Sprayer Tree Sprayers

[Zephrant]

I need to spray bug spray up to 28' off of the ground and hit the eves of the house, from far enough away that I don't get a shower doing it. Last year I used a small trailer-mount spot sprayer and stood on a ladder. And got soaked trying to spray over my head.

While I used a respirator I still don't like it, so want to do something better. But it is pretty hard to find decent tree sprayers that can reach that height without spending way too much.

The only option I've found so far is the unit at NorthernTool for $330. That is a little high for my twice a year usage patterns, but I'm about desperate enough to bite.

I've also considered buying a higher-pressure pump for my small boom sprayer and a new nozzle, but I cant' find enough solid information on that kind of a setup.

So what do people do for tree spraying?

 

[Kubota-guy1911]

I have similar problems when spraying for bag worms on my 100+ pine trees that are now pushing 25 to 30 feet. I'm thinking about converting my 12 volt battery powered pump to a PTO driven 8 roller pump. I'll probably pull the trigger the next time Farm & Fleet or Rural King has them on sale. When I built my system, I used components rated for 200 PSI or greater, thinking some day I would upgrade to a roller pump. Let us know how you handle your situation.

kj

 

[Zephrant]

I had thought of that too- but by the time I priced out the pump, PTO couple, pressure relief valve and nozzle, I was at or above the cost of the self-contained unit.

I'd spend an hour setting up and tearing down the PTO pump system, just to spend 30s racing around the house to apply 5 gallons of pesticide.

But if I had someone say "this is a setup that will definitely spray 35' " and give details, I'd happily go do it that way.

But so far, no such luck.

What confuses me further is that I called a reputable shop in Seattle that does a lot of sprayer equipment, and he tried to steer me to a 60psi pump that does 4-5gpm. He claims that it is the GPM that gives the distance, not the pressure.

 

[rhett]

hi, I'll just report what I have and works for me...

PTO pump that came with a pressure relief regulator (when set pressure is reached, fluids circulate back into my drum). Not sure of specs at the moment. 200+ PSI hose on pressure side of pump. I use a good quality water hose nozzle that lets me set it to a fine stream always, not one that will fan when first squeezing the gun.

Well I dial up the pressure 100 PSI and test spray reach initially, then bring up pressure till the needed spray reaches the needs of the job.

I highly recommend calibrating your settup with plain water before adding chemicals.

I've Round-Up'ed alot of Kudzu with my settup no problems. I mix 1 oz or less to a gallon because this method shure puts out alot of fluid.

ALWAYS KEEP THE PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT BELOW THE HOSES RATED WORKING PRESSURE !!!

Good Luck, the PTO Pump is way more versitile than a 12V one.

Edit: Zephrant your guy is right about Flow Rate, a larger ID nozzle will give better reach (old style fireman's nozzle) reaching up there at municipal water pressure. Pressure increase will help and the stream breaks up for better coverage. Another option would be to rig up a boom pole spray gun, 10 to 20 foot reach advantage there.

 

[Zephrant]

Thanks for the info- Any chance I could get the make/model of that pump? That would greatly help.

Thanks-

 

[Deck III]

I have a pecan orchard that I spray with a fan mist sprayer specificly designed for trees. Something that we have discussed in the past to address a few trees here and there is a tank and pressure washer. The jet nozzle turns to a fine mist once it gets a little distance on it. The jet setting appears to be the best for spraying at any distance. Your eaves probably could be done with one of the fan settings. If you do not have a pressure washer, I think home depot, lowes, or one of your local rental company's would rent you one at a reasonable rate.

 

[rhett]

Thanks for the info- Any chance I could get the make/model of that pump? That would greatly help.

Thanks-

Hi, first here is a link to a reasonably priced PTO Water Pump @ $145.95.
ROLLER PUMP,HI-PRES-HI VOLUME
# Up to 48 GPM
# Up to 365 PSI

my pump was purchased about 15 years ago from NorthernTool, they no longer carry it and I have not a clue of its actual specs. attached is a picture of it from an Australian vendor though.

NOTE: the general maintenance after each use is to run fresh water through the pump, then run some motor oil through it to prevent rust seizing it up. This is very important especially if Highly Corrosive Liquids are used like liquid fertilizers or bleach.

again, something like a Pole Pruner could be rigged up so the spray gun could be mounted at the end and controlled by a piece of rope or something. Its reach would then be easily adjusted for different situations.

Just a couple of suggestions.

EDIT: forgot to mention that I use Plastic 30 Gallon Drums. Used 30 or 55 gallon plastic drums should be easily found locally for about $20

 

[Squeak n Itch]

To be sure the quality of the nozzle or spray tip makes a huge difference. A brass or steel tip from a quality spray supplier will help. Spraying Systems Company (Spray nozzles, spray control, spray analysis and spray fabrication from the experts in spray technology, Spraying Systems Co.) has been my choice and their website provides additional information. A simple plastic tip with a hole drilled into it will start the breakup of the stream quickly. Sometimes this is OK but for distance the stream should start with laminar flow.

Given the above, pressure supplies the distance. An open hose as basically zero pressure supplies a high volume where a 2,300 psi pressure washer at 2 gpm will go a long distance with the right nozzle. 20' should be no problem with a low cost roller pump. The problem normally with spraying is that each person has different expectations of performance. Hope this helps.

 

[Zephrant]

Thanks- that helps a lot. Running oil though the pump does sound a bit messy though. Do you think that some 3-in-1 sprayed in the ports would be enough?

Martin- Thanks for that website. It does mention 87,000 spray nozzles though....

What do you think about this one? A bit overkill?
Valley Industries Long-Range Spray Gun 30 GPM, 1000 PSI

 

[rhett]

Thanks- that helps a lot. Running oil though the pump does sound a bit messy though.

messy, yes it is = but corrosion will mean the pump might just be a once used tool... mine still works after 15+ years... i go the extra step and relube my toy after a week or so trying to ensure the moisture has evaporated. My favorite paints are oil and diesel

Do you think that some 3-in-1 sprayed in the ports would be enough?

NO !!! that stuff evaporates in days, if not hours. it is a real good adhesive remover though = kids with sticky toys... at its best removing those darn stickers off the fridge......... turns the glue too yogurt !