Tow behind sprayers

Types of tow-behind sprayers

A tow-behind sprayer is a type of sprayer used to spray items such as herbicides, pesticides, water, and fertilizers, among other liquids, to large areas. It is attached to a towing vehicle or trailer to cover large spraying areas quickly and easily without the need for manually carrying the sprayer. Below are the common types of tow-behind sprayers:

• Farming Tow-behind Sprayer

  This sprayer is mostly used in agricultural settings to apply pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals over crops efficiently. It is designed to cover large areas quickly, saving time and labor compared to handheld or backpack sprayers. They usually come with boom attachments to ensure even distribution of chemicals and minimize waste and runoff. Some may even have GPS systems for precision spraying, which can help farmers maximize efficiency and protect the environment.

• ATV Tow-behind Sprayer

  The ATV tow-behind sprayer is perfect for small-scale agriculture, landscaping, and maintenance applications. It is used for spraying fertilizers and herbicides in areas such as lawn care, fencing, and landscaping, among other areas where chemicals need to be applied. The sprayer usually comes with an adjustable spray rate control. This feature enables the user to easily customize the setting and apply the chemicals precisely as needed. They also have a rugged design to handle off-road terrains.

• Utility Tow-behind Sprayer

  Utility tow-behind sprayers are versatile tools used for various applications, including agricultural pest control, landscaping weed management, road maintenance, and disinfections, among many other uses. Their features may vary depending on the model chosen but usually come with boom and nozzle options to cater to different needs. Additionally, they have different tank sizes ranging from 15 gallons to 100 gallons to accommodate various tasks and workflows. The utility tow-behind sprayer also includes electric and gas-powered options to cater to different environments and job needs.

• Wide-Area Tow-behind Sprayer

  This sprayer is mainly used for turf management, large-scale agriculture, and vegetation control, among other uses. It is designed to cover broad swaths of land with precision and efficiency. They are often used in fields, golf courses, highways, and commercial properties, among other places. Some wide-area sprayers may have GPS guidance, which ensures accuracy, and boomless nozzles to minimize overlap and improve efficiency.

Specification and maintenance of tow behind sprayers

Specification

• Tank size

  Tow-behind sprayer tanks typically range from 25 gallons (95 liters) to 800+ gallons (3020+ liters), with common sizes including 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 800 gallons.

• Pressure

  Sprayer pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Common tow-behind sprayer pressures range from 15 to 2000 PSI. 15-60 PSI is low pressure for large droplets; 70-200 PSI is medium pressure; 250-500 PSI is high pressure; 750-1500 is high pressure for spraying barn roofs, fields, and more.

• Battery and electric pump

  Tow-behind sprayers can have different types of pumps: roller pumps, diaphragm pumps, or others. The pump type, model, and design will determine its specifications. A common roller pump used for 25-600 gallons is a Banjo 3 ' RL2 model with a flow rate of 5-21 GPM.

• Power

  For electric pumps, a common sprayer uses a 12V6000mAh lithium battery. It provides a constant power supply for the sprayer to work effectively.

• The width and height of the boom

  Common boom widths are 42-120 inches (1066-3048mm), and boom heights are typically between 12 and 60 inches (300 and 1524mm).

Maintenances

• Daily maintenance:

  It includes regular inspections, filling or draining the sprayer, refueling the engine, checking fluid levels, cleaning the strainer, and checking the operation of the boom and spray nozzles.

• Weekly maintenance:

  It includes detaching the sprayer from the towing vehicle, thoroughly cleaning the tank and interior, cleaning the exterior, and lubricating moving parts and wheels. Besides, inspect the tires for wear and proper inflation and adjust the boom height and width.

• Monthly maintenance:

  It includes deep cleaning the sprayer, inspecting the spray nozzles, filters, and pump, and checking the wiring and connections. More detailed monthly maintenance makes the sprayer work stably and efficiently.

Scenarios of tow behind sprayers

• Agricultural fields and large-scale farming:

  In vast agricultural landscapes, tow behind sprayers are vital for tending to various crops. Sprayers ensure healthy crop growth and effective pest control. Their wide coverage functionality proves to be highly efficient, allowing sprayers to handle extensive areas in just a short time. As a result, tow behind sprayers significantly boost productivity on large farms.

• Cross-country arenas and equestrian centers:

  In the world of comprehensive equestrian competitions and top-tier equestrian centers, safeguarding the horses is the primary objective. Tow behind sprayers aid in effectively eradicating pests and insects within the compounds, including horse stables. By utilizing sprayers, not only is the health of the horses ensured, but their performance is also significantly enhanced.

• Construction and dust control:

  In the wide-ranging landscape of construction projects, whether it be vast building sites, expansive road construction areas, or large-scale mining operations, tow behind sprayers can play a crucial role in dust suppression. By efficiently controlling and managing the prevalent dust pollution, sprayers contribute not only to the enhancement of environmental quality but also to the assurance of occupational health and safety for construction personnel.

• Forestry management and pest control:

  In the field of forestry management, tow behind sprayers are widely utilized for the effective application of pesticides and herbicides. By employing sprayers, forestry managers can efficiently control pests and weeds, thereby safeguarding tree health and promoting sustainable forestry practices.

How to Choose Tow Behind Sprayers

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a tow behind sprayer:

• Application Needs Assessment

  Determine the intended use of the tow behind sprayer, whether it's for agricultural spraying, lawn care, pest control, or other applications. Identify the type of spray material to be used and the required spray quality, such as droplet size and uniformity.

• Tank Size and Material

  Choose an appropriate tank size for the area to be covered without needing frequent refills. Consider the tank material, which is typically polyethylene or stainless steel, for compatibility with the spray solution and resistance to corrosion.

• Delivery System

  Select a tow behind sprayer's pump type (diaphragm, piston, or roller) based on the spray solution and maintenance requirements. Ensure that the chosen pump provides the necessary pressure and flow rate for the intended spraying task.

• Spray Boom/Nozzles

  Consider the spray boom configuration and nozzle types, as they affect spraying precision and efficiency. Choose the spray boom length, material, and nozzle design (e.g., flat fan, air induction) that align with the application requirements.

• Hitch Compatibility

  Ensure the tow behind sprayer's hitch is compatible with the towing vehicle (tractors, ATVs, UTVs) for safe and stable towing during spraying operations.

• Durability and Build Quality

  Opt for a durable tow behind sprayer that can withstand regular use and harsh environmental conditions. Check the build quality of critical components to ensure long-term performance and reliability.

FAQ

Q1: What kind of vehicle can a tow behind sprayer hitch to for spraying in remote areas?

A1: Tow behind sprayers are designed to hitch to different types of spraying units. Most sprayers can spray large ATVs or UTVs, which are commonly used to cover large acres of land. Some tow-behind sprayers can hitch to lawn tractors. When selecting a sprayer for use in remote areas, consider the terrain and the distance from the spraying unit to the hitch farm equipment.

Q2: Can I use a tow-behind sprayer for spraying my farm herbicides?

A2: This will depend on the sprayer's construction type and the chemical imposed. Some tow-behind sprayers are made with corrosion-resistant materials and can be used to spray farm herbicides. It is, however, essential to determine the chemical compatibility of the herbicide with the sprayer's material. Also, ensure that the sprayer can deliver the appropriate target rate and pressure.

Q3: Do tow-behind sprayers have any advantages compared to other types of sprayers?

A3: Yes. Tow-behind sprayers are easy to pull or push compared to knap sack sprayers. They also provide more coverage while spraying and allow for more comfortable spraying without having the liquid on one's back.

Q4: Can one purchase a custom tow-behind sprayer?

A4: Yes. It is possible to purchase a custom tow-behind sprayer that is built to fit specific needs or requirements. Using custom specifications, a particular sprayer model can be created to have distinct features, such as tank size, pump type, nozzle configuration, or additional attachments and accessories.