Sprayer Buying Guide for Small Farms

A sprayer touches every part of a small farm, from pasture weeds to orchard rows. Picking the right one starts with what you will spray, where and how often.

Key points

Match the sprayer to the job, terrain and acres.
Easy cleaning matters as much as capacity.
Inspect used sprayers with clean water and ask what they sprayed.
Check applicator licensing rules in your state.

What should you decide before you shop for a sprayer?

Start with the job. Write down what you plan to spray, on how many acres, in what terrain and how many times a year. A 5-acre homestead with fence rows and a garden needs something very different from a cattle ranch treating pasture or an orchard with tight rows.

Also write down your tractor or ATV setup, your storage space and who will operate the machine. Rules on applicator licensing vary by state, so check with your state ag department before buying anything you will use with restricted materials.

Remember that the label is the law for any chemical you apply. Your sprayer must be able to apply the product the way the label allows.

What types of sprayers are common on small farms?

Backpack and handheld sprayers suit spot work and tight areas. ATV or UTV mounted sprayers cover pastures and fence lines. Three-point and trailed sprayers with booms cover open fields. Air-blast or orchard-type sprayers serve tree rows and vineyards.

Each type has limits on tank size, working width and how precisely it applies. Ask what each is built for, and what maintenance it needs.

Backpack and handheld: spot work
ATV or UTV mounted: pasture and fence lines
Boom sprayers: open fields and hay ground
Air-blast or orchard units: tree rows

What parts matter most?

Look at the tank, pump, plumbing, boom, nozzles, filters and controls. Tank materials should suit the products you plan to use. Ask about the manufacturer's guidance on compatible materials and cleaning.

Check how easy it is to clean, to reach filters and to remove nozzles. A sprayer that is hard to clean will tempt shortcuts, and shortcuts cause crop injury and residue problems.

Look for good agitation, clear markings and drains that let the tank empty fully.

Tank material and shape
Pump type and condition
Filters and strainers
Boom width and fold design
Controls and shutoffs

What should you inspect on a used sprayer?

Run clean water through it and watch. Look for leaks at hoses, fittings and the pump. Check that every nozzle sprays a clean pattern. Inspect the boom for bent sections and the frame for cracks or welds that look odd.

Ask what was sprayed through it. A sprayer used for certain products may hold residue that harms the next crop, even after cleaning. Ask for the owner's records if they exist.

Take a flashlight and a clean rag. Look inside the tank for cracks, rough spots and old residue stains, and check that the lid seals and the drain works.

What safety points apply?

Read the label and the manual. Wear the personal protective equipment the label lists, and wash up as it directs. Keep children, pets and bystanders away from mixing and filling areas. Store chemicals locked, away from feed and water.

Mounting and towing add other hazards. Use a ROPS with the seat belt fastened on tractors, and watch your balance on slopes with a full tank. Check your state DOT rules for transporting a sprayer on public roads.

Write down any product you buy for the sprayer and keep the safety data sheet with it. If you hire help or have family operate the machine, train them on the label and the controls before the first job.

What should you ask a dealer or seller?

Ask how the sprayer is calibrated, which nozzles are available, who stocks parts and how long delivery takes. Ask what the pump requires from the tractor or engine, and what the full tank weighs.

Ask about warranty terms and what they cover. Terms vary, so get them in writing.

Ask whether the sprayer can be fitted with other nozzles later and whether a spare parts kit is sold. Machines with parts that are easy to get are far less stressful to own.

When is hiring a custom applicator the better choice?

If you spray only a little each year, or the product requires a licensed applicator, hiring may be safer and cheaper than owning. A custom applicator brings training, tested equipment and insurance.

Talk to your lender or accountant about how equipment purchases fit your plans, and ask your local USDA FSA or NRCS office about any programs. Your extension office can also help you decide what you need.

A rancher with a few hundred acres of pasture and a limited spray season may find a UTV unit adequate. A farm spraying for many crops across many weeks may justify a larger boom with a better controller.

When to get help: For pump, engine, hydraulic or structural problems, call the dealer service department or a qualified mechanic. For applicator licensing and chemical questions, contact your state ag department and county extension office; the label is the law.

Sources and further reading

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