Sprayer 3 Pt. hitched mounted sprayer

Heath · Jun 9, 2003

I'm looking into buying a 3 pt hitch mounted sprayer. Between the need for lawn treatment and the emerging insect population explosion at my place, I think this is the most efficient approach.
I've looked at a few and want to hear from anyone that has one. I've looked at trailer mounted units that use a 12 volt pump, and I've looked at 3 pt hitch mounted units that either use a 12 volt pump or a pto powered pump.
I'm leaning towards the 3 pt hitch mounted unit that needs an independent pto powered pump. Tractor supply has one for about $369 that looks pretty sturdy. It also appears to be about the right size for my needs. I don't recall exactly how many gallons the tank is.
My questions......1. Does anyone have experience with this unit? 2. Are pto powered pumps very expensive? 3. Would adding the pto powered pump be very difficult?
I've really ruled out the trailer mounted units. They all seem to be either too big or too small. Plus, I think it would be easier to not have to negotiate a trailer around my property.
Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Heath

bigpete · Jun 9, 2003

I have a PTO roller pump-powered 25 gallon sprayer with 10' boom and gun w/25' hose. I have everything set up so I can run boom or gun from the seat, including changing pressure and shut-off. It pretty much suits my needs. If I had a 50 gallon, I would fill it half as often (duh... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) but it would not be as compact.

If the unit you are looking at does not have a gun, you can buy all the plumbing you need at TSC and add your own.

Now I pontificate....

Spend some time reading about the "science" of spraying. There are plenty of resources out there, especially on state university ag department websites. The key is matching application rates for the job (pesticide or herbicide) so that you accomplish the job without harming something else, like your turf, trees, groundwater, and especially, your family's health. IMO, spraying is the most effective way of accomplishing those tasks (except for fertilizing...go granular for turf), but it is also very easy to over or under apply your chemicals.

rmorgan · Jun 9, 2003

Heath--

I haven't any experience with a PTO pump powered sprayer, but do have the TSC 25-gal. 12-volt unit which I use on land and pond. It puts out the juice for sure, and I added a 25' extension hose to the 15' that came with it giving me a radius from one spot of about a quarter-acre. I may be wrong, but I think that PTO pumps are right pricey.

bigpete · Jun 9, 2003

I chose the PTO roller pump because they are convenient, and are repaired or replaced for a reasonable cost. Most 25 or 50 gallon sprayers will use a 4-8 roller pump. 6 roller is plenty for most estate-type applications as described. Hypro is the current roller pump leader and you can buy a repair kit for around $25, and a new pump (6-roller, cast iron, for example) can be replaced for under $80. There are different types of rollers and metal platings depending on your use. For example, agricultural and state maintenance sprayers may use a silver plated pump versus cast iron when spraying RoundUp consistently (glyphosphate is very corrosive). The silver plated pumps go for around $200 or more. Keep the system clean and oil your pump and it will last a long time. Never, EVER, leave a roller pump on a spayer over the winter. I've seen them split like a pinata if they freeze with fluid in them.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 9, 2003

Here is a 25-gallon Fimco 12 volt sprayer with 50 feet of hose. It is mounted on a cheap 2-inch receiver hitch carrier and with the use of the Three Rivers 3 point hitch adaptor I was able to get myself an ok sprayer rig. It works well but the Fimco sprayer does feel like it will not last very long. But the price was right! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Anonymous Poster · Jun 20, 2003

I use a 100 gal. 3 point hitch boom sprayer with a PTO pump. A few observations: 1. make sure the front end of your tractor is heavy enough for the loaded sprayer so your front end stays on the ground, 2. I like to use liquid chemicals as opposed to wettable powders so I'm not cleaning out nozzle screens all the time, 3. make sure you rinse out and lube the pump before storing it so it doesn't freeze up, 4. make sure you set the height of the nozzles the proper distance from the ground. Good luck!