Spreader or sprayer?

[MasseyFerg231]

Looks like I will start doing my own lawn fertilizer/herbicide treatments from now own. I’ve got about 2.5 acres of grass. I’ve looked at some pros / cons of sprayers and spreaders.

I have an older 25 gallon pull behind spray, but it needs new pump, etc. About $150-$170 worth of parts to rebuild, about $300 for a new one. Prices I am seeing on spreaders are about the same if not more.

I’m leaning towards spreader then using 2gallon sprayer for any spot treatments. Any thoughts/comments about which route to go?

 

[sea2summit]

Using it with a tractor or SxS? 2.5 acres is fairly easy to do, a hand pushed spreader might be able to do it as fast as a tractor because you won't be messing with a bunch of cleanup after. I do prefer spot spray of herbicides whenever possible, I'm no tree huger but I love my woods and that stuff doesn't need to be applied anymore than required to accomplish what you need specifically to accomplish IMHO.

 

[RjCorazza]

For fertilizer I use a 3 point broadcast spreader. I used to use it for herbicide application, but it was significantly cheaper to switch over to a sprayer. I use a 25 gallon sprayer in my bucket, and attached a fabricated 6' boom bolted to the loader.

 

[old and tired]

Buy cows or goats to get rid of the grass.

 

[Bill Guenthner]

I have never needed herbicide in the grass. Maybe I’m lucky or just not as worried about “weeds.” Healthy grass that’s not mowed too short will generally outcompete weeds.

 

[sea2summit]

Buy cows or goats to get rid of the grass.

Goats aren’t grazers.

 

[MasseyFerg231]

Would use either zero turn or 4 wheeler. Possibly by foot powered if spreading.
Would be mainly for fertilizer / and crabgrass a couple times a year.

 

[lman]

Buy cows or goats to get rid of the grass.

They fertilize it also.

 

[Spike56]

A tough question for me also !
" I’m leaning towards spreader then using 2gallon sprayer for any spot treatments".
This is exactly what I did (and 2.5 acre yard also). In my case I ended up with a close-out craftsman spreader. Only holds about 40lbs, but I have an old Gator to pull it with. So, I can keep other bags in the back of the Gator and re-fill on the spot. Otherwise, this spreader would be too small - too many trips back and forth to re-fill. I have used the spreader with my Z-turn also.
I use a backpack sprayer for spot, even broadcast (sort of) areas. I went with a Field King backpack. It has mixing flappers, so I can use powders also keeps liquids mixed up - a problem (minor) with a regular backpack.
I do have a 25 gallon sprayer also, but I never use it except for major spot spraying. Why ? Here in Central Texas, WIND WIND and more WIND. By the time of the year the wind is not screaming, the weeds are getting too mature - you of course, want to get them while they are young. These battery powered tank sprayers are a PITA. The pumps will fail and are $$ to justify replacing - IMHO.

So, my only real recommendation is ( I do not know what 2 gallon sprayer you were looking at) to get a backpack sprayer !

Good Luck !

 

[jyoutz]

For fertilizer I use a 3 point broadcast spreader. I used to use it for herbicide application, but it was significantly cheaper to switch over to a sprayer. I use a 25 gallon sprayer in my bucket, and attached a fabricated 6' boom bolted to the loader.

Seems like a front mounted sprayer would result in you driving through the spray mist.