Sprayer tank repair

[cmyoung2]

40 Gal tank from TS. Not sure how old, but at least 4 years. Tank split on the seam above the drain, you can see it just below the label. How is the best way to repair? The split is about 1/2 way up the tank, about the 25 gal mark, only about 2-3 inches, but on the seam, and I usually only put in 20-25 gal. Replacement is ~$150 but shipping is another $170. New sprayer is $700. None of those options are good for a sprayer I use maybe 2-3 times a year, but when I need it I really need it. The tank cost I could stand, but not with the shipping.

 

[WranglerX]

IF tank is completely dry inside, you might try sealing it with a tube of silicone rubber (RTV) by coating over split from inside....

 

[CH4Ohio]

You could try that Flex Seal tape. It comes in a clear color and 6" width. I'd put a piece on the inside and outside. The guy on TV made a boat out of it so it should work.

Just so happens that I bought two 40 gallon sprayers this past summer. (Complete 3-point sprayers in great condition.) Found both on FB and paid $200 each. Long story why I ended up with two, but if you search often you'll be surprised what's out there.

 

[Topzide]

What about trying a plastic welding tool. I have an attachment that goes on a Weller soldering iron that has served me well over the years!

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

The best plastic welders are the heat gun air style. Pretty easy to weld with if you know how to pull a bead, (literally pull the bead), and have the right plastic rod. But they are more expensive than the soldering iron style.

Amazon:

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Harbor Freight: https://www.harborfreight.com/1600-...r-motor-and-temperature-adjustment-59646.html

 

[Spike56]

40 Gal tank from TS. Not sure how old, but at least 4 years. Tank split on the seam above the drain, you can see it just below the label. How is the best way to repair? The split is about 1/2 way up the tank, about the 25 gal mark, only about 2-3 inches, but on the seam, and I usually only put in 20-25 gal. Replacement is ~$150 but shipping is another $170. New sprayer is $700. None of those options are good for a sprayer I use maybe 2-3 times a year, but when I need it I really need it. The tank cost I could stand, but not with the shipping.

Ever consider a new 20-25 gallon sprayer ? I have one purchased from Tractor Supply that only cost about what you quoted for shipping charges.

 

[CH4Ohio]

Fimco Sprayer Tank 40 Gallon for Top Mount Pump, Less Lid

The FIMCO 40 Gallon Sprayer Tank with pump mounting inserts on the top is a UV resistant completely drainable molded white polymer tank. Replaces the Tank on 40 gallon Spot Sprayer Lid (861-10522) and Drain Cap (800-5274373) Not Included Tank Size 30" x 20" x 22"

www.qualityfarmsupply.com

Check that out. Estimated delivery to my house is $20. Just another option. Still think you could also find a used sprayer cheap and swap out parts.

 

[rangerfredbob]

That $20 Harbor Freight soldering iron style plastic welder would work just fine for that HDPE tank, go slow as the tip is copper and is really soft and easy to break, let the heat do the work, don't force it... I would use the tip backward to open up the crack with the point then slowly heat it up with some of the filler rod it comes with until it is flush then probably cut a piece of the stainless mesh it comes with and push that in flush with the surface for strength.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

Both local Farm and Ranch Supplies sell new poly tanks suitable for sprayers, for around $125. But this time of year, you might buy the complete sprayer on clearance for less. They only have a very limited space to hold things between seasons, and have very good end of season sales, if you have space to store things.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

That $20 Harbor Freight soldering iron style plastic welder would work just fine for that HDPE tank, go slow as the tip is copper and is really soft and easy to break, let the heat do the work, don't force it... I would use the tip backward to open up the crack with the point then slowly heat it up with some of the filler rod it comes with until it is flush then probably cut a piece of the stainless mesh it comes with and push that in flush with the surface for strength.

Typically cracking on older poly tanks is because they are UV degraded. Welding might or might not work. I'd try deflecting the plastic and see if it cracks away from the seam, before I wnet ot the trouble of trying to repair it.

 

[2manyrocks]

Another option is to see if you can rework the frame to substitute a 50 gallon poly barrel. Poly barrels are about $10-20 around here. You'd need a fitting to adapt it which might cost another $10 or so.

With the cost of chemicals being so high, you wouldn't want the tank to split and dump chemicals out where you don't want them.