jand38 said:
I am wanting advice on a 3 pt. 30 to 50 gallon spray rig. I have 4 plus ac. I want to be able to use the hand gun to spray 30 to 40 ft. when I am not using with the booms any ideas on brand and what name of pump and # of rollers in pump so I would not be unhappy.
I have a good 12 volt but it can not spray 30 plus ft so can not be effective on pond mangment. Thanks
Most any brand of sprayer will do the trick so long as it's built with good components. Hypro pumps are readily available (at places like TSC) Service kits are also available at TSC. They're of good quality and performance. "Silvercast" models are a little more corrosion resistant. The plain ol' cast iron pumps are just as good, so long as they're cleaned out and kept well protected (fill pump with diesel fuel or corrosion inhibiting anti-freeze while not in use) Glyphosate (generic Round-Up), 2-4,D, and most all liquid fertilizers are "salt based" and are VERY corrosive. Use a commercially available "nuetralizer" to clean out EVERYTHING when you're done. A 4-roller pump will produce more than adaquate pressure to power a single nozzle wand, so long as the correct jet and proper mixtures are used. With correct parts, you can spray 30 to 50 feet and exersize proper control over sprayed solutions with minimal pressures, easily produced by a 4 roller pto pump. (Some people use the electric "RV pumps" with reasonable results. I have no experience with them and choose not to comment further on their performance)
As far as the sprayer itself, most of the units on the market will use varying degrees of TEE-JET components. They're as good or better than any brand out there. Locate TEE-JET's website and procure a "user guide". It will explain all the different jets, check valves, regulators, gauges, and various controls they have to offer. That will help you make an educated choice of what components you need for your particular application. No 2 people use their sprayers in the same exact manner, with the same exact chemicals. You need to base your choices on what your individual needs require.
Distance and accuracy of a sprayer has to do with a balance of dilution rates, pressure and use of correct jets (nozzles). Tee Jet has all the right pieces to assemble a system that will do most anything a sprayer needs to do.
3 years ago, I bought a Fimco sprayer (from TSC) to do spot spraying. I've got a much larger "Hagie" (sp?) sprayer for general field work, and the smaller Fimco sprayer for the smaller jobs. I had to replace a couple fittings that just weren't up to my standards, plus the rather cheap (and too small) pressure gauge needed to be upgraded to get the results I wanted, but outside of that, I've been very pleased with the results.
As a final bit of advice, contact the manufacturer(s) of the chemicals you intend to spray for their advice on application techniques. (operating pressures, dilution rates, application rates, clean-up suggestions, ect)
The "laws" regarding pesticide application can dictate how and WHO can LEGALLY apply certain chemicals. Contact your local controlling entity as to what, how, when, where, and who can use the various chemicals on the market. Some will be "restricted use" requiring certification to buy AND use.
Apply ALL chemicals as suggested by their manufacturer on the container they come in. That's the law. Don't "freelance" or apply as you THINK you should. Stick with labeled instructions. Environmental conditions have a great deal to do with the success (and legality) of spraying. (wind, temperature inversion, humidity, rain, ect)
