Sprayer Sprayer: PTO Pump vs. 12 Volt Pump

[Iplayfarmer]

I've been planning to build me a 3 pt. sprayer using a roller pump. I don't have the roller pump yet, but I did just come upon two 12 volt sprayer pumps. I'd like to hear TBN opinions of the pros and cons of 12 volt pumps vs. PTO roller pumps.

 

[mjncad]

How big a tank are you planning on using? Go with a 6-roller pump as that will give you adequate pressure an volume. I have a 6-roller pump for my 55-gallon unit and it works just great.

Before I got my sprayer I borrowed a buddy's home made "weed wagon" with a 15-gallon tank and a battery powered 12VDC pump. It worked more or less OK; but nowhere near as good as a roller pump will. Plus if you plan to use a boom or boomless nozzle, the electric pump's surging characteristics will probably annoy you. Plus I feel that an electric pump that is meant for spot spraying will burn out quickly for broadcast spraying.

 

[Willl]

Spot spraying ?, 12v pump.

Field spraying ?, Pto pump.

 

[lawn_king]

I use both. The pto pump is much more durable and lasts a lot longer.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I usually spray around 100 gallons per year give or take of glysophate for weed control around the house,barn, and sheds. I've used a small 16 gal Northern Tool sprayer with electric pump the last 5 years and it has worked fine. For spot spraying those little electric pumps are great but for agriculture applications a PTO is the only way to go.

 

[MMagis]

Without knowing the application no one can say for sure what would work best for you. Also keep in mind that not all 12v pumps are the same. There’s quite a difference between a 1 gpm pump and a 4 gpm pump, for example.

 

[tdan300]

I've used a 12 volt with a 15 gallon tank on my ATV and it worked fine for spot spraying, but was, IMHO, marginal for broadcast spraying. I put a 60 gal on my tractor with a pto driven roller pump. No comparison. I use it for weed control on 18 acres, using both as a broadcast sprayer and as a spot sprayer. Works great. I am told that with the roller pump I need to empty the tank out and run a little oil thru to protect the roller pump when it won't be in use for awhile. That seems to make sense. No such problem for an electric pump. Look over your application, if periodic use on minimal acreage, then the 12 volt may be better. If more acreage and more use, consider the roller driven unit.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Thanks for the responses so far.

My need is for broadcast spraying a few times a year on two acres. It sounds like a 12 volt sprayer may work, but a PTO pump would be my best bet. Whatever I build will have a wand for spot spraying, but I have little pump sprayer that I'll probably use for around the house, etc.

I was leaning toward PTO pump, and your responses have boosted my confidence in that decision.

 

[MMagis]

For only two acres, 12v would work fine.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I would be using round-up occasionally. If I went with a roller pump, would I need a special roller pump, or are they all pretty well set up for round-up?

 

[DavidPerry]

Round up is corrosive to the workings of most mechanical pumps. Some are rated as round up ready. If you don't get one of those, be certain to flush out the round up when you are finished. Leaving a bit of oil or anti-freeze in the pump when you store it is a good idea.

 

[mjncad]

I would be using round-up occasionally. If I went with a roller pump, would I need a special roller pump, or are they all pretty well set up for round-up?

Hy-Pro has a pricey pump body called Silver-cast meant for Round-up; but I use plain Jane cast iron without problems. As others have said, put oil or antifreeze in the pump to protect it after use. I use antifreeze since it's water soluble. I also run antifreeze through all the hoses, nozzles and wand after each use.

 

[lawn_king]

Round up is corrosive to the workings of most mechanical pumps. Some are rated as round up ready. If you don't get one of those, be certain to flush out the round up when you are finished. Leaving a bit of oil or anti-freeze in the pump when you store it is a good idea.

Most herbicides are corrosive, selective products as well as non selective. Roundup (gly) can have a chemical reaction and explode if mixed in a steele tank.

 

[mjncad]

Most herbicides are corrosive, selective products as well as non selective. Roundup (gly) can have a chemical reaction and explode if mixed in a steele tank.

I think the warnings apply to galvanized steel.

 

[Bird]

I've had both a 50 gallon spray rig with a 12 volt Shurflo pump (actually belonged to my brother) and a 25 gallon rig with a Hypro roller pump, but powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine instead of the tractor PTO. I agree with what the others have said, and in addition, another big difference that may or may not be important to you is the maximum pressure they pumps are capable of. The 12 volt was a maximum of 50 psi, and while I normally ran my roller pump at 100 psi, it was actually capable of more than twice that pressure.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Hy-Pro has a pricey pump body called Silver-cast meant for Round-up; but I use plain Jane cast iron without problems. As others have said, put oil or antifreeze in the pump to protect it after use. I use antifreeze since it's water soluble. I also run antifreeze through all the hoses, nozzles and wand after each use.

I hope you're right because I just pulled the trigger on a "plain Jane cast iron" pump.

I wonder if the antifreeze helps wash out the old pesticide too. I have this recurring nightmare while designing this sprayer that I'll not clean roundup out of my sprayer well enough and somehow kill off my whole yard or something like that.

 

[december45]

i agree with the 12vt for spot spraying.... i use 12volt for berrys and star thistle, on 13 acres... and used to have a roller pump, im happier with the 12vt

 

[mjncad]

I hope you're right because I just pulled the trigger on a "plain Jane cast iron" pump.

I wonder if the antifreeze helps wash out the old pesticide too. I have this recurring nightmare while designing this sprayer that I'll not clean roundup out of my sprayer well enough and somehow kill off my whole yard or something like that.

I clean my system out with a neutralizing chemical (e.g. All Clear, Neutrasol) and water before I leave about 1 - 5 gallons of water/antifreeze mix in the tank and system. I pour pure antifreeze in the pump. My sprayer and pump live outdoors as I have no indoor space for them.

It seems that I spend more time cleaning the system than I do spraying. My next sprayer modification is to add a quick dump outlet to drain the tank quickly. Currently it drains through the strainer, and that takes a while.

 

[wushaw]

I have a 25gal 12v tow behind and a 15 gal 12v spot sprayer. The 12v pumps need regulation through the bypass valve to keep them from cycling when running them constantly.

 

[Tbvck]

I have a 60 gallon pto driven 6 roller pump with a 12' boom sprayer, also attached is a spot sprayer with more than enough hose. That way I can do both kinds of spraying. If you have a good amount of acreage, I would opt for a similar set up. I agree with others have suggested too.