Question on adjusting sprayer / tractor speed for chemical application

[The Suburban Farmer]

I am BRAND NEW to using a powered sprayer on the tractor so could use a little advice. I just got a Northern Tool sprayer from my neighbor for my tractor... the Northstar 16 gallon. It's an ATV sprayer, but I've attached to my carry-all.



NorthStar ATV Broadcast and Spot Sprayer — 16 Gallon, 2.2 GPM, 12 Volt | Broadcast Spot Sprayers| Northern Tool + Equipment


Specifically, I want to apply Trimec 2-4-D to the yard to get rid of some of the pesky weeds that are ALREADY taking over part of the back lawn. It was never "real" lawn but we tried to turn it into lawn last summer, but right now it's 50% weeds already. I'm trying to figure out how to mix up the chemicals for the proper application rate. The sprayer doesn't have an adjustment to change flow significantly, so I'm assuming I need to adjust the ground speed of the tractor to do this correctly? Does anyone know of an online calculator or other tool to help figure this out?

The pump is 2.2 GPM and the broadcast range is 14 feet.

 

[dusty3030]

Here you go.

http://store.msuextension.org/publications/agandnaturalresources/mt200915ag.pdf

 

[EagleTDL]

Try this, it's worked pretty good for me in the past...

Link

 

[RPW]

Depending where your at 2-4-D is a restricted herbicide and you will need an applicator license. JFYI.

 

[The Suburban Farmer]

Thanks, guys! Wow... that was quick! :thumbsup:

I had looked on the 'net for some things, but everything I saw was for multiple nozzles and mine is a single nozzle, but I think I figured it out. I also found another North Star manual that I used as a cross-reference / double-check.

• I had to check the nozzle tips, but it looks like I'm at 2 GPM at the boom with standard operating pressure (assuming a water mix.)
• It also looks like the 2320's low-gear MPH is around ~4 MPH at rated engine speed
• This equates to this particular sprayer putting down ~0.5 gallons per 1000 square feet, or ~21 gallons per acre on my tractor in low gear

Now I should be able to figure out the right mix based upon the products stated gallons (or pints or whatever) per acre from the label.

 

[EagleTDL]

Yep, you got the right process going! :thumbsup:

I don't post here much, but I did when I first got my tractor. Some first class folks here and a wealth of information floating around, this is always the first place I look when I've got a problem.

Luck with your new sprayer!

 

[luvmexfood]

Take a look at using a product such as Scott's Weed N Feed. It is a granular product that both kills the weeds without harming the grass and provideds nutrients to the grass so it will help keep weeds choked out to prevent regrowth. That's the long term solution. Otherwise you will just kill the existing weeds and new seedlings will sprout back.

If you don't want to go the Weed and Feed route most 2-4-D products will do a one time kill of broadleaf weeds without harming the grass. Another thing you may want to do is look at the area adjacent to your yard. If it is weed infested the seeds keep blowing over and you will be fighting the battle over and over. Spray them also if you can.