Best Tow Behind Sprayer for Your Yard Inc. Boom and Spot Sprayers [2021 Review]

NorthStar Tow-Behind Trailer Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer -…

• 12V 2.2 GPM open flow NorthStar NSQ Series on-demand pump provides faster priming and longer life; 70 PSI max.
• 100% continuous duty rating
• Honeywell MICRO SWITCH for enhanced durability and efficiency
• Santoprene diaphragm and Viton valves for superior reliability and chemical resistance
• Large-capacity proprietary tank design features extra-thick walls that are UV-resistant and compatible with virtually all pesticides

Looking for more tank capacity?

If 21 gallons didn’t sound good enough for your lawn, then 31 gallons might do the job. This tank made by Northstar has extra thick walls that are not only resistant to UV rays, but also compatible with pretty much all kinds of pesticides.

This sprayer is almost identical to the sprayer above, with the same industrial-grade pump as the 21-gallon version, so you know what you are getting in its power. The difference is the capacity – this one has 10 gallons more. 

This sprayer’s boom is identical to its 21-gallon counterpart, having an 80-inch effective spray width and a 120-inch overall spray width.

This sprayer is also spring-loaded, and its breakaway boom arms can fold up for the sake of compact storage.

Its 7.5-inch diameter tank lid is helpful for fills and refills, and it has a bottom drain that allows you to easily empty the tank.

• The same 12V 2.2GPM NSQ Series pump as the 21-gallon version above.
• 70 PSI max
• The same chemical resistance as the 21G with extra-thick walls, Santoprene diaphragm, and Viton valves. 
• Foldable booms with spot spray gun
• Remote switch with battery clips

3. Best for Lawn: John Deere 25 Gallon LP19479 Tow Behind Sprayer 

This best tow behind sprayer performs well in a residential or commercial yard. With a capacity of 25 gallons, it’s big enough to spray your entire yard.

This sprayer has a 60-inch folding spray boom arm that can spray a swath of 90 inches.

Three spray nozzles are provided for precise pattern-spraying and it has a 19-foot long hose and a spray wand for spot spraying either lawns, shrubs, or trees. 

Its Shurflo diaphragm-type pump delivers an impressive 100 PSI, and along with the hose, the sprayer can achieve streams up to 30 feet.

It also has built-in support for vertical storage in your garage. Weighing around 50 pounds, the sprayer’s frame runs on four 4.10/3.50 pneumatic tires that minimize ground compaction and maintains a low center of gravity.

• 25-gallon capacity
• Suitable for liquid fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, de-icers, and more. 
• Foldable boom with 3 spray nozzles. 
• Spot-spraying wand with adjustable brass spray tip
• 100 PSI Shurflo diaphragm-type pump (no damage with it runs dry!)
• Quick-disconnect 2-wire wiring harness to hook it up

4. Best High Pressure: Northstar ATV High Pressure 200 PSI Tree/Orchard Sprayer

NorthStar ATV High-Pressure Tree/Orchard Sprayer – 21-Gallon Capacity,…

• Delivers 2.0 GPM at open flow and has a maximum system pressure of 200 PSI
• Equipped with a commercial-grade NorthStar NSQ Series plunger pump for easy priming, exceptional durability, and superior resistance to harsh…
• Durable tank is made with UV-stabilized material to prevent fading and other sun damage
• 40in. boom width with 10ft. overall broadcast width for wide coverage
• Spring-loaded, breakaway boom arms fold away for compact storage

The name itself should clue you in on what it is best used for. If you take care of a fruit tree orchard, this sprayer is ideal for you to have. Its liquid delivery is 2.0 GPM (Gallons Per Minute), and it has a maximum system pressure of 200 PSI, which is fantastic.

It has a 40-inch boom width and a 10-foot overall broadcast width for wide coverage, which will surely cover multiple trees. 

Northstar delivers once again with its reach as a 35-foot high-pressure hose is included with this sprayer. The spray gun also shoots up to 30 feet vertically, so you will have no problem addressing the spots in your yard that need covering, or getting up in the trees for liquid fertilizing or pest control.

Northstar will equip your sprayer with a spray gun nozzle that can be adjusted between 3 different spraying modes; stream, cone, or atomized mist. 

User reviews have noted pump priming issues with this sprayer, especially if you let it sit for some time. You will have to prime it again by taking off the hose and putting a normal garden hose in its place. This sprayer won’t self-prime, and it needs some liquid in its pump for it to work. 

• Proper high pressure as 200 PSI 
• NSQ Series plunger pump (which, interestingly enough, states “easy priming” – something some people said is its main drawback!)
• 10 foot broadcast width and 35ft high-pressure hose
• Adjustable spot-spray gun shoots 30ft up
• Easy to store in the off-season with foldable boom, removable wheels and axle, and retractable tow bar. 

5. Ironton 13G Tow Behind Trailer and Spot Sprayer 40 PSI

Ironton Tow-Behind Trailer Broadcast and Spot Sprayer – 13-Gallon…

• 1 GPM Ironton pump with durable chemical-resistant components
• 13-gallon tank is UV-resistant and compatible with virtually all pesticides
• Gallon marks molded into tank make it easy to monitor fluid levels
• Tank has a 7 1/2in. opening and an easy-empty bottom drain
• Approved for use with Roundup agricultural herbicide

Do you have weeds growing out of control in your yard? This is the sprayer you need for pesky weed problems. It only has a capacity of 13 gallons so it won’t do heavy-duty work, but you will be getting a sprayer that is approved for use of agricultural herbicides like Roundup.

What is included with Ironton’s sprayer is a broadcast and spot spray gun and a remote switch, the latter of which is very convenient. 

The broadcast width of this sprayer is 40 inches, and its stream reaches 12 feet vertically and 20 feet horizontally, so this is enough coverage to say goodbye to those weeds. This sprayer runs on 10-inch pneumatic wheels.

On the downside of things, Ironton’s pump only delivers 1 GPM with a maximum of 40 PSI, so you won’t be getting this sprayer for its power. Its spray gun nozzle can only adjust from stream to cone, so if you are looking for more adjustment options you won’t get it with this sprayer.

• 1 GPM Ironton pump, 40 PSI
• 13-gallon UV-resistant tank for pretty much all pesticides and herbicides
• Bottom drain to easily empty the tank
• No booms, spray gun only (12ft vertical, 20ft horizontal spray distance)
• Effective broadcast width of 40″
• Remote switch and battery clips

6. Chapin 97600 15G Dripless Fertilizer, Herbicide, and Pesticide Sprayer 

Chapin 97600 15-Gallon, 12-Volt EZ Tow Dripless Fertilizer, Herbicide…

• 15-Gallon translucent tank with 5-inch wide mouth and drain plug for easy filling and cleaning
• Compatible with common fertilizers, weed killers and pesticides
• Tank construction: poly, shut-off material: poly-trigger, extension wand material: brass. High performing 12-volt diaphragm pump and dual…
• Professional dripless shut off with Comfort Grip lock on/off feature, 15-ft reinforced hose and 7-ft coverage spray boom
• Durable steel frame trailer with pneumatic tires and adjustable hitch.Spray Stream Max Vertical:up to 38-feet

Don’t let the tank capacity of 15 gallons turn you away from how formidable this sprayer is!

It has a PVC reinforced hose that is 15 feet long, and it can distribute 60 PSI. This sprayer’s lifespan is extended in part due to its double filtration system.

The 18-inch brass wand that comes with a brass cone nozzle gives you some reaching space to work with. This wand has a dripless shut-off function where you can lock up the spraying. A big stripe of dead grass in my backyard shows how useful a dripless shut-off function is!

Its pump runs on a 12-Volt battery and it can deliver 2.0 GPM. Maximum vertical spray is 30 feet and maximum horizontal spray is 26 feet, which means you have a reliable sprayer that can cover ground!

A word of warning concerning the assembly of this sprayer; the instruction manual will not help you as it mostly shows pictures instead of detailed text. Chapin could do a better job clearly explaining how to assemble the parts together.

They have a unique wording for making the sprayer’s wheel bolts “notoriously tight” with no key specifics, so yeah… don’t over-tighten the bolts.

Why I don’t recommend this sprayer:

• Plastic frame rather than steel
• Not durable enough for anything rougher than a golf course
• Very crappy instruction manual
• You have to get a bit lucky to get 2 tires that hold air

7. Agri-Fab 45-0292 15 Gallon Tow Sprayer

Agri-Fab 45-0292 15 Gallon Tow Sprayer, White & Black

• Capacity: 15 gallons
• Product width: 7′ Spray coverage when booms are extended
• Assembly: some assembly required
• Hitch: connects easily to vehicle’s electric source; universal Hitch fits any tractor regardless of brand
• : Comes with a 3 year limited
• Power source type: Battery-Powered

Delivering 7 ft of spray width when booms are extended, this 15-gallon sprayer can prevent weeds and insects from invading your yard.

The spray wand can reach as far as 30 ft, which can reach trees and bushes if you need to spray them. This sprayer also runs on 10-inch flat-free tires for a smooth ride.

This sprayer has a universal hitch that can attach to just about any kind of tractor. This means that you don’t have to worry about whether it fits your John Deere or Troy Bilt tractor.

Agri-Fab can safely say that it has the lightest sprayer in weight on this list. It won’t be a chore moving this thing around as it weighs only 37 pounds.

This sprayer is advertised to have a boom of an 80-inch spray width, which is misleading. User reviews state that the boom doesn’t extend that far, but rather more like 46 to 48 inches. That’s a big difference in reach when you evaluate sprayers.

Best Tow Behind Sprayer Buyer’s Guide

Still undecided on what the best tow behind sprayer is for you? This buyer’s guide will help you get through a jungle of questions you may have about sprayers.

Key Features of the Best Tow Behind Sprayer

There are some key features to be aware of before you invest in the best tow behind sprayer. Not all sprayers are designed the same way, and each has its own set of features that may or may not suit what your yard needs. 

Types of Tow Behind Sprayers

Let’s begin with the type of sprayer that will be compatible with your yard. If you only have an ATV to work with as your primary source of transportation for yard work, you must get the type of sprayer that will hitch up to your ATV. Playing a guessing game with sprayers that may only hitch up to lawn mowers wouldn’t be ideal. 

Power Source

Most sprayers will typically use a 12-Volt battery connection to function, but other models have their own built-in engines. If you study how to power through your yard like a pro, then the type of power your sprayer runs on should matter to you.

Size of the Tank

Right behind power is the size of the sprayer.

Various sizes are available when it comes to sprayers. Small 13-gallon units, large 55-gallon units, and everything else in between; no matter the size of your yard, there will be a sprayer that is the right size for your yard. 

Pressure (PSI)

How strong is the sprayer’s performance?

The efficiency of the sprayer’s system is expressed in PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). Generally, shoot for 70 PSI as its minimum level. Otherwise, it might not have enough power to direct the mist to the spots where your yard really needs it.

Spray Width

The spray width will indicate to you how far the spray actually extends. If you have a wider spray, then you will be more efficient in your work (if you want to cover a whole lawn, that is).

Look out for sprayers with booms as well – a boom extends your spray area by a lot. There are lots of different sprayers with booms, and then there are spot sprayers that just have a hose with a handheld spray attachment. 

If you’re doing a whole lawn, you definitely want a boom. If you’re spot-spraying your lawn, paddock, or yard for weeds here and there, you’re probably after a spot sprayer. 

A lot of tow behind sprayers can do both, so if you want true versatility, go for one of those. 

Sprayer Hose

Last but certainly not least is the hose, a critical part of the sprayer’s functions. You will get more flexibility and maneuverability with a longer hose, but considering you’re mainly spraying while you’re sitting on the ATV or mower, length isn’t your main concern. 

Do look at the construction of the hose. If you’re going to spray chemicals, you need a hose that can handle that. If you’re only going for water, or seaweed extract, things like that, any hose will do, as long as it’s big enough to not restrict the flow too much. 

How Do You Calibrate a Sprayer With Booms?

Your best tow behind sprayer needs to be calibrated correctly to get the most coverage for your yard.

1. The first step to take is filling your sprayer half full with water and running it for a few minutes. This is to make sure that no leaks are present.
2. Secondly, you measure the distance in inches between the nozzles. Appropriate distances for nozzle spacing are the following; 408 feet per 10-inch spacing, 272 feet per 15-inch spacing, 204 feet per 20-inch spacing, 136 feet per 30-inch spacing, and 102 feet per 40-inch spacing.
3. After taking a test drive around your property, run the sprayer for the same amount of time you had your test drive.
4. Store liquid that comes from each nozzle inside a single jar.
5. Measure the average output of the sprayer’s nozzles. This output in ounces should be equal to the application rate in gallons per acre.
6. Afterward, you may need to make adjustments until you get within 5% of the application rate, but at that point, you will be good to go. 

Do I Really Need a Tow Behind Sprayer?

Let’s counter that question with these….

• How much time do you spend using a spray bottle, and refilling it over and over again?
• Do you enjoy carrying heavy tanks around in your yard to water?
• How big is your yard?

If the size of your yard is close to that of 1 full acre, then you should consider getting a tow behind sprayer. Chances are good that you use a riding lawn mower to begin with, so it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to buy a tow behind sprayer. 

Basically, if you’re wondering whether you need a tow behind sprayer, you probably do! 

How Important Are Wheels on a Tow Behind Sprayer?

Though I didn’t mention this at the start, the wheels on a tow behind sprayer are more important than you think.

Your riding lawn mower is pulling the sprayer, and both have to work together as a team to complete the task of covering the yard with liquids.

The first recommendation for appropriate tow behind sprayer tires should always be pneumatic tires. The more demanding your terrain is, the bigger your tires should be.

The Difference Between Broadcast and Spot Spraying

There is a big difference between these two forms of spraying.

• A broadcast sprayer will spray an extensive area in a single session. If you have a large area that needs to be treated by fertilizers in the quickest time possible then you go with these sprayers.
• On the other hand, a spot sprayer will only give a concentrated spray of liquid in a specific spot. This type of sprayer is meant to spray a single bush, plant or tree. You will spend more time covering an entire yard with only a spot sprayer.

How Do You Maintain Your Tow Behind Sprayer?

One of the best ways to properly maintain your two behind sprayer is to keep it clean after every time you use it. This advice is simple, but it is worth mentioning because many of us tend to forget to clean our gardening machines and tools. (I’m guilty of that!)

Concerning the sprayer and its equipment, you can either run warm water through the pump to clean it, or you can use a little bit of dishwashing soap (by a little bit I mean a drop). 

Storing tow behind sprayers can sometimes be tricky. They are best suited to being stored inside a clean, dry building like a garage during the roughest season of the year, the cold months of winter.

What’s the Best Tow Behind Sprayer?

Taking care of your lawn can become a tall task if you don’t have the right tools and resources on hand.

The tow behind sprayer serves its own special role in lawn care. Instead of having to pick up and pull around a heavy sprayer like it’s a wheelbarrow, you can simply let your lawn mower, ATV, or tractor do that job for you.

A reliable tow behind sprayer is a device that will consistently work for you while not requiring a lot of maintenance. The Northstar 21-gallon tow behind sprayer is a great example of such a device. It has enough power to perform when you need it to, and its amazing spray width coverage of the yard is something pleasant to behold. 

Last update on 2021-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API