Tray Washer (Push-Through)

Thank you for choosing the Rooted Robotics Push-Through Tray Washer. Designed for everything from 10″ x 20″ trays to channels, this machine simplifies the cleaning process—boosting efficiency, consistency, and ease of use. Built for durability and flexibility, the Push-Through Tray Washer is a valuable addition to any controlled environment agriculture operation, regardless of size. Its high-pressure spray system and adjustable guide rails allow for thorough cleaning across various tray types without the need for excessive manual labor.

This manual will walk you through setting up the washer, adjusting the guide rails, and performing regular maintenance. By simplifying a traditionally time-consuming task, the Push-Through Tray Washer reduces water use, labor costs, and cleaning time—helping you maintain a clean operation and focus more on growing.

Product overview

The Rooted Robotics Push-Through Tray Washer arrives fully assembled and ready to use. Operators will need to supply a compatible pressure washer, either by using an existing one or selecting from our recommended options based on available power and water flow. To get started, simply unbox the machine and connect your pressure washer. There is no motor and nothing to plug in: trays are pushed through the wash chamber by hand, and the guide rails at the mouth of the chamber adjust to fit anything from 10x20 trays to channels. The straightforward design makes the washer easy to clean and maintain, offering a reliable, long-lasting solution for farms looking to reduce labor and streamline tray sanitation.

Key benefits

Using the Rooted Robotics Push-Through Tray Washer brings a range of benefits to your farm, helping you cut labor costs, save time, and maintain a clean operation:

• Fast ROI: Pressure washing trays in a dedicated chamber significantly reduces labor hours and water usage, allowing farms to recover their investment quickly.
• Consistent Cleaning Results: With adjustable guide rails, the washer delivers reliable, thorough cleaning for different soil levels and tray types.
• Ease of Use: With no motor or controls, the washer minimizes training time and fits seamlessly into your workflow.
• Durability and Low Maintenance: Built from stainless steel and off-the-shelf parts, the washer is corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and made for long-term use with minimal upkeep.

How this manual helps

This manual is designed to guide you through the setup of your Push-Through Tray Washer. It provides the essential steps to get your machine operational, including connecting a pressure washer and setting the guide rails for your trays. Achieving the best results will require some fine-tuning based on how soiled your trays are and how your workflow runs. By testing how quickly you push trays through, you will find the pace that cleans thoroughly without slowing your line. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure long-term reliability and minimal downtime.

About us

Rooted Robotics is committed to providing innovative automation solutions for controlled environment agriculture. Our team of engineers, designers, and industry experts works to develop affordable and effective tools that empower growers to operate more efficiently and profitably. With our expertise in automation and farm operations, we are dedicated to equipping farms with intelligent, interfacing machines that enhance productivity and sustainability.

The Push-Through Tray Washer is designed for cleaning, removing dirt and root media, and sanitizing grow trays, from standard 1020 trays to channels (up to 13.5 inches wide and 3 inches tall), in controlled environment agriculture facilities.

• Do NOT operate with guards removed.
• Do NOT use outdoors or in wet conditions.
• Do NOT use with trays exceeding 3 inches in height or 13.5 inches in width.
• Do NOT operate the machine without reading this manual and watching setup videos.
• Do NOT allow untrained or unsupervised persons to operate the machine.

Signal Words and Symbols

Residual Risk Warnings

• High-pressure water sprays inside the wash chamber while the pressure washer is running. Push trays from their trailing edge and keep hands out of the chamber openings.

Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Cut resistant gloves for normal operation.
• Safety glasses for normal operation, cleaning with compressed air, cleaning with sanitizers.
• Hearing protection for compressed air use.
• Closed toed shoes for all stages of machine life cycle.

Stopping the washer

• The washer has no motor, controls or E-stop of its own. Spraying stops when the pressure washer stops.
• Turn off the pressure washer any time an unsafe condition is observed, when any injuries occur, and before routine cleaning and maintenance.

• Always use designated lifting points and grip locations.
• WARNING: Sharp edges inside packaging – wear cut resistant gloves during unpacking and setup.
• Stability requirements for work surface: minimum surface dimensions, level, non-slip.
• Storage conditions: indoor, dry, ambient temperature.
• Clear workspace of tripping hazards (packaging materials) before positioning machine.

• The Operator(s) for the Push-Through Tray Washer machine should place the washer at a comfortable working height, with the tray intake shelf located around chest level. Ensure the washer is located on a stable surface on dry floor to prevent slipping.
• The operator(s) should be located at the infeed side of the machine when loading trays into the washer and the outfeed side when collecting the washed trays.
• Allow multiple feet of space between the machine and all walls or other machinery to allow for smooth operation, maintenance and cleaning.
• Before operation of the machine, ensure no untrained bystanders are in the operating zone of the machine.

Purpose

Keep tray path and interior surfaces free of debris so spray coverage and tray travel remain consistent.

Approved agents and methods

• Use potable water, food grade detergents, peroxide or peracetic acid based sanitizers per label.
• Do not use chlorinated cleaners.
• Wipe or hose with a handheld nozzle. Do not use a pressure washer to clean the outside of the machine.

Routine cleaning during operation

• Periodically hose inside the chamber until water runs clear. Keep nozzles and the tray inlet and outlet areas free of debris.

End of day cleaning

1. Turn off the pressure washer.
2. Open the chamber by removing the red thumb screws on the sides of the machine, then lift off the chamber top. Spray inside the washer to clear debris from the washer basin.
3. Remove the rubber splash guard on each opening by undoing its thumb screws, and hose both guards down. Failure to clean them will present a food safety risk.
4. Clean exterior panels and touch points by hosing off debris and then wiping down with a cleaning cloth.
5. Apply a food grade sanitizer (we recommend a peracetic acid based cleaner) and follow sanitizer manufacturer directions.

Deep cleaning (as needed)

• With the chamber top and both splash guards removed, spray the interior surfaces and corners.
• Inspect and clear drain paths so water cannot pool.

Do and do not

• Do lift off the chamber top daily and spray inside the washer.
• Do remove the splash guards for deep access when buildup persists.
• Do not use chlorinated cleaners.
• Do not use a pressure washer on the outside of the machine.

Assessment after a problem

After turning off the pressure washer and before resuming operation, conduct the following assessment:

1. Visually inspect the machine for any obvious damage, debris, or misalignment.
2. Check the wash chamber for jammed or damaged trays.
3. Inspect the spray bar nozzles for blockages or physical damage.
4. If a tray is jammed, clear the jam following the tray jam procedure below before restarting.

Tray jam clearance procedure

1. Turn off the pressure washer.
2. Wearing protective gloves, carefully remove the jammed tray. If the tray is wedged, gently work it back and forth — do not use excessive force as this may damage the guide rails.
3. Inspect the guide rails and wash chamber for any debris or damage resulting from the jam.
4. Make any necessary adjustments to correct it.
5. Turn the pressure washer back on and perform a test run with an empty tray before resuming production.

Preparing the machine for decommissioning

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect it from the machine.
2. Shut off and disconnect the water supply. Drain all water from the wash chamber, hoses, and drain tub. Allow the system to drain completely.
3. Run a final rinse cycle with clean water, if possible, to flush residual chemicals from internal components.
4. Allow the machine to dry thoroughly. If the machine will be stored before disposal, leave all covers and access panels open to promote ventilation and prevent mold or corrosion.

End-of-life procedures

• Frame and structural components: stainless steel recycling.
• Transport safety during removal: same lifting requirements as installation.

Features

• Powerful Cleaning: Uses two spinning pressure washer bars for thorough interior and exterior coverage.
• Simple Operation: No motor, no controls and nothing to plug in: connect a pressure washer and push trays through.
• Adjustable Guide Rails: Fit anything from 10x20 trays to channels.
• Durable Construction: Built to withstand long-term use.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to maintain, clean, and store.

Physical specifications

Water requirements

For additional assistance or troubleshooting about your Push-Through Tray Washer, our team is here to help. Please contact us at: