5 Best Tow Behind Sprayers For Your Property

A tow-behind sprayer is an essential tool for homeowners and professionals alike who need to cover a large area with herbicides, pesticides, or other liquids. It attaches to the back of a lawn tractor, ATV, or utility vehicle, allowing for easy maneuverability and efficient spraying.

But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which tow-behind sprayer is the best for your needs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and benefits of some of the best tow behind sprayers available, helping you make an informed decision about which one to choose. Whether you need to cover a large lawn, a farm field, or a commercial property, a high-quality tow-behind sprayer can save you time and effort while achieving the desired results.

A Quick Glance at Our 5 Best Tow Behind Sprayers

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES PRICE
EDITORS CHOICE
NorthStar Tow-Behind Trailer Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
  • Accurate, economical spot spraying
  • MICRO SWITCH for enhance durability and efficiency
  • Easy to control spray direction
  • Large fill neck for easy filling
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EDITORS CHOICE
Ironton Tow-Behind Trailer Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
  • Wide opening and easy to empty bottom drain
  • 1 GPM pump with chemical resistant components
  • 40 inch broadcast width
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TOP CHOICE
Agri-Fab Professional Tow Sprayer
  • 7’ spray coverage when booms are extended
  • Up to 70 psi pump for reliable function
  • 13 inch large pneumatic tires
  • Universal hitch
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BEST VALUE
HOMESTEAD Pull & Tow Boom Broadcast Trailer Sprayer
  • Translucent polyethylene tank
  • 84” broadcast spray swath
  • Diaphragm pump with wire harness
  • Adjustable spray gun
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TOP CHOICE
Master Manufacturing Spot Sprayer
  • 1 GPM, 12v diaphragm tank
  • Easy accessible on/off switch
  • Spray 30g on single charge
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Best with Boom: NorthStar Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer

Best Overall
9.8/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Proficient broadcast spraying
  • Accurate, economical spot spraying
  • Easy to control spray direction
  • Large fill neck for easy filling
  • 12 inch large pneumatic wheels

Pros

  • MICRO SWITCH for enhance durability and efficiency
  • Control system pressure with fluid agitation
  • Viton valves for chemical resistance
  • Remote switch for easy control

Cons

  • Not recommended for small lawn area treatment
  • Required little assembly

The NorthStar 31 gallon boom broadcast and spot sprayer provide you precision and wide coverage all season long. The sprayer covers a large area and delivers 2.2 gallons per minute with a 10-foot swath making it great for yards, landscapes, and fields. It is best for all solutions such as fertilizers, weed controls, pesticides, and other garden products.

The sprayer can be towed easily on tractors, ATV/UTV, and can be controlled from the driver’s seat. The large 31-gallon tank means you don’t need to refill during the application.

The large tank lid makes it easy to fill and the drain is easy to empty. It’s secured to a heavy-duty steel cart with 12-inch pneumatic wheels that easily handle the roughest terrain.

It’s equipped with a commercial-grade pump for easier priming, exceptional durability, and superior resistance to harsh environments and corrosive chemicals.

It lasts up to five times longer than the other brands and tackles all of your spraying needs.


Ironton Commercial Tow-Behind Broadcast and Spot Sprayer

Best Commercial
9.6/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • 1 GPM pump with chemical resistant components
  • Wide opening and easy to empty bottom drain
  • 40 inch broadcast width
  • Large 10 inch pneumatic wheels
  • Remote switch with battery clips

Pros

  • Large UV resistant tank
  • Power supply 12V
  • Gallon marks for monitor the fluid level
  • Built in hanging bracket for easy storage

Cons

  • Sprayer hose is little short
  • Small tank capacity

The 13-gallon tow-behind trailer broadcast and spot sprayer is ideal for orchards, and yards to spray fertilizer, insecticides, weed killer, pesticides, fence lines, and other garden products. The durable chemical-resistant components with one gallon per minute pump make it suitable for big jobs.

The large tank lid makes it easy to fill and the tank bottom drain makes it easy to empty. Gallon marks are molded into the tank to make it easy to monitor fluid levels. It’s also UV resistant and compatible with most pesticides.

The spray gun nozzle adjusts from stream to cone with the 12 foot vertical and 20-foot horizontal spray distance and a 40-inch broadcast width for versatility. The tank is secured to a cart with 10-inch pneumatic wheels for easy towing behind your ATV or lawn and garden tractor.

You can even turn on/off the sprayer from your ATV with the remote switch. Spray weeds, trees, and fence lines with this 13-gallon toe behind broadcast and spot sprayer from Ironton. Its weight is 50 pounds.


Agri-Fab Professional Tow Behind Sprayer

Professional Pick
9.3/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • 7’ spray coverage when booms are extended
  • Poly tank, steel frame
  • Up to 70 psi pump for reliable function
  • 13 inch large pneumatic tires
  • Universal hitch

Pros

  • 25 gallon capacity tank
  • Spray wand for hard to reach areas
  • Easy drainage
  • Best for all solutions

Cons

  • Moderately expensive
  • Little assembly required

For an excellent garden, care includes applying beneficial solutions to your gardens such as fertilizer, pest control, pesticides, and other garden products you need the Agri Fab 25 gallon tow behind sprayer. It is equipped with both a rear 80-inch spray boom and 15 feet handheld spray wand.

The 25-gallon sprayer is equipped with large 13-inch pneumatic wheels that help in smooth operation, and the 70 psi sprayer pump provides plenty of power during the application. The sprayer comes with a universal hitch that is easy to operate from your tractor seat by simply connecting to your tractor.

The large wand makes it easy for the spray to reach hard-to-reach areas. Quality hardware such as poly tank, 12V, steel frame, and easy to access drain plug make the application process easy and quick. The pump provides 1.8 gallons per minute.  

The tow-behind sprayer can be used for grub prevention, weed and feed spray, crabgrass control, and fertilizers in all seasons. It measures 17 by 18 by 48 inches and weighs 51 pounds.


HOMESTEAD Pull & Tow Boom Broadcast Sprayer

Best Value
9.6/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Diaphragm pump with wire harness
  • Translucent polyethylene tank
  • 84” broadcast spray swath
  • Large foam filled never flat wheels
  • Steel trailer frame

Pros

  • Adjustable spray gun
  • Tank lid for simple filling
  • Drain for easy solution removal
  • 1.1 gallon per minute

Cons

  • Small tank
  • Some assembly required

HOMESTEAD trailer 12-gallon broadcast sprayer is best for the small to medium lawn. It features a screw-in-tank lid for simple living, foam-filled never-flat large wheels, and an 84-inch broadcast spray swath with a single deflector making it distinct from other sprayers.

The all-steel trailer frame and diaphragm pump with harness provide 1 gallon per minute. The sprayer sprays 15 feet vertically and 30 feet horizontally. And an easy drain helps in removing the solution easily.

Its hose organizing strap to keep the spray gun hose being undamaged. The sprayer also has a compact design for wall storage. There is also a grooved tongue for level hitching to zero turn mower.

The sprayer is best for lawn fertilizers, killing the weeds, feeding the grass, for controlling pesticides and insecticides. Its weight is 32.4 pounds.    


Best Tow Behind Spot Sprayer: Master Manufacturing Spot Sprayer

TOP PICK
9.3/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Easy to grip tank walls
  • 1 GPM, 12v diaphragm tank
  • 12V wire harness for battery connection
  • Spray 30g on single charge
  • Easy accessible on/off switch

Pros

  • 15 feet of rubber hose
  • Easy drainage
  • Can be upgrade to broadcast sprayer
  • UV resistant translucent tank

Cons

  • Made of plastic

Master manufacturing 15 gallon 12-volt overflow diaphragm pump on sprayer has a 1gallon per minute flow rate. It is powerful and can spot spray up to 15 gallons. You will also love the adjustable spray gun that can spray mist or stream and is attached to a 15-inch rubber hose.

The sprayer comes in a standard size to fit most ATV/UTV, lawn, and garden tractors. There is also a 12-volt wire harness for a quick battery connection. This is a powerful sprayer that can be used as pesticides disinfectants, herbicides, water, and insecticides.

The battery is powerful enough to spray 30 gallons of solution on a single spray. Also, it is easy to quick to install on the vehicle. And you can control on/off from the driver’s seat.

Easy access drain port is designed for quick drainage. And most important, it can be easily upgraded to a broadcast sprayer with the boom and mounting kits.


Best Tow Behind Sprayer Buyer Guide

After reading product reviews, you have probably 1 to 2 models that excite you. A definitive guide helps you in selecting the best tow behind sprayer for your lawn and garden.

Why You Need a Tow Behind Sprayer?

Tow behind sprayers are the most important tool that every homeowner, gardener, and farmer must have for smooth operation. Plants, flowers, grass, and vegetable are more susceptible to disease. And it would help if you had a sprayer for pest infection, spider mites, killing weeds, insecticides, and more.

Most of the gardeners also used tow behind sprayers for fertilizing the lawn, cleaning the deck, spot spraying in the driveways, and cleaning carpets.

The garden sprayers are beneficial because they help in controlling a specific type of problem that you are facing in your backyard. They deliver the solution quickly, efficiently, and economically. The sprayer allows you to spray uniform steam through different nozzles to areas under your feet and hard to reach.

Things Our Experts Consider When Testing the Tow-Behind Sprayer

Here are the things that you need to consider when purchasing the best tow behind sprayer.

Tank Capacity

Tank capacity determines how much fluid the sprayer can carry in each load. If you have a large area, then buy a large capacity tank sprayer because it will save your time and you don’t need to refill during the application.

A 15-gallon tank is best for homeowners for treating 1 acre of landscape. But if you have a large up to the 2-acre backyard, then a 25-gallon capacity is good for you. And a 40-gallon sprayer is good for areas up to 4 acres.

Frame Material

Before purchasing a tow behind sprayer make sure to consider the frame material. Always consider a tank made up of polyethylene because of its durability and weatherproofing. Also, polyethylene plastic is chemical resistant and won’t cause chemical reactions with the solution in the tank.

Remember, do not buy frames made up of aluminum, galvanized, and steel material. Also, buy a translucent tank that helps in checking the fluid level during the application.

Pay Per Square Inch (PSI)

PSI is the amount of spray that tow behind sprayer can through from the nozzle. The range of PSI is 10 to 150 depending on the model. It describes the effectiveness of the sprayer. That’s why it is important to consider the PSI.

Little pressure produces an uneven spray that reduces the effectiveness of spraying. And excessive pressure is not beneficial for small yards. But if you have a large lawn and some hard-to-reach areas then a PSI above 70 is recommended.

Hose Length

Hose length allows you to spray up to 30 feet away from the sprayer. Also helps in spraying hard-to-reach areas. Most of the sprayer’s hose length is about 15 feet. So, it is also important to consider hose length while purchasing.

Diaphragm Pump

Diaphragm pumps feature a flat diaphragm inside of housing held together by twelve screws. Inside of it, a diaphragm travels up and down to generate pressure. Because there is no contact with a cylinder wall, as with piston pumps, these tend to be more durable.

They can generate up to 60 psi. They are beneficial for use with systematic herbicides and other products that might require large size droplets.

Pressure Gauge

The pull behind sprayers has a pressure gauge attached to the diaphragm pump that tells about tank pressure and leakage of the tank. High pressure means effective spraying and low pressure is not good for spraying. And spray about 70 PSI is considered good for the application.

Nozzles

Pull behind sprayers are different based on the types of nozzles. Most of the sprayers can attach different types of nozzles according to the job requirements. These nozzles control the number of weed controls, fertilizers, and insecticides you spray per unit area.

Nozzles help in adjusting the pressure and flow rate during the application and allow to spray more efficiently and evenly. Most important, the brass nozzle is considered more durable on boom and wand.

Wheels

As the sprayer is attached or pulled by the tractor. You need to check the tires for smooth operation. Most of the sprayers listed above contain large pneumatic tires that support the loaded tank on all terrains.

The tires with a tread of traction help to move smoothly through loose soil and you won’t be stuck.

Universal Mounting Kit

Pull behind sprayers are attached and tow with the tractor and ATV through the mounting kit. And the mounting brackets come in different sizes and shapes. That’s why always purchase the sprayer that has a universal mounting kit. Because it will save you time and money. And you can attach it with any tractor or ATV.

Make sure, a remote switch is included for easy control from the driver seat.

Tips for Using Tow-Behind Sprayer

Make sure to read and understand the vehicle manual and the owner’s manual before using the sprayer. Always instruct other users before they operate the unit. Never allow children to operate this sprayer. Do not allow anyone to ride or sit on the sprayer. Keep the area clear for all persons especially children.

Read the chemical label before handling or mixing chemicals. Wear eye and hand protection and other protective clothing when handling and applying lawn chemicals. Do not spray on windy days.

FAQs

What is Pull Behind Sprayer Booms?

The tow-behind sprayers have three types of booms to improve coverage.

Dry Booms: nuzzle hung above the sprayer and designed to provide more powerful coverage.

Wet Booms: wet boom is hollow enough to carry the solution on tips and can be adjusted to different directions.

Dripless Booms: the top dripless booms come in a compact design. It is easy to adjust and gives more powerful coverage.

What is the difference between Spot and Broadcast Spraying?

Spot sprayer is designed to deliver the concentrated solution in a particular spot. It is best for spraying a particular tree, brush, and flowers.

While broadcast sprayer is for delivering solutions to a wide area. This is best for fertilizing a lawn, killing weeds, pesticides, and more.

How to Maximize Tow Behind Sprayer’s Life?

To maximize life span, make sure to clean and maintain the sprayer after the application. Check any loose-fitting and cracks before adding any garden product to the sprayer.

Many times you will notice clog and dirt in the stainers. And don’t forget to clean the filter after application.

How to Calibrate The Best Tow Behind Sprayer?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to calibrate a tow-behind sprayer:

Step 1: Make sure your spray system is clean. You will need an accurate calibration if any dirt or debris enters your tank. If necessary, use water from another source to ensure that only freshwater enters the tank.

Step 2: Add Tru Line Calibration Fluid until it reaches the calibration level marked on the side of your sprayer’s tank. Use distilled water instead, if your calibration fluid is dirty or if you suspect that it has come into contact with chemicals.

Step 3: Drive your tractor at 2-5 km/h (1 to 3 mph) across flat terrain until the sprayer’s tank reaches the desired level. Use a ruler, tape measure, or another straight edge to accurately mark where the liquid sits on the side of your tank. Marking this point will make calibrating difficult tasks much easier in the future.

Step 4: Turn off all nozzles and ports before driving faster than 5 km/h (3 mph). Otherwise, calibration fluid could be sucked back into the system through open valves and fittings.

Step 5: Make sure your spray boom does not touch any object before you start any type of calibration process with your tow-behind sprayer it is best to be completely prepared. Here are the things that you should have on-hand before starting:

1) A 50-yard roll of the tape measure (for measuring application rate)

2) A small adjustable wrench/crescent wrench set (for adjusting boom height)

3) A clipboard (to record the sprayer output rate – gallons per minute or GPM)

4) A gallon of water (for calibrating your boom height, application rate & travel speed)

5) A pen or pencil (to record measurements on the worksheet in step 6.)

6) The equipment settings for your specific brand/model of the sprayer.

7) A clean bucket to place over the end of your hose bibb. This will help avoid dirt getting into your hose when it is not in use.

8) Screw-on/Snap-on water filter(s) or a ‘Y’ connector that goes into the end of your hose.

9) If you are calibrating more than one tank of spray for new equipment settings you must empty all tanks completely before starting the calibration process. Here is why – When calibrating a sprayer you need to make sure that there is no material left in any of the booms or hoses used during the calibration process because an empty tank will run at a known rate of flow.

This will remove any chance of a mishap from over-application if there is a calculation error. To make sure you get the goof amount it is best to have test strips that can be used with your sprayer for this purpose. This way, you will know exactly how much chemical was applied if an error does occur and you can also go back and adjust your calibration settings as needed.

Final Verdict

Hope, the above guide helps you in selecting the best tow behind sprayer for your lawn and garden. North Star Tow Behind Sprayer is the best overall.

Reference

https://www.academia.edu/27359496/Development_of_an_Animal_Drawn_Hydraulic_Boom_Sprayer

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/spray-equipment-and-calibration

https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W236.pdf

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I am Ricky Martin, a seasoned landscape designer, a passionate gardener, and a barbecue enthusiast. With 12 years of experience in building and restoring, I welcome you to my website lawnscanner.com