Sprayer options for large hilly yard
-
- Posts: 479
- Joined: July 2nd, 2019, 9:22 pm
- Location: South Central PA
- Grass Type: Northern Mix
- Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
- Level: Some Experience
Sprayer options for large hilly yard
I am looking for a better solution for applying liquids to the lawn, i.e. serenade, prodiamine, etc. My current options are a 4-gallon backpack or a 25 gallon ATV sprayer mounted on my garden tractor. The property is 2 acres and my grass area is about 20k with the rest wooded with mature hardwoods (lots of OM).
(tank sprayer: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/produ ... om-atv2503)
The issue is that the property is very hilly, so the 4-gallon backpack is heavy and a lot of work walking the hills (especially as I get older). The 25 gallon on the tractor is great when full but quickly gets dicey when the liquid levels drop and it starts sloshing around. I have learned to use different patterns when applying to help with the big sprayer, but it is not ideal. I've imagined some sort pressurized rig that may feed the liquids better or a tall skinny tank that flows better to the end.
Any better ideas for a better option?
(tank sprayer: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/produ ... om-atv2503)
The issue is that the property is very hilly, so the 4-gallon backpack is heavy and a lot of work walking the hills (especially as I get older). The 25 gallon on the tractor is great when full but quickly gets dicey when the liquid levels drop and it starts sloshing around. I have learned to use different patterns when applying to help with the big sprayer, but it is not ideal. I've imagined some sort pressurized rig that may feed the liquids better or a tall skinny tank that flows better to the end.
Any better ideas for a better option?
- andy10917
- Posts: 29741
- Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm
- Location: NY (Lower Hudson Valley)
- Grass Type: Emblem KBG (Front); Blueberry KBG Monostand (Back)
- Lawn Size: 1 acre-2 acre
- Level: Advanced
Re: Sprayer options for large hilly yard
I have a very similar situation on a 1+ acre lawn. I haven't figured out anything that works in all situations - and there are also safety issues about the use of tractors on the stronger slopes. I've just stuck with the backpack for things that need careful dosing, and use the tractor in flatter, more open areas. I live with the extra work it takes.
-
- Posts: 579
- Joined: April 11th, 2017, 7:09 pm
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Grass Type: KBG, PRG, Fescue mix
- Lawn Size: 2 acre-5 acre
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Sprayer options for large hilly yard
This summer I tackled a nearly 13k reno with just a 4 gallon backpack sprayer. I’m with you on this one, it’s rough. I’ve looked at the Earthway S25 just for the convenience of pushing and having 6 gallons rather than Hand pumping the entire time I’m walking around. It’s not a one size fits all. Have you looked at larger pull behind sprayers? I’ve also checked this out:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools ... _200645939
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools ... _200645939
-
- Posts: 479
- Joined: July 2nd, 2019, 9:22 pm
- Location: South Central PA
- Grass Type: Northern Mix
- Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Sprayer options for large hilly yard
The problem is that these sprayers have a liquid feed tube in the tank that sometimes sucks air when the tank level drops and I am on hilly sections. I go through all sorts of amusing driving patterns to keep the tube immersed in the solution. I end up adding water and simply making many passes until the solution is so diluted that I feel like the application is essentially complete. Unfortunately, this wastes time and probably causes inconsistencies in the application.DevilDawg81 wrote: ↑September 22nd, 2020, 9:17 pmThis summer I tackled a nearly 13k reno with just a 4 gallon backpack sprayer. I’m with you on this one, it’s rough. I’ve looked at the Earthway S25 just for the convenience of pushing and having 6 gallons rather than Hand pumping the entire time I’m walking around. It’s not a one size fits all. Have you looked at larger pull behind sprayers? I’ve also checked this out:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools ... _200645939
-
- Posts: 579
- Joined: April 11th, 2017, 7:09 pm
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Grass Type: KBG, PRG, Fescue mix
- Lawn Size: 2 acre-5 acre
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Sprayer options for large hilly yard
I totally get it, that is quite tricky. I don’t have a good answer for you.
-
- Posts: 479
- Joined: July 2nd, 2019, 9:22 pm
- Location: South Central PA
- Grass Type: Northern Mix
- Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Sprayer options for large hilly yard
Time to build one! I'm imagining a tall skinny tank with a recirculator.
-
- Posts: 488
- Joined: September 14th, 2018, 10:56 pm
- Location: Western Illinois, parallel to tip o Lake Michigan.
- Grass Type: Mazama KBG
- Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Sprayer options for large hilly yard
Can the Earthway sprayer be modified with pneumatic tires? Also the handles look flimsy. Does anyone have one that can comment? I've got the same hill problems.
-
- Posts: 479
- Joined: July 2nd, 2019, 9:22 pm
- Location: South Central PA
- Grass Type: Northern Mix
- Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Sprayer options for large hilly yard
It's not a bad idea, but this is really poorly rated on Amazon and I'd really prefer a mountable unit for my tractor. We need something with a reliable pump and a reservoir at the bottom that stays full to feed the sprayers reliably on hills.Masbustelo wrote: ↑September 24th, 2020, 6:13 amCan the Earthway sprayer be modified with pneumatic tires? Also the handles look flimsy. Does anyone have one that can comment? I've got the same hill problems.
- ken-n-nancy
- Posts: 2571
- Joined: July 17th, 2014, 3:58 pm
- Location: Bedford, NH
- Grass Type: Front: KBG (Bewitched+Prosperity); Side: Bewitched KBG; Back: Fine Fescue Blend + Prosperity
- Lawn Size: 10000-20000
- Level: Experienced
Re: Sprayer options for large hilly yard
Which Earthway sprayer are you asking about? I have the Earthway S25 , which I purchased used from Craigslist, and I am generally happy with it, although I don't find it to be perfect. However, the handles definitely aren't flimsy.Masbustelo wrote: ↑September 24th, 2020, 6:13 amCan the Earthway sprayer be modified with pneumatic tires? Also the handles look flimsy. Does anyone have one that can comment? I've got the same hill problems.
Interestingly, I just tried to find the S25 on the Earthway web site and am having some trouble finding it. I wonder if it has been discontinued or something?
-
- Posts: 771
- Joined: May 29th, 2014, 5:42 pm
- Location: Piscataway NJ
- Grass Type: Northern Mix
- Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Sprayer options for large hilly yard
I had the S25 and had to replace the pump twice. I gave up on it and bought the My4Sons backpack sprayer, which I like much better.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests