Sprayer Sprayers

   / Sprayers #1  

Adirondaks

Bronze Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2003
Messages
82
Location
NY
Tractor
JD 4410, JD X748
I would like to get a sprayer to spray mostly broadleaf killer on the lawn. 5 acres. I have a ATV, JD 4410 and a JD LX280. What makes the most sense to get one for. Would a tow behind be better then a pto/electric driven. I guess it would be a boom sprayer int he 20 gal size. Help me with ideas.

Lou
 
   / Sprayers #3  
I could see all three making good sense. I have a tow-behind 30gal tank for my Deere X485, with a boom mounted to the front with 4 spray heads. It is a 12v pump, and very efficient to spray 8 acres of lawn. Same or similar rig can work for the ATV. The 4410 is probably a bit large for small areas, but also could be fitted with a boom.
My son has the Deere 25 gal spray unit which is carried on the rear hitch, and he likes it. Easier to stow away that a trailer rig.
In addition to Northern Tool, TSC and similar farm/ag stores have a variety of rigs. I prefer the 12v pump to the PTO roller pumps, and feel the maintenance is less critical.
 
   / Sprayers #4  
Having just been where you are, I think the biggest bang for your buck is with a PTO driven roller pump and a 3pt hitch 55 gallon sprayer. Yes, you have to be a little careful with maintenance -- a few drops of oil or antifreeze in the pump after use -- but you bought that tractor for its PTO (among other things) and you might as well use it. You'll want at least 55 gallons, if you are planning on working on 5 acres. Anything less and you'll be filling more than is necessary. I rented a 25 gallon electric, then bought a 55 gallon PTO and am very happy with it.

If you have a bit of the "do-it-yourselfer" in you, you can save a bunch of money by buying a used drum, buying some plumbing parts, and using a little ingenuity. I DIDN'T do this, because I got the idea about 2 days too late, here on TBN. I did rig a 55 gallon drum to use my roller pump to carry water to remote new plants. It would have been just a few more parts to build a boom. I set up my water tank on a carry-all, where a boom could be added easily.

Whether you go with a home built rig or a ready-made - I vote for a roller pump rig that adds versatility and power to your spraying needs.
 
   / Sprayers
  • Thread Starter
#5  
I already have the roller pump. I use it to fill a 55 gal drum in my FEL. Bring it to the garden raise it up and water plants. I never thought of using the pump to empty out the drum /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Need to get another drum Thanks for the insight
 
   / Sprayers #6  
I agree with Jeff...go with the bigger drum. I have a 25 gallon sprayer that I use on my atv and it works fine, but I still have to fill more than I would like for spraying about 3 acres. I'll be building a bigger unit when time permits, but mainly because of spraying food plots where there is no easy water source.
 
   / Sprayers #7  
Bowhunter,

I just put in 3 acres of food plots and will be spraying around 1 acre more that I just bush hogged this week. When I go to do my first spraying I'll cover just over 3 acres as the sorghum isn't roundup ready.

How much do you suggest I mix up? I've got a 200 gallon sprayer that I haven't used yet so I don't know the flow rate of the nozzles. I just want to come somewhat close so I'm not left with 30 gallons when done. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
   / Sprayers #8  
I just bought a JD LT160 and the JD 15 gallon sprayer for cutting the lawn and spraying the 1/2 acre lawn and the 4 acre horse pastures and the sprayer worked great for both yes a little small and more refill time but not that much more time than the 55gal 3 point elec. sprayer I would borrow from the neighbor. With the smaller sprayer I didn't have to worry about the boom hitting trees or fence and I could backup into tight spots faster. If I had an ATV I would definitely get the 25 gallon sprayer that straps on the ATV, not a trailer. Less wear on the lawn and faster getting back for filling the tank and can get into tighter places and cheaper to buy and maintain.
 
   / Sprayers #10  
newtothis, sorry that it has been so long, I haven't made it to TBN for a couple of weeks. I have to admit that your question is probably over my head. The only experience I can share is that when spraying 3 acres of lawn I go through 125 to 175 gallons of spray. I haven't made it up to spray the food plots yet.
 
 
 
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