Multi-use sprayer question

teg · Jul 11, 2011

corey9212 said:
...if it is possible to safely use the sprayer for both.

It comes down to your definition of "safely"... it's how much risk is it worth vs. the extra cost of a clean sprayer. I would just take extra care in cleaning it.

Example of something completely different but use to make a point... If you used another chemical, 2,4D, in a sprayer and cleaned it really well after use... I mean REALLY well, and you were to spray cotton then next day with a fresh batch of roundup... for Roundup Ready Cotton... you WILL see damage because it takes so very little 2,4D to injure cotton! There will always be a little residue left behind. (this is mostly for older sprayers, with "age" *in* the hoses.)

KU Gator · Jul 11, 2011

I have a 55 gal. 3 pt sprayer, but the pump was not recommended to be used with Round-up/glyphosate. I guess it is fairly corrosive. Also I did not want to risk it dripping as I drove across the yard.

So I ended up buying a 15 gal. spot sprayer with an electric pump for I think $79. at Tractor supply. I set it in the bucket of my tractor. I could run it off the tractor battery, but I have a trolling battery that I set in the bucket also. Then I can either drive along and spray or if it an area with a fair amount of area that needs to be sprayed, I drive up to it and park and can walk about 15' either way from the bucket. The bucket acts a secondary containment so I have less risk of it dripping.

I am not a horse person, but personally would not use the same container to transport water that I used for weed spray. No matter who told me it was ok or how many times I rinsed it. If one gets sick, you will always wonder if there was a connection.

CBW1999 · Jul 11, 2011

A simple test to decide if you multi use it or not. ARE YOU WILLING TO DRINK THE SAME WATER- AS YOUR ONLY SOURCE OF HYDRATION?

I wouldn't risk it at all, even in the circumstances you are describing. Should anything ever happen to your horses, you might face cruelty allegations. Not worth the possibility.

I agree with the several posts that suggest a 55 gallon food grade barrel and gravity feed on a simple 3ph carry all will work the best for you.

dusty3030 · Jul 11, 2011

I agree with others and rig up a barrel or tank, better yet, have a water line run and buy a stock tank with a float valve. What happens when you aren't around to fetch water? How much fuel and time do you burn fetching water?

corey9212 · Jul 12, 2011

I will see how much I can get a food tank with valve around here and hopefully I can figure something out cause I don't have a carry all and my fabrication skills is....well....slowly building, lol. Anyone know where I can get some good plans for a 3 point carry all?
Thanks

BrianR · Jul 12, 2011

I use my sprayer on garden, driveway and yard, while spraying different herbicides. I have always double rinsed the tank and run water through the hoses and nozzles between rinses. Not once have I killed anything in the garden this way.

Even though it may not hurt the horses, I would use a separate food grade drum for water transfer as was suggested above. I wouldn't want to chance it. Around here if neighbors saw me watering animals with my sprayer, they would no doubt contact authorities to investigate.

Go to your nearest Pepsi or Coca-Cola bottler and see if you can get one of those syrup drums (55 gallon). They are food grade drums that are used for holding the acid/syrup mix for their sodas.

If no dice on a soda bottler, you can always order one through U.S. Plastics in Lima, OH.

CBW1999 · Jul 12, 2011

Check Craigs List in your area. Around here.....there are always food grade barrels for sale however- I wouldn't pay too much for them seeing as the people selling them USUALLY get them for free where they work!