Buying a boom sprayer this weekend, need advice

Jerry/MT · Feb 25, 2012

DennisH said:
OK, so I'm in the market for a boom sprayer and would like to be the new owner of one this weekend or at least be upgrading a used one.

I have 5 AC of which 2 of it is my yard (Burmuda grass) and 3 AC of green stuff I keep cut down with the flail mower. All 5 AC are currently over taken with broadleaf and wild onion. My Tractor is a JD 870, 28 HP.

My 1st option so far are a few used ones located at the local used farm equipment place that I will be visiting tomorrow that I have no idea at this point what they have or if they are worth messing with. If I could fine a used 50 gal PTO system at a fair price I would jump on that.

Option 2 is to buy new at the local Tractor Supply Company and my choices are:

FIMCO LG-40-3PT-12V - This is a 12 volt system with a 4 nozzle 120" spray coverage, break away boom. $299.99

FIMCO LG-60-3PT - This comes with a std. Hydro 6 roller pump with a 7 nozzle 140" spray coverage, break away boom. $799.99

While a used PTO pump system would be the option I would want to go with I'm expecting to see nothing but large type (100 gal plus) items tomorrow. If this is the case than I will have to go with option 2.

For obvious reasons I like the 40 Gal $300 system but I'm not so sure I would like the 12V pump setup. I'm also not crazy about the handheld setup on both as I would like to see that on a reel.

Everything is give and take. What are your thoughts on a 12 volt system vs. a PTO system? I will be using this setup for weed control, Liquid Fert as well as general bug control / roundup spraying with the hand wand.

Attached are some pictures.

I have used the LG60 with the 11 foot boom and a 6 roller Hypro pump for about 7 years now on our 60 acres and it works well. I got the handgun also and use that along the ditch banks where I can't use the boom sprayer. They are simple and they work well. I've had some problems getting too near the fences and have damaged the nozzles a few times so I've been thinking about maybe getting the boomless attachment that sprays out to 30 feet. and is within the track of my Ferguson TO-30 spray tractor.
One thing you have to pay attention to is that 60 gallons of spray weighs about 500 lbs and together with sprayer unit you are near 600 lbs hanging off the three point. If you have a small tractor, the steering can get pretty light. I usually go out with 40 gallons of spray at a time to avoid having to add front ballast. I prefer the roller pump running off the pto rather thean an electric pump, though the electric is easier to turn off and on than the lever valve on the pto pump model. I've been thinking of adding a solenoid valve to control the sprayer to avoi reaching back and shutting off/ opening the valve.

foreman Etexas · Feb 25, 2012

Jerry/MT said:
I have used the LG60 with the 11 foot boom and a 6 roller Hypro pump for about 7 years now on our 60 acres and it works well. I got the handgun also and use that along the ditch banks where I can't use the boom sprayer. They are simple and they work well. I've had some problems getting too near the fences and have damaged the nozzles a few times so I've been thinking about maybe getting the boomless attachment that sprays out to 30 feet. and is within the track of my Ferguson TO-30 spray tractor.
One thing you have to pay attention to is that 60 gallons of spray weighs about 500 lbs and together with sprayer unit you are near 600 lbs hanging off the three point. If you have a small tractor, the steering can get pretty light. I usually go out with 40 gallons of spray at a time to avoid having to add front ballast. I prefer the roller pump running off the pto rather thean an electric pump, though the electric is easier to turn off and on than the lever valve on the pto pump model. I've been thinking of adding a solenoid valve to control the sprayer to avoi reaching back and shutting off/ opening the valve.

I been thinking about adding an extra tip at the end of my boom with a shut off valve and when I am going to do the pass by the fence I can open that valve before I start and it will shoot towards fence so I dont have to get so close,may have to get a different kinda tip in order to get it right.

DennisH · Feb 26, 2012

Well I went with the FIMCO LG-40-3PT-12V from TSC for $299.99

I stopped by the used farm equipment place and they had several sprayers in the 50 - 300 gal range that all were just junk. There were two 50 gal units that were basically a rusted frame and tank that would require a complete rework and thay wanted $200 each for those.

This FIMCO should work well for me. Thanks for the input guys.

JDeerekid · Feb 26, 2012

Do you have a part number from tractor supply for the FIMCO LG-403PT-12V.

I have been looking for that unit locally, but it is not on the TSC website or in the TSC book.

I just received a 10% off coupon in the mail and I would like to use it on a sprayer.

Qapla · Feb 26, 2012

We had a 50 gal 3pt sprayer that needed a new tank. We have upgraded it to a 110 gal with a 12v pump and 15' of fold-down wands that can operate the 3 sections separately or in any combination.

We have yet to finish and test it, but the designing and welding are done.

Mark Page · Feb 26, 2012

I have a 25 gallon FIMCO 12 volt that done a great job. It sprays a 18 ft wide swath of 2-4-D for field weeds and wand is great for spraying fence rows. I pull it with my JD 275 rider.
A couple pcs. of advice:

When your done FULLY flush the pump, boom, wand and valves with a neutralizing agent like Neutra-Sol. Most herbacides are hard on the pump mechanism.

I see you don't have cold weather, but for those that do blow out all the lines when you're done for the fall.

Keep the filters clean or you'll get an uneven spray pattern.

My only gripe with Fimco is that I had a pump go south (from not following the above) and you could'nt buy just the pump you had to buy the pump and motor as 1 pc. I did'nt want to throw good money so I bought a new one.

DennisH · Feb 27, 2012

JDeerekid, I will look tonight for the TSC PN.

CT230 Fan · Feb 27, 2012

DennisH said:
JDeerekid, I will look tonight for the TSC PN.

Please do. I am in the same boat. I remember that they stocked them last year, but can't find it on their website and I haven't seen them at the local TSC. I just got the 10% off coupon and thought that might be the way to go.

JDeerekid · Feb 29, 2012

Just to let people know that are interested in the FIMCO LG-403PT-12V for $299.99. The TSC sku number is 1014618.

I just placed my order at my local TSC because they did not stock it. Should take about 2 weeks to get here they said.