Sprayer sprayers 101

CTyler · Mar 31, 2005

I'm looking to get a 3pt sprayer for my L3130. What if any is the disadvantage of using a boomless sprayer?

I'm looking at one from TSC 60 gallon with three nozzels and runs from my PTO pump. The nozzles can be turned off individualy at the nozzle.

Needs are spraying fert for the lawn aprox 1 acre. There are also three areas of grass along the tree line and up the drive. Each one is 600' plus and 12-14' wide.

Also want to spray the nettles along the whole tree line, aprox 1700'.

johan3400 · Mar 31, 2005

The biggest disadvantage I have experienced is control. The boomless sprayer has more tendency to create drift. The fine particles blow easier in the wind. Fertilzer and weed spray burn trees and could cause you problems. I would look at the 12 foot boom for your sprayer, you can still control each section of the boom and it works quite well.

Indydirtfarmer · Mar 31, 2005

( The biggest disadvantage I have experienced is control. The boomless sprayer has more tendency to create drift. The fine particles blow easier in the wind. Fertilzer and weed spray burn trees and could cause you problems. I would look at the 12 foot boom for your sprayer, you can still control each section of the boom and it works quite well. )

That sums up boomless sprayers quite well. If ALL you were spraying was fertilizer, I'd be OK with one. But when you spray pesticides, you need all the control possible. Small nozzles, low pressure, and NO WIND are very important.

CTyler · Mar 31, 2005

The boom type they have at TSC is all or nothing, can't turn off sections of it and has a single on/off valve.

A boomless would to be able to spray one side only 10'+ into the trees. Either that or a boom type and a spray gun/wand.

I'm assuming the spray guns have an adjustable spray pattern? Haven't looked into them, anything specific to look for? Last year I used a 1 gallon hand sprayer and that was almost a joke. Had to fill it up a bunch of times and took quite a while.

notamustang · Mar 31, 2005

There is a nice gun that can shoot nearly 30' I belive the spray is adjusted my the pressure on the trigger. I just sprayed 15 gallon tank with a wand and not having to pump was great. Some ideas what members have done

Indydirtfarmer · Apr 1, 2005

( The boom type they have at TSC is all or nothing, can't turn off sections of it and has a single on/off valve.

A boomless would to be able to spray one side only 10'+ into the trees. Either that or a boom type and a spray gun/wand.

I'm assuming the spray guns have an adjustable spray pattern? Haven't looked into them, anything specific to look for? Last year I used a 1 gallon hand sprayer and that was almost a joke. Had to fill it up a bunch of times and took quite a while. )

I guess that the entire issue has more to do with the INTENDED USE of the sprayer than anything else. I use my sprayer to put down weed control chemicals on pastures/hayfields/crop land/fencerows. I use a hand gun for anything that the boom won't get. I have no need for a "boomless nozzle". /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Also, I'm one of these "can't leave anything alone" types. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif When I bought the little FIMCO sprayer (for doing spot spraying only) I started in on it no sooner than it was home. First off, I installed Tee-Jet "no-drip" 10psi check-valve nozzle bodies. Then I added soleniod valves to be able to shut off sections of the boom. I can use left, right, or center sections independently of each other now. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I do some spraying "for hire". That requires license, and subjects me to periodic inspection. The current gripe that most state AG inspectors have is dealing with wind drift. The "multi-nozzle boomless heads" are proned to drift issues. For that reason, as well as the mere fact they don't do well with the applications I'm using a sprayer for, I don't want any part of them. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

And on the flip side, they may be just what the doctor ordered for YOUR needs. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

CTyler · Apr 1, 2005

Thanks everyone for the input. Looks like I'll go with the boom type and a spray gun.

CTyler · Apr 2, 2005

One last question, well two actually.

Can you spray fertilizer right after seeding? I put down 10-10-10 when seeding the first time after building the house. Just want to make sure liquid fert won't release to quick or something and burn the seed.

Can you get quick connects for the PTO pump hoses? I forgot to ask at TSC when buying the sprayer.

It would be nice to easily switch between my watering tank and the sprayer.