Sprayer Sprayer: PTO Pump vs. 12 Volt Pump

[Iplayfarmer]

I've been planning to build me a 3 pt. sprayer using a roller pump. I don't have the roller pump yet, but I did just come upon two 12 volt sprayer pumps. I'd like to hear TBN opinions of the pros and cons of 12 volt pumps vs. PTO roller pumps.

[mjncad]

How big a tank are you planning on using? Go with a 6-roller pump as that will give you adequate pressure an volume. I have a 6-roller pump for my 55-gallon unit and it works just great.

Before I got my sprayer I borrowed a buddy's home made "weed wagon" with a 15-gallon tank and a battery powered 12VDC pump. It worked more or less OK; but nowhere near as good as a roller pump will. Plus if you plan to use a boom or boomless nozzle, the electric pump's surging characteristics will probably annoy you. Plus I feel that an electric pump that is meant for spot spraying will burn out quickly for broadcast spraying.

[Willl]

Spot spraying ?, 12v pump.

Field spraying ?, Pto pump.

[lawn_king]

I use both. The pto pump is much more durable and lasts a lot longer.

[Turbys_1700]

I usually spray around 100 gallons per year give or take of glysophate for weed control around the house,barn, and sheds. I've used a small 16 gal Northern Tool sprayer with electric pump the last 5 years and it has worked fine. For spot spraying those little electric pumps are great but for agriculture applications a PTO is the only way to go.

[MMagis]

Without knowing the application no one can say for sure what would work best for you. Also keep in mind that not all 12v pumps are the same. There’s quite a difference between a 1 gpm pump and a 4 gpm pump, for example.

[tdan300]

I've used a 12 volt with a 15 gallon tank on my ATV and it worked fine for spot spraying, but was, IMHO, marginal for broadcast spraying. I put a 60 gal on my tractor with a pto driven roller pump. No comparison. I use it for weed control on 18 acres, using both as a broadcast sprayer and as a spot sprayer. Works great. I am told that with the roller pump I need to empty the tank out and run a little oil thru to protect the roller pump when it won't be in use for awhile. That seems to make sense. No such problem for an electric pump. Look over your application, if periodic use on minimal acreage, then the 12 volt may be better. If more acreage and more use, consider the roller driven unit.

[Iplayfarmer]

Thanks for the responses so far.

My need is for broadcast spraying a few times a year on two acres. It sounds like a 12 volt sprayer may work, but a PTO pump would be my best bet. Whatever I build will have a wand for spot spraying, but I have little pump sprayer that I'll probably use for around the house, etc.

I was leaning toward PTO pump, and your responses have boosted my confidence in that decision.

[MMagis]

For only two acres, 12v would work fine.

[Iplayfarmer]

I would be using round-up occasionally. If I went with a roller pump, would I need a special roller pump, or are they all pretty well set up for round-up?