Dadnatron
Veteran Member
Growing up, I think we hired a sprayer once... perhaps we borrowed one, but otherwise, we had a pump handheld which we used for problem areas or specific issues.
Now, I find that I have a need for an Ag sprayer. I've had several times, over the last year, in which I hired out the duty. The last time, I had to wait a week for it to be completed, given other commitments. While it is nice to simply make a phone call and the problem is solved, it isn't so nice on my bank account.
I'm surprised at how little information I have been able to find on the purchase of an Ag Sprayer. How to size, differences in types, pumps, nozzles, tow vs 3pt, cleaning/flushing (this is a big concern for me), etc etc. It has been hard for me to find the information I need. Its almost like it is a secret... either that or it is so simple, no one feels a need to put it on the internet. And given all the crap on the internet, I doubt that is the case.
So... my needs...
84ac. at least 40 of which will be permanent pasture. I've been thinking about putting about 30 into hay/alfalfa. And I have waterways, roads, and whatnot with other 'sprayer needs'.
Tractor is JD 5100e with cab. 2 remotes on back.
I'd like something which will do what I need on these areas. Something which can spray the entire 30ac with whatever I am wanting to use, in a single run. Basically, unless it isn't feasible, I'd rather not have to constantly refill in order to do the main pastures. But in the same vein, it is unlikely I will ever need more than 40ac worth of 'anything sprayed' all at once given differences in paddocks and fields.
I don't know enough to even ask good questions, but some that I still haven't found answers are:
- I've seen sprayers with more than one tank. A large water tank, and smaller tank as well. What is the smaller tank used for?
- I would like a sprayer which can be used for herbicide, pesticides, but also fertilizer. (although I have never applied liquid fertilizer and don't know anything about the ins and outs compared to other means. This is another area of which I have had limited luck in finding information.)
- What are the ins and outs of purchasing a USED sprayer? What things are common problems and what should I look for if I go this route?
- Are there brands which have a better value than others? What are they?
- Are there brands which tend to hold up better (as a used sprayer) that you would recommend keeping an eye out for? Brands or specific equipment/parts to stay away from on used/new sprayers?
- Are hydraulic booms worth it? What about hydraulically raising and lowering the entire boom apparatus to keep it close to the target?
- I've read about lots of types of pumps... but have yet to hear anything 'definitive' that some type is the way to go.
- 3pt or tow for my needs?
I am sure there is a lot of information that is important that I don't know enough about to ask... so any help in this endeavor would be greatly appreciated.
Now, I find that I have a need for an Ag sprayer. I've had several times, over the last year, in which I hired out the duty. The last time, I had to wait a week for it to be completed, given other commitments. While it is nice to simply make a phone call and the problem is solved, it isn't so nice on my bank account.
I'm surprised at how little information I have been able to find on the purchase of an Ag Sprayer. How to size, differences in types, pumps, nozzles, tow vs 3pt, cleaning/flushing (this is a big concern for me), etc etc. It has been hard for me to find the information I need. Its almost like it is a secret... either that or it is so simple, no one feels a need to put it on the internet. And given all the crap on the internet, I doubt that is the case.
So... my needs...
84ac. at least 40 of which will be permanent pasture. I've been thinking about putting about 30 into hay/alfalfa. And I have waterways, roads, and whatnot with other 'sprayer needs'.
Tractor is JD 5100e with cab. 2 remotes on back.
I'd like something which will do what I need on these areas. Something which can spray the entire 30ac with whatever I am wanting to use, in a single run. Basically, unless it isn't feasible, I'd rather not have to constantly refill in order to do the main pastures. But in the same vein, it is unlikely I will ever need more than 40ac worth of 'anything sprayed' all at once given differences in paddocks and fields.
I don't know enough to even ask good questions, but some that I still haven't found answers are:
- I've seen sprayers with more than one tank. A large water tank, and smaller tank as well. What is the smaller tank used for?
- I would like a sprayer which can be used for herbicide, pesticides, but also fertilizer. (although I have never applied liquid fertilizer and don't know anything about the ins and outs compared to other means. This is another area of which I have had limited luck in finding information.)
- What are the ins and outs of purchasing a USED sprayer? What things are common problems and what should I look for if I go this route?
- Are there brands which have a better value than others? What are they?
- Are there brands which tend to hold up better (as a used sprayer) that you would recommend keeping an eye out for? Brands or specific equipment/parts to stay away from on used/new sprayers?
- Are hydraulic booms worth it? What about hydraulically raising and lowering the entire boom apparatus to keep it close to the target?
- I've read about lots of types of pumps... but have yet to hear anything 'definitive' that some type is the way to go.
- 3pt or tow for my needs?
I am sure there is a lot of information that is important that I don't know enough about to ask... so any help in this endeavor would be greatly appreciated.