Since I was posting on this last summer, I've looked at around 70 sprayers. They are either out of my $$$ range, or basically are worn/weathered to the shape of a rebuild. I spent all winter hoping to find something that would work for this spring and have been unable. So, I think I am going to likely to go the 'Rebuild' route. I've also realized that I will have few 'open' fields and most of my fields will be fenced paddocks, so I think I am going to go with a 3pt setup. After really thinking about my needs, the pull machines of about 500gal in my area would be too unwieldy I believe.
I have some 'replumbing' questions if you have experience and thoughts. Originally, I was just going to 'make due' with whatever I purchased, but if I am basically buying a frame and redoing it, I'd like to make it as good as reasonably possible, for my needs.
This will be for alfalfa, timothy, and Orchard/KBG pastures. There is a possibility of picking up another 80 adjacent acres.
1. Valves - Butterfly and ball valves are available, and while I don't need anything fancy, I do need it functional and 'relatively' maintenance free (as much as possible). I'd rather spend a reasonable amount up front and not have to dicker with it for the next 20yrs.
2. Spray tips - Is it worth it to put a 3-way rotary on it? This is one which could be a hidden need, given I am often on a time crunch. This isn't my 'day job' so I do think about spraying when I might have a little more breeze than I'd like with any given tip. If I went this route, what would you recommend for type and tips to cover my needs? Again, I was just going to 'make due' but...
3. Pump - Hydraulic vs 540? Recommendations on model and manufacturer
4. Hose - I see a lot of machines plumbed with actual tubing, be it PVC or metal. The nozzles are directly attached over a hole drilled in the pipe/tubing rather than with a T-fitting in a rubber hose. What are your experiences and recommendations if I am pulling everything out and starting over?
5. Rinse tank - The machine I am looking at does not have a rinse tank. There is room for one, but I've never personally used one. Can you recommend any website which would explain the plumbing and use? Also, what size tank would you recommend? The main tank is 240gal.
6. GPS/Controller - Recommendations on a controller? I would like to get GPS as well, but I am definitely a novice in this realm. I understand the theory, but I don't know which types of controllers connect or are controlled by which type of GPS device. I know there are also manual controllers, which would likely work just fine for me. But If I am getting GPS anyway, if the premium isn't too great, I'd think about something along these lines. I'd really like to get a better grasp on GPS/Controller basis... but I have NOT been able to find an online source that can really explain what is 'useful' and what is 'tractor specific' and/or bells and whistles vs requirement. I'd like to stay simple but effective, so any thoughts would be appreciated.
- Also, Is there a place/group/site/anything which gives more of a nuts and bolts explanation about GPS and controllers? I've looked at the Manufacturer sites, and they seem to just say 'buy our product' rather than explain the differences in the products. (this could simply be because I lack enough basic knowledge to understand the difference. But I'd like to rectify this issue.)
Are there any other thoughts and/or recommendations on replumbing? I'm trying to decide whether this machine is going to work, and have an idea of what I am getting into before I head that route. The above is a 'worst case' scenario, and it could be that when it is hooked up and pumping water, I just need to clean out screens.