Need advice regarding sprayer purchase

[bradlyallen1]

Hi, I am new here (and to owning a tractor) and in need of advice about purchasing a sprayer. I recently bought a 1995 JD5300 and would like to get a decent sprayer...without spending a fortune. Any suggestions?

 

[fredhargis]

How big a sprayer do you need? Or, alternatively what uses will the sprayer see? Oh, from another somewhat newbie here: Welcome. It's a great place with great all-things-tractor advice; and some other stuff thrown in every once in a while as well.

 

[bradlyallen1]

Thanks. I have a 12 acre field that is about half briars/weeds, 1/4 dirt, and 1/4 grass. I would like to be able to spray to control the weeds.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

A lot of the decision comes down to preference. Do you want a PTO sprayer or a 12 volt sprayer? Do you want a boom sprayer or boomless? How handy are you? Are you will to do some modifications to a system if needed, or do you need pre-fab and ready to go?

 

[bradlyallen1]

I am reasonably handy...I could assemble/tweak if required. From everything I have read the boom sprayers sound like what I am looking for. As far as 12v vs 3pt...I don't know. I was hoping to get some insightful advice about that from folks with experience on this forum. I would also like to not spend more than 1k.

 

[smstonypoint]

Thanks. I have a 12 acre field that is about half briars/weeds, 1/4 dirt, and 1/4 grass. I would like to be able to spray to control the weeds.

I am reasonably handy...I could assemble/tweak if required. From everything I have read the boom sprayers sound like what I am looking for. As far as 12v vs 3pt...I don't know. I was hoping to get some insightful advice about that from folks with experience on this forum. I would also like to not spend more than 1k.

Bradly,

Just a few thoughts.

First, regular mowing can work wonders. If you have a decent stand of grass in the infested area, regular mowing may allow the grass to recover as it no longer would have to compete with the weeds and briars.

Second, a 12-volt sprayer will cost less than a PTO driven sprayer with equal tank capacity, but will have a much less powerful pump. TSC lists a 25 gallon 12-volt sprayer with 140'' of boom coverage for $400 here: (Fimco 25 Gallon ATV Mounted Sprayer, ATV-25-700-TSC - 2152340 | Tractor Supply Company0). Everythingattachments.com (a TBN advertiser) lists a 25-gallon PTO sprayer for $790 here: (25 Gallon Sprayer | Free shipping within 1,000 miles!!). That site doesn't list the boom coverage, but it appears to be similar to the 12-volt sprayer. PTO sprayers are available with much larger tank capacities, but their prices increase accordingly.

Third, there have been several recent threads on the quality and durability (more properly, the lack thereof) of 12-volt sprayers. I would expect a PTO sprayer to have a longer useful life.

Fourth, how many gallons will you be spraying to cover your acreage? That will depend on the herbicide you use. This link provides some sample calculations based on applying 2,4-D: G1272 Spray Mix Calculations | University of Missouri Extension. Under the assumptions listed there, you would be spraying 20 gallons per acre.

Given your acreage, I speculate that it would be more cost effective for you to go the 12-volt route. However, you would have to figure out the best way to mount the sprayer. Do you have a carryall?


Steve

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I second the suggestion to mow frequently. It seems a concerted effort involving good grazing practices, mowing, and chemicals as needed gives the best results for a healthy pasture.

 

[Chugbug]

3ph is the way to go, I have a 50 gallon Fimco boom sprayer with I use on 6.5 acres and it works great. Borrowed a 25 gallon electric sprayer and was not impressed. I payed 650. For it about 3 years ago at a local mom and pop tractor / farm supply store. Good luck

 

[radman1]

In my area (midwest) you can find used, 3 pt sprayers from 100-300 gallon capacities and your JD 5300 can handle that. Most will have booms on them in the 15-20' range. Most can be bought for $200-400 in ready to use condition. Buy a roller type pto pump and your ready to go. Many may already have a pump with them. With minimal modification, you can attach a hose and nozzle for spot spraying. There are also some pull type sprayers of similar size but you have to deal with the sprayer bouncing some on rough ground.
For 12 acres, a electric sprayer is probably too small. 12volt pump is not going to have the capacity for enough volume unless the booms are small. A boomless sprayer would also not be by choice for larger areas due to wind and drift.

 

[Mike4282]

I was recently in this same situation. I shopped around for a little while and finally bought a 55 gallon 3pt sprayer with a 10ft boom and pto roller pump. I also purchased the herbicide from tsc called big n tuff. I used this to spray about 4 acres last week. The advice i can now give you is that i was surprised how fast the 55 gallons was gone. I sprayed the chemical at a modest 1.5%. I had to refill the tank twice. if you are planning on spraying 12 acres i would not get anything smaller than this. The things I do like about mine... The roller pump is the way to go plenty of power. Also the fact that it does sit on the 3pt helps with the whole rig being stable. I can also rise and lower the boom this way. Good luck..