Best Tow Behind Sprayers: Tank Size, Pumps, and Coverage Compared

The best tow behind sprayer is sized to your acreage, uses a pump and boom suited to the chemicals you apply, and has a tank material that resists corrosion. For lawns, food plots, and small farms, a 15 to 60 gallon unit pulled by an ATV or garden tractor covers most needs. This guide covers tank size, pumps, nozzles, and the safety and calibration steps that determine results.

Choosing Tank Size

Tank capacity determines how often you refill. Smaller tanks of 15 to 25 gallons suit lawns and small garden plots. Mid-sized tanks of 25 to 60 gallons serve larger yards, pastures, and food plots. Larger tanks are heavy when full, which demands a capable tow vehicle and affects handling on slopes. A good approach is to calculate your application rate in gallons per acre, multiply by the acreage you spray in a typical session, and choose a tank that lets you finish in one or two fills. Remember that water weighs over eight pounds per gallon, so a full 50 gallon tank adds a significant load.

Pumps and Power

Most tow behind sprayers use a 12 volt electric diaphragm or roller pump powered by the ATV battery or a separate battery. Diaphragm pumps are common, handle many chemicals, and tolerate dry running better than some alternatives. Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute and pressure in pounds per square inch. Higher flow supports wider booms and spot-spray wands at once. Check that the pump is compatible with the chemicals you plan to use, because some herbicides and fertilizers can degrade certain seals. Some units use ground-driven pumps, which avoid battery drain, while engine-driven pumps appear on larger machines.

Booms, Nozzles, and Spray Patterns

• Boom width: Wider booms cover more ground per pass, but need open terrain. Folding booms help in tight spaces.
• Nozzle type: Flat-fan nozzles give an even pattern for broadcast spraying. Drift-reduction nozzles reduce fine droplets that can travel off target.
• Spot spray wand: A hose and wand lets you target weeds along fences and trees.
• Adjustable height: Boom height affects overlap and coverage. Follow nozzle manufacturer guidance.
• Agitation: Return-line or jet agitation keeps powders and some mixes from settling.
• Strainers: Inline filters protect nozzles from clogging.

Tank and Component Materials

Polyethylene tanks are the standard because they resist corrosion, handle most agricultural chemicals, and are fairly light. Look for UV-stabilized plastic and a wide fill opening with a sealed lid. Hoses and fittings should be chemical-resistant, and clamps should be stainless or coated. Brass fittings can corrode with some fertilizers, so check compatibility. A translucent tank or a gauge makes it easier to see liquid levels. Drain valves and sloped bottoms help with cleaning. When researching, a tow behind boom sprayer for ATV listing shows typical tank and boom combinations to compare.

Calibration and Safe Use

Accurate application is essential for results and safety. Calibrate by measuring the output of the nozzles over a set time at your normal pressure, then determine your travel speed over a measured distance. From these numbers you can calculate gallons per acre and adjust the speed, pressure, or nozzles to match the product label. Always follow the pesticide or fertilizer label, which is the law for chemical use. Wear the protective equipment listed on the label, including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves. Avoid spraying in wind, which carries drift to nearby plants, water, and people. Keep children and pets away from treated areas for the time stated.

Rinse the tank and lines after each use, and triple rinse containers according to the label. Dispose of rinse water according to local rules, and never dump near wells or streams. A set of chemical resistant gloves and safety glasses belongs with the sprayer.

Maintenance and Buying Tips

Winterize in cold climates by draining the pump, hoses, and tank, since freezing cracks fittings. Replace worn nozzles, which spray unevenly, and clean strainers regularly. Check wiring connections and fuses for the pump. Review how the sprayer hitches to your vehicle and whether the tongue length and wheel size suit your terrain. Pneumatic tires handle rough ground better than small hard wheels. Check replacement-part availability and warranty coverage. If you spray only a few times a year, a 12 volt spot sprayer may serve you better than a full tow behind rig.

Consider your terrain as well. Hills and uneven ground make a heavy, full tank harder to control, and sloshing liquid shifts weight. Baffles inside the tank reduce slosh. Check the tongue weight and hitch type, and use a safety chain where recommended. Practice with plain water first to learn how the sprayer behaves, check for leaks, and confirm the spray pattern is even before filling with product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same sprayer for herbicide and fertilizer?

You can, but thorough cleaning is vital because herbicide residue can damage desirable plants. Many users keep separate sprayers for each.

What size sprayer do I need for a food plot?

Most small plots do well with a 15 to 30 gallon unit. Larger or multiple plots may justify a bigger tank.

How do I prevent clogged nozzles?

Use clean water, strain mixes, agitate properly, and flush the system after each use.