sprayer and spreader?

[dzag23]

Hello everyone,

I could really use some advice from some of you guys. I am looking to plant 2.5 acres of food plots on my property. I was looking to buy a 25 gallon sprayer with a boom that can be used on an ATV. Are the tow behind ones better than the ones that go on the rack as far as durability and effectiveness? Also i could use some advice on good brands. I have a catalogue from Northern tools and i was wondering if they make good products.

My next question is in regards to spreaders. I am looking for a good spreader. Would I be better off with one that hooks to the atv or should i get one that attaches to the tractor? I was thinking that the atv would be easier to use for such a small area. also what are some good brands? Again i was looking at the Northern tools catalog and was wondering if they make a good product. My last question is in regards to spreading lime. Will that be possible with the spreader? On two of my plots it will be impossible to get a spreader truck to the site and i was trying to save my back.

I would be greatful for any info that you could give me as far as brands and types of implements that i may need. Thanks in advance.

--Dave

[Bear Creek]

dzag,

In my opinion if you have a access to a tractor I would get a spreader that attaches to the tractor. They make several types but a 3 point spreader would work great. The ATV spreaders are not very durable, there have been many threads about these and there problems on this forum. As for sprayers I have found that the small ATV sprayers are pretty good for spot spraying small ( less than an acre) plots but if you have larger plots like this 2 1/2 acres you described I would look at a tractor sprayer as well. Much more durable. They make pull type and 3 point models of those as well. I have an older pull type thats for sale in the M-S classifieds here on this site under tractors and farm equipment. PM me if you want more details, we have used it to spray everything from filter strips to food plots.

Bear Creek

[jpollman]

My dad bought a 25 gallon towable sprayer last year from Northern. He pulls it with his tractor and uses it to spray weed killer on his lawn. His lot about 1.75 acres and he said it worked fine. I was at Tractor Supply in Romeo over the weekend. They've got several sprayers there that look comparable to the ones from Northern. They have several types (ATV, trailer, etc.) Their prices seemed reasonable too. I'm not positive, but I think the 25 gallon trailer sprayer was about $269. You could also check Tractor Supply online and see what they offer. Then you could just go pick one up and save the shipping cost.

Good luck

John

[farmlegend]

http://www.warnechemical.com/Jack%20Rabbit_1.htm


I've got the 5gpm pump version with the pressure regulator and gauge; I run it at about 30psi. Sprays about a 32' swath if you use both boomless nozzles. One tank can do about 2 acres in very little time(if run continuously at 30psi, I think it takes about 12-13 minutes to drain the tank). I used to have the more traditional rack-mounted spayer with the booms.

I hated the booms, they were a constant pain in the ass. The boomless nozzles, because they sit up so high, are better when you're spraying in tall weeds, which I often do. I also like the tank design of this model, since it carries the weight of a full spray tank lower.

As far as tow-behind sprayers and spreaders go, be advised that they will take a greater beating from bumpy ground than will either device mounted to your quad(which utilizes the quad's suspension to cushion the pounding).

If you use a tow-behind spreader, unless you're always on smooth surfaces, you'll be best served by a high-end model (several hundred dollars) built like a brick s_house. I've gone through a couple of cheap ($150-$200) tow-behind spreaders, beat the crap out of both of them. Right now I'm using the Earthway M30, mounted to my front rack.