high pressure tree sprayer run on PTO

[tstex]

Hello to all,

Has anyone ever built a cost-effective high-pressure tree sprayer [40-50ft spray reach] that can be pressured by their PTO? Looking for something that can hold 30-50 gallons, spray a 50 ft canopy w a fungicide to kill bald moss, parasitic epiphytes and spanish moss in live oak and pecan trees. I would really appreciate your help.

Or, if there's a better way to tackle the problem, I am open to suggestions. I've checked into hiring someone, but their costs are off the charts and they guarantee nothing.

thank you very much,
tstex

 

[workinonit]

I never realized you could kill moss in Live Oaks. It must really be bad. Here in SC we just live with it.

 

[mx1alex]

Just buy a 3pt air blast sprayer.

 

[tstex]

Spanish moss can become so prolific that it can start to remove life from the tree by covering the leaves. W heaving sleet, it catches the ice and breaks branches. It's ok in moderation, but it starts to take over....One could prob never kill/remove it all, but a good fungicide and knock out a large majority.

 

[tstex]

Just buy a 3pt air blast sprayer.

Thanks mx. Do you have some makes and models to recommend that have worked well and last, or friends that have? It would be appreciated, thank you.

Just googled air blast sprayers and most of them have fans on them...some go for $6.5 - $12,000, some others were $3,500. I went back to my original post and added "cost-effective"...thanks again

 

[3gunr]

3 pt sprayers generally come with either a small pump mounted on the tank or a roller pump that connects to your pto. The roller pump ones are a little more money but they have more pressure. The roller pumps do require some maintenance. Fimco is a brand that comes to mind.

 

[mx1alex]

Thanks mx. Do you have some makes and models to recommend that have worked well and last, or friends that have? It would be appreciated, thank you.

Just googled air blast sprayers and most of them have fans on them...some go for $6.5 - $12,000, some others were $3,500. I went back to my original post and added "cost-effective"...thanks again

Yeah they're not cheap but that's what orchards and vineyards use. You can get a a cheap fimco style 3pt sprayer and like 3gunr said, the roller pumps supply more pressure typically than the diaphragm pumps do. This can allow you to use a hand wand and possibly reach the heights you're looking to get.

 

[tstex]

Yeah they're not cheap but that's what orchards and vineyards use. You can get a a cheap fimco style 3pt sprayer and like 3gunr said, the roller pumps supply more pressure typically than the diaphragm pumps do. This can allow you to use a hand wand and possibly reach the heights you're looking to get.

I called Fimco and spoke w someone that is sending me a few models. We also discussed tree sprayer guns for canopies. I was informed that the roller pumps have a variable adjusting psi capability up to 150psi. If a high quality wand company for spraying tree canopies can give me a thumbs up for 50ft vertical reaches at a PSI the pump can deliver, I think we have a winning combination.

Thanks again and I will keep everyone posted.

 

[LouNY]

The rollor or piston spray rig pumps can make the pressure to spray that far easily.
One issue with using a wand to spray especially spraying far and high is that you will be getting a bath
in whatever chemical you are using.
One advantage of the air blast sprayers is complete coverage and it is possible to use a cabbed tractor with the appropriate
filters for the chemical being used.
On the farm the spray rig is still pulled with an open station tractor and spraying time can be very limited because of winds.

 

[tstex]

Thanks Lou. Great comments. I am indeed looking at the roller type rig. The term "wand" to me, means more of a cone or scatter type spray. I am looking for a tight pattern and let wear it hits do the work w a good Ag grade non-ionic surfactant for better adherence. One thing I have learned is days for optimal spraying. this usually means 2-3 mph winds and have them at your back. This does not deter vertical height at all but it keep all the fine mist and spray away from you and moving forward. I will also be wearing the proper PPE from the head to waist, including arms...thanks again, tstex

 

[JethroB]

As LouNy pointed out, you will get a chemical bath trying to spray with a wand. My brother tried the wand and other less costly equipment methods to spray his 60 pecan trees as they grew taller. No PPE he tried was successful. Eventually he bit the bullet and got a larger cabbed tractor and a used towed orchard sprayer.

 

[tstex]

As LouNy pointed out, you will get a chemical bath trying to spray with a wand. My brother tried the wand and other less costly equipment methods to spray his 60 pecan trees as they grew taller. No PPE he tried was successful. Eventually he bit the bullet and got a larger cabbed tractor and a used towed orchard sprayer.

I hear you. I have about 10-20 trees I'll need to do on an as needed basis. I will also use this set up to spray/power wash buildings that hoses and power washers cannot do, along w spraying aquatic vegetation in lakes. All the latter are horizontal sprays that I usually use the wind at my back to further the distance. With this process, rarely have I received any back spray, but I realistically know what's inevitable.

Thanks JB

 

[spruce Deere]

Jacto AJ401 Blast sprayer.

Like mine.

Check out my post in LS owning/operating 'three hours cannon spraying'

 

[Briar Hill Brittanys]

I built this 35 gallon sprayer partially to use on my peach and apple trees, and other field spraying needs. It has a 12' collapsible boom, 12V solenoid valves that toggle between boom and wand outputs. A 6 roller pump supplies plenty of volume/ pressure. I mounted the stub of a PTO shaft on the frame of the sprayer to keep the roller pump close at hand. Not sure of total cost, less than $300.00. The tank, pump, and valves came from eBay. The rest of the parts were locally sourced. Like others have said, when spraying high in trees, careful consideration to wind is needed to keep from taking a shower. I got the idea from a YT article years ago. Hard to believe it was built 10 years ago.

The outer 4' sections of boom are spring loaded, and will fold back if and obstruction is hit.

View from the seat.

At desired RPM, dial up 44# on the gauge to get proper flow from the spray tips. When the valve opens, the pressure drops to recommended 40#.

At that pressure, here is a shot of the spray wand hitting the base of the oak tree.

Another shot with the same pressure, but the nozzle on the wand opened up.

The solenoid valves are controlled by this simple switch box mounted on the right fender. I used a 4 pole flat trailer plug to quick connect the sprayer, and can use the switch box for other 12 V needs.

 

[suncoast]

Always wondered why people like moss.
They’re tree weeds. Left unchecked it kills the host tree.

 

[tstex]

Thanks a miilion Spruce and Briarhills , really nice things !!!

 

[tstex]

Briarhills and Spruce, thanks again.

My specific needs are spraying trees w a spray gun. the guy that leases my land has a 16ft sprayer that we use, but it's not great for long distance spraying. Therefore, w your set-up BriarH, do you have a set of plans on what I would need for just the spraying w a gun? I think your 1020 has 38HP at PTO and 32-25 HP. My Kubota has 58HP engine and 50HP PTO, so I should have the power.

Look forward to hearing back from you, thanks tstex