Best Tow Behind Sprayer Reviews of 2022
NorthStar 282785 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Trailer Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
Best commercial tow behind sprayer
This large-capacity pull behind lawn sprayer delivers both broadcast and spot spraying for both wide and precision coverage.
1 NorthStar 282785 Review
Landscapers and ranchers looking for the best tow behind sprayer around might like the NorthStar 282785. Coming from one of the best brands in the industry, it impresses with a large capacity tank that can hold up to 31 gallons of product.
Made from UV-resistant materials, the poly tank is also strong and withstands most chemicals, from pesticides and herbicides to fertilizers.
Designed to provide quick flow on demand, it features a fast priming pump that delivers a pressure of 70 PSI and an output of 2.2 gallons per minute. Other highlights include oversized wheels and a universal hitch compatible with both garden tractors and ATVs. No doubt, just what you need for commercial applications.
NorthStar 282780 21-Gallon Tow-Behind Trailer Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
Best for large residential properties
The proprietary poly tank has double walls and is compatible with virtually all lawn and garden care products.
2 NorthStar 282780 Review
Whether you own a large property, have a small orchard, or need a capable sprayer for your vegetable garden, the NorthStar 282780 brings the best value. It shares almost all features with its best-in-class brother, except for the tank capacity.
This unit can hold up to 21 gallons, which is still more than enough to finish your chores quickly and easily.
Apart from this, expect the same performance. The on-demand pump provides faster priming, outputs up to 70PSI, and ensures a flow of 2.2 gallons per minute. Furthermore, you can switch from broad to spot spraying as needed.
Just as versatile and capable as our best in class but slightly smaller and more affordable, this is the best yard sprayer for large properties and semi-commercial applications.
Agri-Fab 45-0292 15-Gallon Tow Behind Sprayer
Best for home gardeners
Sturdy, flat-free tires deliver stability even on the more challenging terrains.
3 Agri-Fab 45-0292 Review
Home gardeners, as well as homeowners with mid-sized to large lawns, might also like the Agri-Fab 45-0292. It has a smaller capacity than our two favorite picks, but its quality is hard to match by most other brands.
The main highlight of this sprayer is the robust construction. It comes with a poly tank compatible with all chemical products placed on a virtually indestructible steel frame. A universal hitch ensures compatibility with all garden tractors, lawn tractors, and ATVs.
In terms of performance, it can hold up to 15 gallons and deliver 7-feet broad spraying. It may be more expensive, but it’s an excellent choice for the quick treatment of larger plots.
Ironton 282790 13-Gallon Tow-Behind Trailer Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
Best for low budgets
A small broadcast and spot sprayer for smaller lawns or homeowners on a budget.
4 Ironton 282790 Review
The Ironton 282790 is almost as capable as our best value but undoubtedly smaller and cheaper. With a tank capacity of only 13 gallons, it’s a much better choice for smaller lawns or small orchards and gardens.
Like the NorthStar, it delivers both spot and broadcast spraying and comes with a UV-resistant tank compatible with most garden and landscape care products. And while the pump might need some priming, it can still output 1 gallon per minute.
We also like the oversized, 10-inch pneumatic tires and universal hitch with a built-in hanging bracket for easy storage. Perfect for smaller jobs and affordable, this is by far the best tow behind sprayer for people on a budget.
Backpack vs. tow behind sprayer. What is the difference?
The two most common types of garden sprayers are the backpack sprayers and tow behind sprayers. Both work in the same way and the only difference is in size and the way you move them.
- Backpack sprayers usually have a capacity of about 7 gallons. Similar to backpack leaf blowers, they are powered by either gas or batteries and are usually perfect for plots up to ½ an acre.
- Tow behind sprayers come with bigger tanks that can hold between 10 and 60 gallons of product. They are ideal for plots larger than an acre and are usually powered by electricity supplied by the vehicle that’s towing them through a 12-volt direct current system.
Other types of yard sprayers
Backpack and pull behind sprayers aside, you can also choose from a range of different options. Other types of yard sprayers include:
- Handheld sprayers: These simple, compact units typically come with a manual pump and rarely have a tank capacity larger than 5 gallons. They are ideal for spot application of herbicides and pesticides, fertilizing a few plants in a small garden, or even watering potted plants.
- Wheeled sprayers: Have the same tank capacity of a backpack sprayer, but they come with wheeled carts for easier hauling around your yard. Just like backpack sprayers, they have either manual, gas, or battery-powered pumps, and are a much better choice for properties larger than an acre or small farms.
- Commercial sprayers: They look similar to the lawn tractor sprayers, but usually have a capacity higher than 60 gallons and can be attached to a wider range of vehicles. Sometimes, these sprayers can even be mounted on vehicles such as UTVs or garden tractors and operated automatically from within the vehicle. These units are recommended for plots larger than 10-15 acres.
What is a pull behind sprayer with boom?
Most pull behind sprayers for lawn tractors nowadays come with a boom spreader – technically a long beam with multiple nozzles attached to it. This gadget is designed to spread the product (either fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide) over a wider area, thus reducing the time needed to cover your lawn. Depending on the application, you can choose from:
- Dry booms: The most common type, they support hoses that carry the liquid to the nozzles. These types are the most powerful, provide minimal waste, but can usually cover smaller swaths in one pass.
- Wet booms: Consist of a rigid wand that carries the liquid to the nozzles. These booms are powerful and adjustable, allowing you to spread the liquid in all directions, including up and down. They have larger swaths than the dry booms, but usually waste more liquid.
What size pull behind sprayer tank do I need?
Pull behind sprayer tanks come in various sizes, usually between 10 and 60 gallons. When determining the right tank size for your sprayer, you not only have to think about the size of your property but also about how many gallons of spray you have to apply per acre.
Considering the average 14 gallons of liquid per acre, you would need:
| Tank capacity | Yard size |
|---|---|
| 14-20 gallons | 1-1.5 acres |
| 20-30 gallons | 1.5-2 acres |
| Over 30 gallons | 2+ acres |
What is the difference between broadcast and spot spraying?
You don’t have to be a professional landscaper or gardener to understand the difference between broadcast and spot spraying.
- A spot sprayer is designed to deliver a concentrated mist of liquid in a particular spot, making it easier to only treat one plant, bush, or tree.
- A broadcast sprayer is similar to a broadcast spreader, in that it sprays a wide area in one go. This type of spraying is perfect for fertilizing or treating a large surface in the minimum possible time.
Some of the best tow behind sprayers allow you to switch from broadcast to spot spraying, depending on the application, whereas some tank sprayers come with broadcast spraying alone.
How much chemical should you use per tank?
Whether you want to fertilize your lawn or apply herbicide, most chemical lawn care products come in concentrated formulas and have to be diluted. Working out how much product you should use per tank is not complicated, though. Just follow the steps below.
- Determine the size of your lawn in acres, then mark off 100 feet of your yard.
- Determine the speed of your lawn tractor, riding lawn mower, or ATV, by recording how long it takes to travel the marked 100 feet distance from a start point. Typically, the average speed is:
Time required to travel
Average speed
34 seconds
2 mph
22 seconds
3 mph
17 seconds
4 mph
14 seconds
5 mph
If you manage to travel the distance in less than 14 seconds, it is recommended to reduce your speed.
- Determine the application rate at your chosen speed by placing a large container on the ground and spraying water into it for the amount of time required to cover 100 feet, then multiply the application rate by the size of your lawn to determine the total quantity of liquid you require to cover the entire surface.
- Divide the total amount of mixture by the tank capacity of your pull behind lawn sprayer, to determine how many tanks you need to cover the whole surface.
- Now calculate the total amount of chemical you need by multiplying the chemical ratio by the size of your lawn. To determine how much chemical you need per tank, divide the total number by the number of tanks found in step 4.
All you have to do now is measure the quantity of chemical needed per tank and dilute it with water. Mix well, then you can start applying the product to your lawn.
When is the best time to spray various lawn care products?
Often referred to as herbicide sprayers or fertilizer sprayers, pull behind yard sprayers can be used for a variety of purposes. The first thing to keep in mind is that you don’t necessarily have to spray chemicals with them. If you’re an adept of organic gardening, you can also use a tank sprayer for lawn tractor for spraying manure tea or other organic fertilizers, for example.
That said, you should also consider when the best time for spraying the various products is.
| Product | Best time to spray |
|---|---|
| Liquid fertilizer | After the growing season has ended or before it begins, usually in early fall or early spring. |
| Leaf fertilizer | During the plant growing season, usually from late spring to late summer. |
| Herbicides | On dry, cooler days when the temperature doesn’t exceed 85°F. |
| Insecticides | Early in the morning or at sunset, as needed throughout the growing season. |
What other lawn tractor attachments can I use?
More often than not, if you need a tow behind sprayer, chances are you need other riding lawn mower attachments too. A few garden and lawn care tow-behind tools include:
- Plug aerator
- Tow-behind dethatcher
- Tow-behind spreader
- Tow-behind lawn roller
- Garden sweeper
- Tow-behind dump cart
Important features to look for when buying a tow behind sprayer
To make sure you buy the best tow behind sprayer for your needs, also check the following important features:
- Lawn sprayer pressure: Expressed in PSI, this number determines the efficiency of your system. The best pull behind sprayers usually have at least 70 PSI, although a lower pressure could still be sufficient for a smaller plot.
- Output: For most residential and semi-commercial applications, an output of about 2 gallons per minute should be enough.
- Spray swath: For broadcast spraying applications, it is recommended to go for a unit with the widest possible swath. In this way, you’ll be able to finish your chores faster.
- Tow behind sprayer tires: No-flat tires may tempt you with their low maintenance, but they are less stable and harder to maneuver. That’s why the best tow behind sprayers come with pneumatic tires.
- Hitch: While most pull behind spreaders come with a universal hitch, don’t take it for granted. To make sure the unit is compatible with your vehicle, it is always recommended to check before buying.
Best Tow Behind Sprayer for the Money
NorthStar 282780 21-Gallon Tow-Behind Trailer Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
Best for large residential propertiesThe proprietary poly tank has double walls and is compatible with virtually all lawn and garden care products.
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