Sprayer 3 Point Sprayer - Get a boom or broadcast?

[bkuhn]

I am looking for a sprayer with more capacity than the 15 gallon garden tractor version I currently use. Down at the local farm store they have a 3 point mounted 55 gallon (pretty standard setup I think) with a 10 foot boom. Seems about like what I'm looking for except for the 10 foot booms. Most of my property is partially wooded and with my current sprayer I spend a good bit of time trying to manuver the small booms around obstructions. I think with 10 ft booms it will be much worse. I've heard (I think) of a "boomless" version of a sprayer that shoots the liquid out in a similar pattern to a fertilizer sprayer. 20 to 25 feet is what I seem to remember.

I wondered if my information is correct and if so has anyone used a broadcast style sprayer? Are they as effective and if not how do they stack up. Obviously the idea of no booms to break off and manuver around is appealing so if its only slightly less effective it would probably be worth it to me. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

By the way, I primarily use my sprayer to spray 2-4-D on my pastures in the spring and fall.

Thanks!
Brad

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I am looking for a sprayer with more capacity than the 15 gallon garden tractor version I currently use. Down at the local farm store they have a 3 point mounted 55 gallon (pretty standard setup I think) with a 10 foot boom. Seems about like what I'm looking for except for the 10 foot booms. Most of my property is partially wooded and with my current sprayer I spend a good bit of time trying to manuver the small booms around obstructions. I think with 10 ft booms it will be much worse. I've heard (I think) of a "boomless" version of a sprayer that shoots the liquid out in a similar pattern to a fertilizer sprayer. 20 to 25 feet is what I seem to remember.

I wondered if my information is correct and if so has anyone used a broadcast style sprayer? Are they as effective and if not how do they stack up. Obviously the idea of no booms to break off and manuver around is appealing so if its only slightly less effective it would probably be worth it to me. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

By the way, I primarily use my sprayer to spray 2-4-D on my pastures in the spring and fall.

Thanks!
Brad

Boomless sprayers tend to promote wind drift more so than a boom type with downward pointing spray nozzles. That isn't an issue with SOME products you could be spraying, but with products simular to glyphosate or 2-4,D, you need the utmost in control over drift around trees and other plants you wish not to effect. Boomless nozzles actually require a certain amount of drift to function. That drift may be hard to control at times.

In some situations, you'll see boom sprayers used with a canvas curtain to further control drift.

Consider a boom sprayer with solenoid valves (or even a simple hand valve)to shut off outer sections of the boom where they can be folded in and not used in tight quarters.