Sprayer Hardi Estate Sprayer

[jcaledon]

Looking for some advice. I'm planning on getting a sprayer this spring, for weed control use on my two acre lawn, which is landscaped with a lot of trees - I have about 15 fruit trees. I've looked at the Fimco units at TSC - they are pull behind units. The 40 gallon unit with electric pump goes for $700 here in Canada.

I have found a Hardi estate sprayer (I think that the model number is "BL") for $1000 on the local internet classified site. It appears to be in very good shape. It's a 3 pt unit. Has a sprayer, 20 foot boom that folds with two shut off valves for the left and right. It is a 55 gallon unit with the Hardi PTO diaphram pump attached. It's a lot bigger than what I need, but I imagine that I should be able to rejig the valves so that it will spray from the centre, right or left. That way I could just leave it folded and spray from the center.

I'm also getting some pricing on new Hardi units (3 pt and tow behind) from the local dealer, who has promised to get back to me. I am not sure what they go for new.

What do you guys think? Is this a good deal, or am I going to regret the purchase? I have a tendancy to buy more than I need, but, if it doesn't work out, I can always put it up for sale and recoup my money.

I have a Kubota B2620.

 

[Wedgie]

I have a Fimco 3 point hitch sprayer that I use on my MF1528s. It has a 55 gallon tank and a 10 ft. folding boom. They sell for around $350-$400 and you have to buy a roller pump forbout $100 at the Farm Supply. Seems like you would have a good sprayer at about 1/2 the cost.

George

 

[jcaledon]

Any opinions on how difficult and expensive would it be to switch out the boom, or make changes to the Hardi sprayer? If I start looking at too much money, I may just decide to get a Fimco utility sprayer, and carry all for my 3 pt. The Fimco combo would be about half of what the Hardi would cost, used and possibly in need of modifications. But the Hardi sure appears to be a very durable and quality unit.

 

[jcaledon]

Closing the loop on this thread. I got the pricing on the new Hardi units. A new (basic) BNL 50 Estate sprayer retails here in Canada for $2400. The new units come with a 14' boom, and the Hardi 500 Diaphram pump. I decided to go for the used Hardi unit (paid $1000 and no taxes), rather than get a new fimco tow behind. They basically worked out to be the same in terms of pricing. However, the Hardi unit is a 3ph mounted unit and there is no comparison in terms of the quality of the two units. The fimco is a consumer product, while the Hardi is a professional/agricultural unit. I lucked out on the used Hardi unit as the gentleman that I purchased it from maintained it in excellent condition - everything including the paint looks almost new on it. He even gave me all the original manuals and sales brochures witht the salesman's card attached! My unit has a 20' boom (much much better build quality than the 14' boom on the new units), plus it has the Hardi 600 diaphram pump which has double the capacity of the 500. Right now, the control unit allows for right or left spraying from the boom - I may convert it to right, center or left as the 20' boom is a little big for my property. Leaving the right and left sections of the boom raised, and just using the center section would probably work better for me. I'm very happy with the purchase. I will update the thread in the spring (hopefully) with pics and some info on how well it works.