sprayer spreader advice

[hink10]

Hey guys,

I need advice in a sprayer or spreader, probably a sprayer. I only have about 3/4 of an acre of grass on a 1.5 acre property. I need to fertilize and lay week killer and would like to spray some trees. I've done some reading but can't decide what would be best. I want something as small as possible and don't need a huge boom. I generally put down a liquid weed killer and a time release fertilizer. With a sprayer, I could do both at once and use the wand to get in the tight areas and around the landscaping.

I just applied a granular time-release fertilizer, then it rained like crazy, now I have a striped yard where the fertilizer overlapped with the rotary spreader. Never happened before even with heavy rain, but we had a bunch several days in a row. Anyway, I hurt my back and can't manage to push a spreader right now. I want to even out the color, but not sure how, anyone have advice, it would be appreciated. I could probably lay down some more time release when the weather clears us, I don't think I would get any burning, most of what I put down before has probably washed away. If a spray fertilizer would work, I may do that to fill in the "week" areas but I guess that's beside the point.

What would you guys recommend for a good sprayer in a residential type setting. I have some woods, flat grass areas and some hills w/ grass in the back.

Thanks for any advice!

Steve

 

[sauto1985]

i have a sprayer with a 3ft boom on it and a hand spray wand that i do 2.5acres---i bought it from tractor supply its a fimco brand wasnt that much $$ ive been using it for 3 years without problem.

 

[hink10]

Actually, I may be looking more for a small spreader, any recommendations on a small 3pt spreader?
Thanks,
Steve

 

[MMagis]

No need to buy a 3pt spreader for ¾ of an acre. One of the small pull behinds, or even a push spreader would work well.

 

[organ grinder]

I have a Hardi ES 30 Estate Sprayer. It's a tow behind that holds 30 gallons. Has a 6 foot boom that folds upright when not needed or for storage. Also has a hand sprayer on a 25 foot hose. Runs off the tractor battery. Although it has its own separate on-off switches for both the boom and hand sprayer, I have a separate switch mounted on the tractor fender. That allows me to have the appropriate switch on the sprayer without getting off and on the tractor. It's a great little unit which I use for two acres. Minimal maintenance. I just drain it after each use and run plain water through it. In the winter, I drain it and run RV antifreeze through it. Visit Home - HARDI North America - Spraying with HARDI Sprayers and click on "Estate" sprayers.

For spreader, I use a Herd M96 which fits on the 3-point hitch and runs off the rear PTO. I've had it for 15 years and replaced two small parts. Seeders Kasco Manufacturing Co., Inc..

Hope this helps.

 

[hink10]

No need to buy a 3pt spreader for ｾ of an acre. One of the small pull behinds, or even a push spreader would work well.

Yeah, that's what I got to thinking, the 3pt spreaders are overkill for my needs. I was actually at Lowes tonight and saw a John Deere 130 lb. capacity pull behind spreader for $199. Looked pretty descent, but haven't done any research on it yet. My back doesn't do well pushing the spreader, besides, I need my wife to see me using the tractor... for everything! Still wouldn't mind a sprayer also, I've seen some good reviews for a pull behind at tractor supply, 25 gallons I think?
Steve

 

[TRR]

Northern Tools also has tow behind sprayers with and without booms. I suggest you give a lot of consideration to the size of tank and it's weight before you buy one. A 25 gallon tank will weigh over 200# when full. And do you need 25 gallons of spray mix for what you're going to do? I downsized from 30 gallon to a 15 gallon tank for 2.5 acres, but I don't spray the whole place either.

 

[BRBurns]

Yeah, that's what I got to thinking, the 3pt spreaders are overkill for my needs. I was actually at Lowes tonight and saw a John Deere 130 lb. capacity pull behind spreader for $199. Looked pretty descent, but haven't done any research on it yet.
Steve

Unless they have changed them in the last couple years, I would avoid that spreader. I would make sure you get with with a lever to turn on and off the flow of fertilizer. The ones with the cable are very week design.

 

[hink10]

Unless they have changed them in the last couple years, I would avoid that spreader. I would make sure you get with with a lever to turn on and off the flow of fertilizer. The ones with the cable are very week design.

Well, I went back and bought the only JD 130 lb. spreader they had, got a floor model discount and it was assembled. I'm going to take a better look, can always return. Thanks for the tip, I've used cable operated models and I know they can be a pain at times. I want to see how this one compares to pervious push modes I've owned. Still may do some looking to make sure I made a sound choice.
Steve

 

[hink10]

Well, I think I'm going to return that spreader, just can't reach the controls from the 2305. I saw some better models at the Deere dealer that were lever controlled rather than cable. A couple had the covers which is nice. I could always fabricate an extension arm for the handle if I need to. I have been reading and some don't suggest a pull behind spreader as the can bounce, therefore not applying evenly and or tip on slopes easily. Now I don't know what to do. I know a 3pt spreader may be overkill, but have seen many recommendations for the Herd M-96, I will be spreading about 200 lbs of fertilizer and probably some over seeding etc. What are your thoughts on the herd or other smaller 3pt spreaders vs pull behind? BTW, I saw a Herd M-96 on Craig's list nearby for $275, would cost about $50 in fuel to go get it. It's not a whole lot more than the Deere pull behind models (minus the fuel).
Steve