-877-390-4480

(Available From U.S.A. & Canada)

Bestway, Inc. • 2021 Iowa St. • Hiawatha, KS 66434

www.bestway-inc.com Page 1
 MKR-5000D (High Output)
What Is Included?
This marker comes complete. The main unit
is completely assembled with a 14 gallon tank and
integral, cabinet mounted components. Two heavy
duty foam boots are included along with 100' feet of
hose to reach from the unit to both ends of the boom.
The cab control is provided with enough cable to
reach 28' from the cab to the unit.

Steps For Installation

∗ Mount cab control in cab.
∗ Mount unit in suitable location on sprayer.
∗ Install drops on ends of boom.
∗ Run hoses from unit to drops and route
wire to cab control.
∗ Hook power cable to battery.

Options
Features & Benefits ∗ 14' Electrical Harness Extension
∗ High Quality - Low Cost ∗ Quick Detach Mounting Kit
∗ High Foam Output ∗ RibbonFoamTM Fittings Kit
∗ Reliable FoamTubeTM Design
∗ Adjustable Foam Density Specifications
∗ Low Current Requirement Tank Size ............................................. 14 Gallons
∗ Fully Assembled - Easy Installation Average Foam Output ........... 5.2 Gallons / Minute
∗ Non Pressurized Tank Average Solution Usage........... 6.8 Gallons / Hour
∗ Heavy Duty Foam Boots Average Drop Interval ....................... 4.9 Seconds
Average Drop Distance (10 MPH).....................72'
FoamTubeTM Design ....................................... Yes
Is The MKR-5000D For You? Sealed Electrical Connections......................... Yes
This model is for difficult marking conditions Breaker Protection........................................... Yes
at slower speeds or normal marking conditions at Foam Boot Size................................................. 6"
high speeds (over 10 MPH). Performance in no-till, Adjustable Foam Density Control.................... Yes
maximum residue fields and standing crops will be Dimensions............................. 12"W x 22"L x 24"H
excellent unless conditions are extreme. Mounting Footprint .................................. 12" x 22"
RibbonFoamTM is possible with the MKR-5000D, Weight ........................................................48 Lbs.
but results may or may not be adequate based on
the particular field condition. The MKR-5000D is a
good combination of high performance and System Requirements
economy. Voltage Requirement................... 12 - 14 Volts DC
Amperage Requirement ............. 25 Amperes Max

Bestway, Inc. • 2021 Iowa St. • Hiawatha, KS 66434

www.bestway-inc.com Page 2
 Installation Instructions
Unpacking
Your Foam Marker has been carefully packaged to prevent damage in shipment. As you unpack, inspect
all components for any signs of damage so it can be reported to the shipping carrier immediately. The
box should contain the following items:

(1) Main Marker Unit

(1) Hardware Mounting Kit
(2) Foam Drop Assembly
(1) Cab Control Box
(1) 28 ft. x 4-Pin Cable Extension
(1) 100 ft. Roll, Clear Tubing
Note: You may find moisture in the tank or in components remaining from factory testing.

Installation
Step 1:
Find a suitable place to locate the main unit. If this is a unit with a tank, keep in mind it will weigh
approximately 150 lbs. when full. Pick a position that will have a reasonably good ride, preferrably on
the sprayer unit itself. Mounting on the boom itself is OK if the ride is not expected to have much jolting
movement.

Step 2:
Attach the main unit to a flat surface using four bolts and large flat washers over the slotted holes. Face
the front cover of the black cabinet toward an open area so that maintenance and service can be easily
performed. The pressure gauge on top of the cabinet should be situated for easy viewing while
adjusting the knob, also located on top of the cabinet. If this is unit does not include the tank, a steel
framework is provided on the back of the black cabinet for mounting purposes. It's important to mount
the cabinet vertically so the pressure gauge is on the top side.

Step 3:
On the end of each boom, mount the two foam drops. You can use either the 3" hose clamps provided,
or improvise your own mounting design. The operation of the foam marker is optimized when used with
these foam drops. The hose used on the drop is very flexible and tough in case the boom drags close to
the ground.

Step 4:
After the boom drops are in place, connect the 3/4" hose to the drops. Run each length of hose to the
Directo-Valve on the bottom of the cabinet. Attach the left side to Outlet #2, and the right side to Outlet
#1. Secure the hose to the boom using the tie straps provided. If you are installing a one-side
discharge model, no Directo-Valve will be installed. In this case attach the hose to the hose barb
protruding from under the cabinet.
Directo-Valve Assignments
Right Side <---> Outlet #1
Left Side <---> Outlet #2

Step 5:
Install the Cab Control in a convenient place close to the operator seat. You may use either the Velcro
patches provided or replace the box screws with longer ones for a bolted mount. Connect the power
leads to a good source of 12 volt power. If you are not attaching the power leads directly to the battery,
make certain the wires feeding your hookup location are at least 12 gauge. It is not necessary to
provide a circuit breaker, since the breaker is provided on the MKR control.

Bestway, Inc. • 2021 Iowa St. • Hiawatha, KS 66434

www.bestway-inc.com Page 3
 WARNING!
MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN YOU ARE
CONNECTING RED TO POSITIVE AND BLACK
TO NEGATIVE WHILE ATTACHING POWER
LEADS. DAMAGE CAN OCCUR TO UNIT WITH
LEADS REVERSED.

Step 6:
Extend the 28', four-wire extension cable back to the foam unit. If you need additional cable, call your
dealer for more. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE YOUR OWN EXTENSION! Plug in the large black
Packard connector and the unit is ready to operate.

Solution Preparation
Selecting A Concentrate
Always use high quality foam concentrate. We recommend Bestway DuraFoam 160TM for all general
purpose marking. Be aware that a lot of poor quality foam concentrate is sold every year to
unsuspecting customers. Some concentrates may work well in some circumstances and not others, so
be careful.

Mixing The Solution

Always add concentrate to water and not water to concentrate. When topping off a tank of mix with a
water hose, avoid agitating the tank to keep the tank from filling up with foam. Always follow label
directions.

DuraFoam 160TM Mix Bottle

You can obtain a specially made DuraFoam 160TM Mix Bottle designed to help mix the solution. It has
the water calibration printed on the side. For example, if you need enough concentrate for 8 gallons of
water, just fill to the 8 gallon mark and pour it in. It also features 3 scales, a standard mix, a high-stress
mix, and a ribbon-foam mix. The Bestway mix bottles are available from your dealer.

Bestway Water Conditioner

Bestway also offers a water conditioner if your water has a high mineral content. If the foam appears
watery, it may need more concentrate or a water conditioner. With some experimentation, you will
easily find the right mix.

Bestway, Inc. • 2021 Iowa St. • Hiawatha, KS 66434

www.bestway-inc.com Page 4
 Operation
The Cab Control
To operate, turn the switch either left or right depending on which side you want the foam to go. The
unit operates 100% either way. The only difference is the position the Directo-Valve is set. A resettable
circuit breaker is also on the cab control in case a prolonged high current condition exists.

Setting The Pressure

The liquid pressure is adjusted using the knob on top of the cabinet, not far from the pressure gauge.
This is used to adjust the relative mixture of air and water. The marker actually injects the liquid under
pressure into the air to make foam. This gauge is indicating the pressure at which the liquid is being
injected. (More pressure, more liquid)

When the knob is turned fully counter-clockwise, the liquid pump is shut completely off. By rotating the
knob clockwise, the pump will speed up and the pressure will rise. Speed the pump to 100% to aid in
priming on the first tank fill.

Normally, you should operate the pressure between 20 to 40 PSI. Operating under 20 PSI will often
result in intermittent foam because there simply isn't enough liquid pressure to overcome the foam
discharge pressure. Operating over 40 PSI will use excessive solution and will create a very wet foam.
(You might like this in very hot, dry conditions). Never operate the unit continuously over 60 PSI.

Pressure Setting Characteristic Chart

Low Pressure High Pressure

Pressure Range 20 to 30 PSI 30 PSI and up
Foam Density Light Heavy
Foam Consistency Fluffy, Larger Bubbles Thick, Smaller Bubbles
Solution Usage Lower Higher
Average Blob Size Larger Smaller
Hot Weather Durability Less More

Bestway, Inc. • 2021 Iowa St. • Hiawatha, KS 66434

www.bestway-inc.com Page 5
 Maintenance
Cleaning
The air pump filter should be inspected and cleaned weekly in normal operating conditions. More often
in very dusty conditions. Otherwise, clean as often as experience dictates. It's also a good idea to use
an air hose to blow out the cabinet and air pump motor cavity after each 50 hours of operation. (Or more
often in very dusty conditions).

Try to keep dirt and debris out of the tank at all times. The marker is protected by a large 80 Mesh
strainer under the tank and by a 100 Mesh strainer in the line ahead of the liquid orifice. These may
need cleaning periodically, depending on operator cleanliness.

Winterization & Storage

To prepare the marker for storage, perform the following steps. When finished, all plumbing and and
wetted parts will be filled with liquid RV antifreeze. This is preferred over dry storage.

- Drain the tank by removing the strainer bowl.

- Clean and replace strainer bowl.
- Fill with one gallon of RV antifreeze.
- Operate normally through both sides for two minutes each.
- Using air hose, blow cabinet out clean.
- Clean filter on air pump.
- Protect unplugged connectors from weather.

Bestway, Inc. • 2021 Iowa St. • Hiawatha, KS 66434

www.bestway-inc.com Page 6
 Trouble Shooting
How It Works
The foam marker works by pumping air through the FoamTubeTM on its way to the boom. Liquid is
injected through an orifice into the air stream just prior to entering the foam mixing tube. A directional
valve (on two sided models) then diverts the foam either left or right. That's all there is to it!

Problem Solving Chart

Problem Possible Cause Solution

Marker Doesn't Run At All Harness plug not plugged in or Check all wiring plugs and connections.
circuit breaker popped. Check breaker and reset if necessary.
Air Pump Runs - Nothing Liquid pump shut off or not Turn liquid control knob clockwise as far as it will go. This will run the pump at full
Coming Out - No Pressure primed. (Hint: When working on liquid speed to aid in priming. Allow a minute or two to prime. If it still won't, find the
On Gauge pump, it is helpful to unplug the air pump so liquid orifice assembly near the discharge of the pump and uncouple briefly to allow
you can hear the liquid pump running)
air pressure to be relieved. If it still doesn't prime, either the tank strainer/outlet is
completely plugged or the pump needs service or replacement.
Electronic speed control failed Check this component by feeling and listening to the motor while you turn the knob
causing liquid pump not to run. up and down. If it speeds up and slows down, the control and pump motor are OK.
If not, unplug the liquid pump from the speed control. Using jumper wires, apply 12
(Hint: When working on liquid pump, it is
helpful to unplug the air pump so you can Volts DC directly to the liquid pump. It should run full speed indicating the pump is
hear the liquid pump running) OK and the Speed Control is not working. Check polarity of wires to power supply.
If you're absolutely sure it is correct, replace the electronic speed control.
Liquid pump valves or diaphram If the liquid pump appears to run normally as described above, but can't prime or
have failed. pump the liquid, it may need a new diaphragm, or valve cartridge. We suggest
replacing both.
Liquid pump motor failed. If you've determined in the above step the liquid pump did not work when 12 Volts
was applied, replace pump motor or whole pump.
Nothing Coming Out - High Liquid Orifice Plugged Find liquid orifice assembly near outlet of liquid pump. Unplug orifice, clean orifice
Pressure Showing strainer.
Discharge Almost All Water Air pump not running. This is easy to tell by listening and feeling the motor housing. Motor needs service,
could be brushes.
Air pump piston damaged, worn Check output by uncoupling the air check valve near the air pump discharge port.
out, or valves failed. Stop the output with your finger. Pressure should build and labor the pump. If not,
pump needs to be overhauled or replaced.
Air pump discharge plugged. Inspect air check valve located near the pump discharge for proper operation.
Also, check valve cartridge can be installed backwards.
Liquid metering orifice missing. The orifice plate is small and can inadvertently be lost while uncoupling the
assembly.
Discharge Foamy But Very Concentrate weak or water too Strengthen concentrate mixture or add water conditioner. If this doesn't work, try a
Watery hard. different water supply.
Liquid pressure too high. Reduce liquid pressure to under 30 psi.
Air pump not operating or See air pump remedies above.
plugged.
Not Enough Foam Poor foam quality or weak air Measure the output by catching in a bucket. If output exceeds 5 GPM, the marker
pump performance. is working at full capacity. Follow steps above to improve foam quality and inspect
air pump for proper performance.
Foam Goes To Wrong Side L - R hoses hooked up Reverse hoses on Directo-Valve or check electrical connection to the valve.
backwards or no power to the
valve.
Foam Goes To Both Sides Directo-Valve not adjusted 1. Unscrew jam nut, and unscrew armature stop; 2. Push in on lower piston with
properly. pointed object until it stops; 3. While holding piston in, turn armature stop in until it
just makes contact.; 4. Back out 1/8 turn and lock with jam nut.

Bestway, Inc. • 2021 Iowa St. • Hiawatha, KS 66434

www.bestway-inc.com Page 7
 MKR-5000D Parts

Item P/N Description

1 AA120 Complete Boot Assembly
1A ST000 Boot Only
1B SJ000 Bag Only
1C EL-3410PP 3/4" x 1" Elbow Barb
1D FC-34 3/4" Coupling
2 AA116 Cab Control
2A CB-DPDT Toggle Switch
2B CB-BKR25 Breaker, 25 Amp
3 AA121 Wiring Ext., 14'
3 AA127 Wiring Ext., 28'
4 TLS-6SL Tank Lid, 6"
4 4-TLA-5T-LID Tank Lid, 6" (Willmar )
5 10437-A Tank, 14 Gallon
5 ACE001 Tank, 19 Gallon (Willmar)
6 AA485 Speed Control
7 VR34 Tubing, 3/4"
8 AA427 Air Pump Assembly
Note: Includes the complete air pump assembly with hose barbs
and electrical plug-in installed. Common parts for the air pump are
as follows.
MKR-RK415 Air Pump Repair Kit
60001 Air Filter
654831 Intake Reed Valve
621102 Exhaust Reed Valve
627076 Brush Set
8A EL-14 Barb, 1/4mpt x1/4Barb
9 AA122 Liquid Pump Assembly
Note: Complete assembly with hose barbs and electrical plug in.
Common parts for the liquid pump are as follows.
SHU9439506 Diaphragm Kit, Santoprene
SHU9439107 Bypass Valve Kit, 60 psi, Viton
9A TP-3814 Tee Barb
9B EL-3814 Elbow Barb
10 EL-3412PP Elbow Barb
11 A-14 Straight Barb
12 3350-0082A Strainer, 80 Mesh
3800-0047 80 Mesh Screen
3351-0020 Strainer Bowl
1700-0090 Strainer Gasket
13 SE-12PP Street El
14 AA429 Directo-Valve Assembly
Note: This valve includes the fittings that are attached directly to it.
For a valve only, order a 144-1-3.
AB144-1-3 Valve Repair Kit, 144-1-3
14A F-34PP Plug
14B EL-1234PP Elbow Barb
TM
15 AA425 FoamTube Assy
16 MKR-CHK14 Check Valve, Air
17 AA358 Check Valve Assy
17A 4916-34 Orifice Plate, #34
4193A-PP2-100SS Check Strainer, 100 Mesh
18999-R Seat Gasket
18 GF60 Pressure Gauge

Parts Not Shown

FO005 Cabinet Lid (Bestway)
AA366SS Stainless Steel Tank Skid
AA532 Steel Skid (Willmar, Hagie)

Bestway, Inc. • 2021 Iowa St. • Hiawatha, KS 66434

www.bestway-inc.com Page 8
 MKR-5000D Wiring Diagram

Bestway, Inc. • 2021 Iowa St. • Hiawatha, KS 66434

www.bestway-inc.com Page 9