3 point sprayer rig questions

Bob_Skurka · Mar 8, 2004

Has anyone built any type of set of for spraying that can be carried on their 3pt system? Either PTO powered or using 12volt pumps?

I looked at places like Harbor Freight and Northern Tool and they have 16 and 26 gallon set ups but they are on tiny little trailers for pulling behind a garden tractor.

I was wondering if anyone rigged up anything themselves?

Also, what about a DUAL TANK rig? That seems to me to be ideal. One tank for spraying FERTILIZERS, another tank for HERBICIDES. If the tanks could be mounted one on top of the other or side by side on some sort of a metal frame that had a 3pt hitch assembly it would be easy to tote around and use. Dual 16 gallon tanks, even in the unlikely event both were filled, would weigh in about 400 pounds for the whole unit (about 260 pounds of liquid and the rest would be the frame, pumps, etc). That would be easy enough for even a sub-compact to carry.

Any thoughts? Any other ideas? Am I missing something?

MadReferee · Mar 8, 2004

I purchased a 25 gallon Fimco tank/sprayer from Agri-Supply and mounted it on a home built 3pt carry-all. I wired the 12v pump to a trailer hitch plug I attached onto the aux light circuit. I can use either the spray wand while sitting on the tractor or divert the flow to a boom.

MadReferee · Mar 8, 2004

One more thing, Agri-Supply also carries chemical tank neutralizer and cleaner that allows you to use the tank for various non-compatible fertilizers and herbicides, after washing/rinsing of course.

Bob_Skurka · Mar 8, 2004

MAD. . . I would love to see a picture or two, if you can post them.

After posting my inquiry, I got to thinking about my ideal rig. I just ordered 2 tanks, 2 pumps, and a carry all from Northern Tool. I plan on modifying the carry all to carry both tanks, the lower tank will rest on the original carry all forks. I will weld on a home made bracket for the upper tank. I ordered spray guns for both of the tanks, but am thinking of buying some boom spray poles as well???

I was not sure about the electrical, so I thought about just using a small 12 volt battery, but tapping into the aux light wiring would certainly be the way to go. I think I might just get a "cigarette lighter" plug and hard wire it to the tractor using the aux light circuit. Then wire a cord from each of the two pumps.

I ordered 2 tanks because I tend to grow my food organically, but I am enough of a hypocrite to use herbicides on areas of the property where I am not growning food or where my child & pets do not wander (weed control in the ditches, etc). For my organic fertilizers, I will only use dedicated containers, sprayers, etc. I don't know if it is worth the extra cost, but I've been doing it that way for years and I guess I'm just stubborn.

MadReferee · Mar 8, 2004

Right now I have the sprayer stored away for the winter in the garage and the carry-all out in the Cover-it shelter. The carry-all is typical of one you can buy almost anywhere, I just made my own. I have attached a pic of the Fimco sprayer without the boom. Btw, the sprayer was $150 + shipping from Agri-Supply.

Bob_Skurka · Mar 8, 2004

Mad. . . That sprayer unit you showed looks just the 2 I ordered from Northern.

I ordered the tree sprayer head instead of the wand type sprayer yours has. The tree sprayer head is supposed to be good for spraying 35' up into fruit trees and such (but I would be happy if it sprayed 20+ feet). I think I got 30' of hose (I'd have to check my notes but they'er not in front of me now) for each sprayer. I needed the higher capacity pump for the tree sprayer head as well. The units I ordered were $269 each the way I spec'd them. They had a 1 year warrenty, I bought an extra year for another $24.95.

MadReferee · Mar 8, 2004

You should get yourself an Agri-Supply catalog. Just request one from the web site. It has 10 pages of small to large sprayers, pumps, tanks and accesories. My sprayer came with 15ft of hose.

Agri-Supply web site

MadReferee · Mar 8, 2004

The pumps on these tank sprayers are identical to those used for pressurized water supplies in RV's, typically Shur-Flo. Replacement parts are readily available, and cheaper, from RV supply centers.

DocHeb · Mar 8, 2004

Although the pumps look the same, will they hold up under exposure to chemicals? The pump body may be identical, but could the pump head be different materials to withstand the sprayed material?

I don't know - just asking? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

pabelote · Mar 8, 2004

i would go with pto. dependin on gpm you plan on pumpin.
would go with 6 7 or 8 roller. 6 an 7 aint round up ready thou.
would get t valve to if you plan on usein a boom in future.