Sprayer

Briar Hill Brittanys · Apr 16, 2012

I built this sprayer a couple of years ago. It was loosely based off of one built by Pine Ridge, in a post several years back. It worked great, the boom and frame were way overbuilt. Features include a 12' collapsable boom, 6 roller pump, 8 s pray tips, 30 gallon tank, pressure regulated, and a spray gun. Turning the boom off and on required stopping the tractor, and reaching around to shut the valve. I checked the prices for the boom valves at several different sources, :shocked: almost $90.00 a pop. Found a source on ebay for the valves @ 1/3 the price. Also on ebay, found a better spray gun. On Craigslist locally, found a 35 gallon tank. First two pictures show the old version.

Now the improved version with 12V solenoid valves, bigger tank, on board roller pump storage, and a better spray gun. Looking for a simple way to power and mount the control switches for the valves, I used a "bell box" to mount the control switches for the solenoid valves. Using a single 3/8" carraige bolt, in an existing hole on the right fender, it's a simple matter to bolt it on when the sprayer is hooked up to the 3 point. The power is feed by a pigtail that plugs into a 12V power outlet under the dash. After "engineering" that, I used a 4 pole trailer plug to plug the solenoid harness to the control box. I've got an easy to swap source for 12V, 20A at the rear of the 8N. Now to add a foam marker, diaphragm bodies for the spray tips, and 2 more solenoid valves to section the boom. Mark

foreman Etexas · Apr 16, 2012

Really nice built:thumbsup:What do you got in it($)?

HCJtractor · Apr 16, 2012

Very impressive! That looks really well thought out. Puts my 12 v to shame. I need to spend about an hour studying your design. It looks very functional and also esthetic! Just curious, but what happens when you just shut down your PTO instead of the electric valve? I did not put electric valves on mine and had planned to control it by simply turning off the pump. The jury is still out on that decision. It dribbles a little but I'm not sure if the amount is significant

What's your next project?

Briar Hill Brittanys · Apr 17, 2012

Thanks foreman. With the improvements, I think it's cost me about $400.00. That's including the roller pump, found it on ebay. Looked at some commercial ones for sale Saturday, I'll keep mine. They had bigger tanks, but seemed to be built pretty light. For my needs, I didn't really need, or could handle a very large tank.

HCJ, thanks for the flowers. You've got a nice unit, too. If the PTO is shut off, it continues to spray until the pressure drops to zero. Also will continue to leak out product from the tips. The reason I'm going to the diaphragm bodies is to eliminate the dribbles. The electric valves had a little cool factor, as well as making the unit easier to operate. I'd looked at 12V pumps for the simplicity when first wanting to build a sprayer, my uncle talked me into a roller pump for the versatility. It meant a little more work and plumbing, but I'm happy with the results. There are several posts on different forums about foam markers. Some use 12V aquarium pumps, others use low cost inflators. I'm on the fence here. It'd be nice to use the aquarium pump, but the price is higher. The inflators are cheaper and available everywhere.

The next project might be to rebuild my disc, or try to figure out a potato digger using an old horsedrawn version. Mark

foreman Etexas · Apr 17, 2012

Well I now have to build one,the father-in-law would like for me to spray some fertilizer for him but I cant use my gear pump or the boom for the organic stuff.Heres some pics of mine

. I have to have a boomless set-up,something about the micro-whatevers in the organic spray and I guess it will mess up a gear pump,need atleast 8roller pump. So should I tackle the project on my own or buy new? Weld(yes 13yrs) little sence(yes,little) good with hands(yes,but have been known to hit finger with hammer)....

forsa · Apr 18, 2012

awesome project :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

kevindsingleton · Apr 23, 2012

I built a similar rig, but using a 12V pump, and a plastic drum for product. The electric valves are operated by radio controls I got from Tractor Supply. They have little key fobs, just like your car keys, but with nifty sliding covers and the cutest little antenna. They use different channels; mine are B and C, I think. There's a sticker to indicate. I can keep the little controls in my hand, or on a lanyard, and never leave the seat to switch the system on and off, and even to recirculate for additional mixing, when moving between fields.