7 Best Hydraulic Sprayers for Weed Control
Discover 7 top hydraulic sprayers for efficient weed control on hobby farms. Compare capacity, coverage, and features to find the right sprayer for your acreage.
Weed control makes or breaks hobby farm productivity. The right hydraulic sprayer turns a days-long manual task into an hour of efficient coverage. Based on deep research and curation, these seven sprayers deliver reliable performance for part-time farmers managing everything from pastures to garden borders.
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1. Chapin 97700 15-Gallon Tow Behind Sprayer
Key Features and Performance
The Chapin 97700 hits a sweet spot for hobby farmers just stepping into hydraulic spraying. Its 15-gallon poly tank won’t overwhelm your storage space or your ATV’s towing capacity.
The adjustable boom extends to 6 feet, giving you solid coverage width without the complexity of larger commercial units. Three nozzles work together to create consistent spray patterns, crucial when you’re treating fence lines or pasture edges where uneven application means wasted herbicide and repeat trips.
You’ll notice the 12-volt demand pump delivers steady pressure without the maintenance headaches of gas-powered alternatives. It draws power straight from your ATV or lawn tractor battery. The system maintains around 60 PSI, which handles most selective herbicides and broadleaf controls without issue.
One practical consideration: the 15-gallon capacity means more frequent refills on larger properties. But that’s actually an advantage when you’re learning spray patterns and application rates. Smaller batches let you adjust your approach without wasting expensive herbicide.
Best Use Cases for Hobby Farmers
This sprayer shines on properties between 5-15 acres where you’re tackling targeted weed pressure. Think pasture maintenance, orchard understory control, or keeping gravel driveways clear of invasive growth.
The tow-behind design works beautifully when you’ve got relatively flat terrain and established paths. You can cover ground efficiently without the back strain of backpack sprayers. The compact size also means easier maneuvering around fence posts, trees, and outbuildings, obstacles that larger sprayers force you to work around inefficiently.
For mixed-use hobby farms, the Chapin adapts well to seasonal shifts. Use it for pre-emergent applications in early spring, spot-treat problem areas through summer, and handle fall cleanup before winter. The poly tank won’t corrode when you switch between different herbicide formulations, though you’ll still want to flush thoroughly between applications.
The price point makes this a solid first hydraulic sprayer. You’re investing in real capacity without committing to equipment that might exceed your actual needs.
2. Fimco 25-Gallon Trailer Sprayer
Spray Coverage and Capacity
Fimco’s 25-gallon capacity doubles your working time between refills compared to smaller units. That extra volume matters when you’re treating larger pastures or dealing with extensive thistle patches that require thorough coverage.
The 7-foot boom spans wide enough to make each pass count. You’re looking at roughly 84 inches of spray width, which translates to fewer overlapping passes and more consistent herbicide distribution. The three-nozzle configuration creates overlapping patterns that minimize streaking, those frustrating gaps that force you back out days later.
What sets this unit apart is the adjustable pressure control. You can dial between 30-150 PSI depending on your target and herbicide requirements. Lower pressure works for delicate spot treatments near desirable plants. Crank it up when you’re applying thick solutions or need penetration through dense weed growth.
The 2.2 GPM flow rate keeps application moving without rushing you. That’s important when you’re working around obstacles or varying terrain where you need to adjust speed frequently.
Durability and Build Quality
Fimco builds this sprayer with UV-resistant polyethylene that stands up to direct sun storage. Many hobby farmers don’t have dedicated equipment sheds, your sprayer might live under a tarp or in partial shelter. This construction handles that reality better than cheaper alternatives that crack and fade.
The trailer design includes 13-inch pneumatic tires that smooth out rough ground. You’ll appreciate this when pulling across uneven pasture or bumpy field edges. The larger wheels also prevent the unit from bottoming out on rocks or ruts that would stop smaller tow-behinds.
The Shurflo pump represents a smart middle ground between cheap diaphragm pumps and expensive piston systems. It self-primes, handles most agricultural chemicals without degradation, and runs cool even during extended spray sessions. Plan on replacing pump seals every few seasons depending on use, that’s normal maintenance, not a design flaw.
The frame uses powder-coated steel that resists rust better than bare metal but still deserves attention. Rinse the entire unit after each use, especially if you’re applying acidic or caustic formulations that accelerate corrosion.
3. Agri-Fab 45-0293 25-Gallon Tow Sprayer
Ease of Use and Maneuverability
Agri-Fab designed this sprayer for lawn tractor users who need weed control without specialized equipment. The hitch connects to standard lawn tractor draw bars, eliminating the need for custom mounting brackets or adapters.
The 25-gallon tank sits low on the frame, keeping the center of gravity closer to ground level. This prevents the tippy feeling some tow-behinds develop when you’re turning or crossing slopes. You can make tighter turns around obstacles without worrying about the sprayer swinging wide or threatening to roll.
The spray boom folds for storage, a feature you’ll use constantly if you share barn space with other equipment. Folded width drops to about 30 inches, letting you squeeze the unit through standard doorways and alongside other stored implements. When deployed, the boom extends to 5 feet for respectable coverage.
Filling happens through a large opening that actually accommodates standard buckets and pitchers. Sounds basic, but many sprayers force you to use funnels or pour slowly to avoid spills. The wide mouth speeds refills and makes adding surfactants or mixing multiple products more practical.
Value for Small Acreage
For properties under 10 acres, this sprayer delivers the capacity you need without excess features driving up cost. The manual boom control keeps things simple, no electronic valves to troubleshoot or replace.
The 1 GPM flow rate works perfectly for spot spraying and targeted applications. You’re not trying to cover vast monoculture fields: you’re managing fence lines, garden perimeters, and problem patches that pop up seasonally. Slower flow means better accuracy and less wasted herbicide.
Price-wise, Agri-Fab typically runs 15-20% less than comparable capacity sprayers with similar features. That savings matters when you’re balancing hobby farm investments across multiple needs, fencing, livestock infrastructure, soil amendments, and equipment all compete for limited budgets.
The Delavan pump included here has been around for decades in agricultural applications. Parts availability is excellent, and most farm supply stores stock common replacement components. When something eventually wears out, you’re not hunting for specialized parts or dealing with long waits.
One tradeoff: the lighter-duty construction means this isn’t the sprayer for extremely rough terrain or heavy daily use. But for weekend and seasonal weed control on established paths, it’ll serve reliably for years.
4. NorthStar ATV Boomless Broadcast Sprayer
Versatility for Multiple Applications
The boomless design changes how you approach spraying entirely. Instead of fixed nozzles on a rigid boom, you’re working with adjustable stream patterns that adapt to whatever you’re facing. That flexibility matters tremendously on diverse hobby farms.
You can swing from broad coverage for open pasture to narrow streams for fence line work without swapping nozzles or repositioning booms. The same setup handles post-emergent broadleaf treatments, pre-emergent barriers, and even foliar feeding when you add appropriate solutions.
Boomless systems also excel when you’re working around obstacles. Trees, buildings, and irregular terrain that force constant boom adjustments with traditional sprayers become simple navigation problems. You aim the spray pattern where it needs to go rather than positioning an entire boom assembly.
The trade-off comes in precision. Boomless spraying puts more herbicide into the air as fine droplets, which increases drift risk on windy days. You’ll need to pay closer attention to weather conditions and wind speed. Early morning or evening applications often work best when air is calmer.
Tank Size and Spray Range
NorthStar offers this configuration with various tank sizes, but the 26-gallon option balances capacity with ATV maneuverability. That volume gets you through substantial acreage before refilling becomes necessary.
The broadcast nozzles can throw spray 15-20 feet depending on pressure settings and wind conditions. That wide coverage means you’re treating roughly 30-40 feet of width per pass in ideal conditions. Compare that to boom sprayers limited by physical boom length.
The spray range adjustability lets you scale back when needed. Narrow the pattern down to 8-10 feet for work near vegetable gardens or sensitive plantings. Most boomless systems use simple valve controls that adjust flow distribution between nozzles.
The 12-volt system runs off your ATV battery with enough draw to maintain consistent pressure throughout your spray session. The 2.2 GPM pump keeps solution flowing even at wider spray patterns. You won’t experience the pressure drops that plague underpowered systems when you open up to full coverage.
The mounting system typically uses ATV cargo racks, so verify your specific ATV model has adequate rack capacity before committing. Most modern utility ATVs handle the weight fine, but older or sport-oriented models might need reinforcement.
5. Titan 40-Gallon 3-Point Hitch Sprayer
Tractor Compatibility
The 3-point hitch design requires a Category 1 tractor setup, standard on most compact and utility tractors between 20-50 horsepower. If you’re already running a tractor for mowing, tilling, or hay work, adding this sprayer integrates seamlessly into your existing equipment.
You’ll appreciate how the 3-point mount distributes weight. Instead of towing a trailer that bounces and shifts independently, the sprayer becomes part of your tractor’s mass. This improves stability on slopes and uneven ground where tow-behind units can feel unstable.
The hydraulic lift capability of 3-point systems lets you raise the sprayer for transport over rough terrain or when moving between fields. Drop it back down when you’re ready to spray. This vertical adjustment also helps when you need to clear ground-level obstacles or navigate through gates.
One consideration: 3-point attachments mean committing your tractor to spraying. You can’t quickly disconnect and switch to other implements mid-task the way you might unhitch a trailer sprayer. Plan your spray days as dedicated sessions rather than fitting them between other chores.
Professional-Grade Features at Hobby Farm Price
Titan’s 40-gallon capacity pushes into territory usually reserved for commercial equipment, but the pricing remains accessible for serious hobby farmers. You’re getting volume that supports 20+ acres of coverage per fill.
The 10-foot boom spans wide enough to make each tractor pass highly efficient. Fewer passes mean less fuel consumption, less soil compaction, and less time away from other farm tasks. The boom typically includes 5 nozzles spaced evenly for consistent overlap.
The pressure gauge and adjustable regulator give you control over application rates. Different herbicides work best at specific pressures, some need 40 PSI for optimal droplet size, others perform better at 60+ PSI. Having visible feedback prevents guesswork and improves results.
The agitation system keeps solutions mixed during application. This matters particularly with wettable powders or suspension concentrates that tend to settle. Without agitation, you’ll apply inconsistent concentrations, weak at the end of the tank, potentially too strong at the beginning.
The poly tank construction handles a wide range of chemical formulations without degrading. You can run everything from glyphosate solutions to oil-based herbicides without worry. Just maintain good rinsing practices between different product types.
Build quality exceeds typical hobby-grade equipment. The frame uses heavier gauge steel, and connection points are reinforced for sustained use. This is the sprayer you buy when you’re confident about your acreage and spray needs, not when you’re still figuring out basic weed control strategies.
6. Master Manufacturing 25-Gallon Spot Sprayer
Precision Weed Control Capabilities
Master Manufacturing built this sprayer specifically for targeted applications rather than broadcast coverage. The handgun attachment gives you pinpoint control over exactly where herbicide goes.
This design excels when you’re dealing with scattered weed pressure rather than blanket infestations. Walk fence lines and treat individual thistle plants. Target dock clusters in pastures without overspreading into grass you want to preserve. Spot-treat invasives that pop up in otherwise clean areas.
The handgun typically includes adjustable nozzle patterns, from solid stream to wide fan spray. Solid streams work beautifully for injecting herbicide directly into woody weed stems or treating hard-to-reach spots. Switch to fan pattern when you need slightly broader coverage on weed clusters.
The 25-foot hose gives you working radius around the sprayer without constantly repositioning your tow vehicle. This is transformative when you’re working irregular areas or treating along buildings where maneuvering vehicles becomes tedious.
Maintenance and Longevity
Spot sprayers see different use patterns than boom sprayers. You’re doing more start-stop operation, more pressure cycling, and more varied applications. Master Manufacturing addresses this with components designed for intermittent duty.
The diaphragm pump handles the constant on-off cycles better than piston pumps would. When you release the handgun trigger, pressure builds but the pump doesn’t strain. Simple pressure switch activation means the system only works when you’re actually spraying.
The hose and gun assembly are the wear points you’ll monitor most closely. Chemical exposure, UV damage from sun, and physical handling all take their toll over time. Keep a spare gun and hose assembly on hand, they’re inexpensive compared to the inconvenience of a mid-season failure.
Winterizing this sprayer is straightforward but critical. Run clean water through the system until discharge is clear. Then pull a non-toxic antifreeze solution through to protect the pump from freeze damage. The extra five minutes in fall prevents costly spring repairs.
The tow-behind design means less tipping risk than backpack sprayers, but you still need to store on level ground. Keeping the tank even prevents solution from pooling in one area and potentially degrading seals or valves.
For mixed livestock-and-crop hobby farms, spot spraying lets you work around animals more safely. You’re applying smaller total volumes and can precisely avoid water sources, feed areas, and high-traffic zones.
7. Brinly-Hardy 24-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer
Affordability and Reliability
Brinly-Hardy has supplied lawn and garden equipment for over 180 years. That longevity comes from building straightforward tools that work rather than chasing feature creep. This sprayer reflects that philosophy perfectly.
The 24-gallon poly tank provides adequate capacity without premium pricing. You’re typically looking at the most budget-friendly option among comparable-capacity hydraulic sprayers. For hobby farmers testing whether hydraulic spraying fits their operation, this represents minimal financial risk.
The three-nozzle boom keeps things simple and serviceable. Fewer nozzles mean fewer potential clog points and simpler troubleshooting when problems arise. The 5-foot spray width handles most hobby farm applications efficiently.
The 12-volt pump won’t win performance awards, but it delivers consistent 40 PSI pressure that’s adequate for standard herbicide applications. You might find it limiting if you’re trying to push thick solutions or need high-pressure penetration, but for typical selective herbicides and broadleaf controls, it performs reliably.
Ideal Terrain and Property Sizes
This sprayer works best on relatively flat or gently rolling terrain. The lighter frame and smaller tires don’t handle extremely rough ground as confidently as heavier-duty units. But if your property features established paths, mowed areas, or maintained pasture, it’ll serve you well.
Properties in the 5-12 acre range hit the sweet spot for this equipment. You’ve got enough area to justify hydraulic spraying over manual methods, but not so much acreage that you’ll spend your entire day refilling and respraying.
The compact footprint makes this sprayer easy to store in crowded outbuildings or garages. Width stays under 5 feet with the boom deployed, so you can navigate through gates and between obstacles that would challenge wider units.
For part-time farmers managing properties on weekends and evenings, the Brinly-Hardy delivers weed control capability without demanding extensive learning curves or maintenance schedules. You can pull it out seasonally, put it to work, and store it again without the commitment heavier equipment requires.
The trade-off is reduced longevity under heavy use. This isn’t the sprayer for weekly applications or commercial-level intensity. But for seasonal weed control, spring pre-emergent applications, mid-summer spot treatments, fall cleanup, it’ll provide years of adequate service.
Replacement parts availability through Brinly-Hardy’s established dealer network means you’re not hunting specialty components. Most hardware stores and farm supply outlets stock compatible hoses, nozzles, and fittings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hydraulic sprayer is best for a 10-acre hobby farm?
For a 10-acre hobby farm, a 25-gallon hydraulic sprayer offers the ideal balance. This capacity provides sufficient coverage between refills while remaining maneuverable around obstacles like fence posts and trees, making weed control efficient without overwhelming your storage or towing capacity.
How does a boomless sprayer differ from a boom sprayer for weed control?
Boomless sprayers use adjustable stream patterns instead of fixed nozzles, offering greater versatility around obstacles and irregular terrain. However, they create more drift risk on windy days. Boom sprayers provide more precise, consistent coverage but require careful maneuvering around trees and buildings.
Can I use the same hydraulic sprayer for different herbicide types?
Yes, poly tank sprayers handle various herbicide formulations from glyphosate to oil-based products. However, always flush the system thoroughly between different herbicide types to prevent contamination and chemical reactions that could damage crops or reduce effectiveness.
What PSI pressure is needed for effective weed control spraying?
Most selective herbicides and broadleaf controls work effectively at 40-60 PSI. Lower pressure suits delicate spot treatments near desirable plants, while 60+ PSI provides better penetration through dense weed growth and works well with thicker herbicide solutions.
How do I winterize a hydraulic sprayer to prevent freeze damage?
Run clean water through the entire system until discharge is clear, then pump non-toxic antifreeze solution through to protect the pump and lines. Store on level ground to prevent solution pooling that could degrade seals and valves during cold months.
Is a 3-point hitch sprayer better than a tow-behind model?
3-point hitch sprayers offer superior stability on slopes and uneven terrain by integrating with your tractor’s mass and allowing hydraulic height adjustment. Tow-behind models provide flexibility to quickly disconnect and switch tasks, making them better for mixed-use operations.
