Sprayer

[alco141]

i have one of the 14 gal. sprayers that run by electric pump, i use it to spray the orchard, and for weed control. it works well, is very easy to place on a carryall and just spray from the seat of the tractor. have had this for about 8 years, no problems. dont know how much spray you use for your jobs, but theiy also come in a 25 gal tank size. bought mine from northern tool.

alex

 

[ClayG]

You might also want to check Northern Tool http://www.northerntool.com/

They have a large selection of ATV mounted, pickup mounted, and tow-behind sprayers. They used to carry at least one 3-point sprayer, but it doesn't show up on their site now.

 

[JRP]

I use the same sprayer as the one in the post by MRester, but with a boomless nozzel. Boomless does not give as good of spray distribution, but you can use it over higher weeds. Now I want a boom setup about 20' wide.

These are great sprayers, the next step up in quality and capacity over an electric pump model. With 50 gallons of spray they end up weighing about 500 pounds full. This might be more than you need, but it is well suited if you want to spray 4-10 acres for weeds with something like Grazon P+D.

If you are in an area where bermuda grass grows there is a great herbicide called MSMA that kills all weeds except bermuda. Makes your place look like a golf course. Of course read the label.

The pto pumps can be good if you keep them clean and flush them with oil after use. The "silver cast" model of the pump is cast from a low corrosion or stainless steel like alloy. I wish I had spent the extra $100 or so for the silver-cast pump model.

Here is a photo of my spray gun, at my finger tips in a quick-draw holster made of PVC.

 

[MReeter]

I like that holster,I use our BX to spray with,put the FEL to offset the weight and it handles it just fine.Doubt if the weight would be a problem for Mike either.

You're right about the pump,keep them clean and lubed,and they will last for many years.

 

[MikePA]

Any opinions as to the pros and cons of PTO powered versus electric? I realize if we choose PTO, then the garden tractor can not use the sprayer. Any others?

 

[JRP]

My 15 gallon sprayer has electric pump. The pump broke and was a "replace the whole thing" repair for about $60. For the TSC grade electric pump I think the pumps are sort of like "consumer quality." Not really robust and made to be rebuilt.

The Hy-pro pump on my 50 gallon sprayer is sort of the opposite. The pump must be stored properly, but the castings are tough and there is not too much to go wrong. They are roller type pumps, and a kit to rebuild the pump is available at many farm stores. If you don't want to clean the pump then get the Siler Cast pump. It is like Stainless Steel. I have a standard pump and wish I had spent the cash for Stainless.

If you are spraying weeds in the driveway cracks the electric will be fine. I spray a bad weed called rosehedge on a 5000 acre ranch and wish I could carry 200 gallons instead of 50.

The decision is like buying a tractor. Kubota costs five times more than a Wal Mart riding mower. It is much better. The 50 gallon PTO sprayer may cost 5X the electric, but it probably will be working when the electric is in some landfill or ash pile. If the electric will satisfy your needs it might be fine, but you get what you pay for.

 

[JRP]

I read your needs again. The electric probably will do fine. It will be easy for your wife to hook up. Consider making a 3pt attachment like a carry all (very useful) or putting it inside your FEL bucket, if equipped. A tow behind sprayer is not as maneuverable and will be like backing up a trailer every time you back up. You also will have two more tires to keep from getting flats. Also, the shorter the trailer, the harder it is to back up.

Consider some kind of funnel with a screen. Grass will mess up the little electric pump parts.


Hope this is more help.

 

[kevincook]

I have this same sprayer and am very happy with it so far. I paid about $420 for the sprayer and pump and TSC this past spring. I use it for spraying weed killer on my lawn. It is much less expensive for me to apply this way. It will pay for itself in the first year.

MReeter...My booms are rotated 90 degrees from the position yours are in. i.e. the booms fold backwards. This allows them to fold up if I drive too close to something or if I have uneven terrain and one of the booms hits the ground. I think the way I have them is "correct". Is there a reason you have yours so they fold "up"?

Thanks.

 

[MReeter]

Kevin,I set mine up this way as I am soo cramped for room in our building.To fold the booms rearward would take up twice the space.I have some roadbanks that I spray,I just raise up one side of the boom to whatever angle...

Your right about the savings,I can treat our 3 acre lawn for broadleaf weeds for about $15.