A tow-behind sprayer is a device for spraying liquids over large areas. It is generally used for farming and garden maintenance applications. They can be attached to any small or large maintenance vehicle for easy usage.
Tow-behind sprayers eliminate the need for spraying chemicals from small bottles or heavy tanks that need to be dragged around. If you are a proud owner of a lush green piece of land, you need a tow-behind sprayer to keep the area in top shape.
We have reviewed the top-performing models on the market, to see which ones give you best value for the money.
Best Tow Behind Sprayer
Best Overall: NorthStar Tow-Behind Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
“includes an additional spraying wand that can extend to a distance of 15 ft.”
Most Popular: Chapin Herbicide and Pesticide Sprayer 97600E
“The sprayer’s pump comes with 0.5 GPM and a max pressure of 70 PSI”
Best Budget Choice: Agri-Fab Tow Sprayer 45-0292
“few can outmatch it in terms of build quality and performance – especially at this price range”
Best for Larger Properties: SMV Industries Deluxe Trail Sprayer
“deluxe sprayer features a 2 GMP pump that is fit for commercial spraying applications”
Best for Smaller Properties: Ironton Tow-Behind Trailer Sprayer
“the tank features a drain so the tank can be easily emptied and cleaned”
Big Capacity: Precision Products Tow-Behind and Spot Sprayer TCT25
“The tank is crafted from heavy-duty, weather- and UV-resistant plastic”
Best Overall: NorthStar Tow-Behind Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
- Durable pump with chemical-resistant features
- Decent tank capacity
- Comes with detailed instructions manual
- Adjustable spraying nozzle
- Some design choices don’t feel as durable
The NorthStar Sprayer is another capable and budget-friendly sprayer from Northern Tools. The company has a long history of delivering great value for money with its reliable equipment and affordable prices. NorthStar is a 12V, 31-gallon electric sprayer ideal for small jobs.
The sprayer may be a bit complicated to assemble, especially when compared to some others on the market. But it is also more convenient to use than many, once properly assembled.
The sprayer comes with two booms that extend out on both sides of the tank with the help of spring hinges. A hinge pin holds both the booms out for spraying. The system also includes an additional spraying wand that can extend to a distance of 15 ft. The hand sprayer can be used to spray on higher or tighter areas that the primary sprayer may have difficulty in reaching.
Most Popular: Chapin Herbicide and Pesticide Sprayer 97600E
- Features a straight hose
- Adjustable spraying nozzle on the hand sprayer
- Comes with a pressure gauge
- Translucent tank simplifies fluid monitoring
- The booms are difficult to assemble
If you are in the market for a small and relatively affordable sprayer for home use with excellent build quality, you should look at the Chapin 97600. The 97600 is a smaller version of Chapin International’s more expensive sprayers but retains the same build quality.
The 97600 comes with a tank capacity of 15 gallons and a top opening of 5 inches. Although not a very large tank capacity, 15 gallons are more than enough to cover an average-sized yard with your pesticide of choice. The tank can resist the action of almost all chemical products, so it can be used for a variety of pesticides and weed killers.
The sprayer’s pump comes with 0.5 GPM and a max pressure of 70 PSI. This is quite impressive as we have seen some more expensive and larger sprayers with less power. A pressure gauge is attached to the top of the tank so users can monitor the sprayer pressure. The included hand sprayer comes with a dripless shut-off mechanism and an ergonomic grip so that it can be used for longer without much effort. The hand sprayer comes with a 15 ft hose for easy usability.
Best Budget Choice: Agri-Fab Tow Sprayer 45-0292
- Decent capacity for home usage
- Included drain plug for easy cleaning
- The hitch is compatible with many tractors
- Spray wand included for additional coverage
- Assembly is a bit difficult
Agri-Fab is an agricultural equipment manufacturer that has taken over a great amount of the market share since it first began operations in 1975. The company may have started as a lawn sweeper manufacturer, but it has grown into an agricultural solutions provider over the years.
The company’s 45-0292 is a 15 gallon tow-behind sprayer. Agri-Fab markets it to a segment of homeowners and casual users who appreciate quality and durability.
The quality of the sprayer’s housing is truly incredible. There are a number of good quality sprayers out there. However, we have come across only a few others that provide the level of construction Agri-Fab does at this price. The poly tank is robust and suitable for use with all kinds of pesticides and other chemical products. The tank rests on an equally durable steel frame.
The sprayer’s compatibility with almost all kinds of chemical products means that it can be used all year round for different purposes. You can use it to spray protective chemicals in order to prevent crabgrass, grubs and weeds.
For homeowners, it also acts are a great fertilizer sprayer so you can keep your lawn looking lush and healthy with minimal effort.
With the booms completely extended, the sprayer has a maximum coverage of 7 ft. Agri-Fab also includes a hand sprayer that can disperse chemicals up to a maximum distance of 30 ft. This is ideal for spraying on bushes and trees.
The 10-inch flat-free tires make maneuverability a breeze. Moving the sprayer around the lawn does not require a lot of effort, regardless of what’s pulling the frame.
Best for Larger Properties: SMV Industries Deluxe Trail Sprayer
- Large storage capacity
- Powder-coated steel frame
- Large 13-inch wheels
- 120-inch power cable
- Has a low trailer hitch
Are you are looking for something with a bit more power for a larger piece of land than just your front yard? This industrial-grade sprayer from SMV Industries is certainly worth a consideration. SMV Industries has been in the business of manufacturing farming equipment for a better part of six decades.
This deluxe sprayer features a 2 GMP pump that is fit for commercial spraying applications. The large yellow tank has been built to be compatible with a number of agricultural chemicals. The sprayer, however, is not meant solely for agricultural use. A few smart design choices make this a versatile sprayer that will give just as much utility when used in a yard or garden.
The sprayer comes with a 2-nozzle boom capable of spraying over a wide area. It also has a large storage capacity of 25 gallons. These qualities make this sprayer ideal for use on large properties, small farms, and for other commercial usages. The additional side wand enhances the device’s versatility. By using the hand wand, users can spray over trees and other areas at height. The sprayer’s large 13-inch wheels allow for easier maneuverability when it’s attached to a UTV, ATV, or any other vehicle.
Best for Smaller Properties: Ironton Tow-Behind Trailer Sprayer
- Compact form factor
- Durable UV-resistant build
- Gallon markers on the tank
- Easy to assemble
- Opaque tank makes it difficult to determine the liquid level
The Ironton Spot Sprayer is an interesting and cost-effective offering from the popular manufacturer Northern Tools. The Ironton is a small-job sprayer great for use on small- to mid-sized areas such as lawn, gardens and yards.
This may be a compact sprayer, but don’t underestimate its capability as it features a 13-gallon sprayer. At this capacity, it is capable of covering an average-sized orchard. The smaller size, in fact, is beneficial as that means the tool can be attached to smaller garden tractors for easy maneuverability in smaller spaces. It can be used to spray on weeds, bushes, fence-lines and trees.
Despite being a small-job sprayer for personal use, the Ironton delivers sufficient pumping power of 1 GPM. The pump is built for durability so it can withstand consistent usage as well as effects of weather and stronger chemical products. Gallon marks are also a nice addition to the otherwise opaque tank. They make it easier to keep fluid levels in check and know when its time for a refill.
Big Capacity: Precision Products Tow-Behind and Spot Sprayer TCT25
- Comes completely assembled
- Large tank capacity
- The spray pump is attached to an anti-vibration pad
- Can be used on uneven land
- No holster for spraying wand
Another great tow-behind sprayer that we tested is the TCT25 from Precision Products. The manufacturer has released two variants of this sprayer, both of which offer tremendous value. This variant, which is priced a bit higher than the base model, comes with a larger tank capacity of 25 gallons.
The Shurflo pump, which the TCT25 boasts, can discharge at a rate of 1.8 GPM and at a pressure of 60 PSI. Although this isn’t the most powerful pump we have reviewed, it is sufficient to meet commercial usage requirements. It is also sufficiently powerful compared to other sprayers in its price range. For increased application, the sprayer comes with a 15 ft long spraying wand for spot spraying.
How to Choose the Best Tow Sprayer for You
Tow-behind sprayers come in several sizes and at different price points. It is important to determine what you need the sprayer for. Assessing your requirements will tell you whether you need a small sprayer or a larger one that costs considerably more.
Other factors to consider include the space you will be using the sprayer on. You might have the budget for a large heavy-duty sprayer, but the area you will be using it on might not be large enough to merit the purchase of an expensive sprayer. A large sprayer on a small property will become a nightmare to maneuver.
If you are new to garden maintenance, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the variety of options available on the market. However, buying the right sprayer is not as difficult as it seems. All you need to do is assess the individual characteristics of any sprayer and match them with your requirements. We have covered some of the more important considerations in the buying guide below.
Tank Material
The spray tank is the largest component of the sprayer. It is also among the most important. You don’t want to buy a very cheap sprayer that comes with a low-quality tank. If the tank corrodes easily or is ruined by the action of chemicals or weather, the sprayer will be rendered useless.
Even if you are not buying a cheap sprayer, you still need to consider the materials the tank is built out of. This is important because some materials last longer in certain climates than others. This consideration will vary depending on the area you are in. We will look at some of the most common materials tanks are built from so you can have a better idea of which material will suit you well.
Polyethylene
Poly tanks are the most common, especially on budget-friendly models. They are lightweight, considerably durable and very affordable. They may not be as durable as some other materials we will be discussing later on, but they are sufficiently weather-resistant. They are also built to resist the action of stronger chemical products. These tanks generally have thick walls layered with UV protection to enhance longevity. However, you should not leave them in the sunlight for an extended period.
Stainless Steel
This is the most durable material that spray tanks are made from. Stainless steel tanks are resistant to corrosion, and they are incredibly sturdy. They can resist significant impacts and will last longer in different kinds of climates. They can be left outside exposed to the elements longer without any harmful effects. Stainless steel tanks are probably among the most expensive sprayers you can buy. They are also very heavy. If you need a sprayer for light usage, you should consider more affordable alternatives.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass tanks possess the best qualities of both the two material types discussed above. They are more durable than poly tanks and much lighter than stainless steel tanks. They are rustproof and can also hold their own against the elements. Even with consistent usage, they will last longer. The only drawback of fiberglass tanks is that you have to be very careful with what you leave inside them and the temperature you leave them in. At temperatures below 0-degree Celsius, any liquids left inside the tank may cause it to explode.
Capacity
The second most important consideration is the capacity of the tank. The tank capacity will determine how much area the sprayer can cover before it requires a refill. You will have to assess the area that you are purchasing the sprayer for.
If you intend to maintain a small lawn or yard, consider a tank with a smaller capacity of 13 to 15 gallons. For larger areas, buy a tank with a higher capacity of 25 to 30 gallons. There are also larger sprayers up to a hundred gallons that are fit for industrial usage.
Pressure Gauge
A pressure gauge determines the pressure that is produced by the liquid within the tank. All tow-behind sprayers come with a pressure gauge. However, not all come with one that is placed intelligently so it’s always within your line of sight.
It is important for you to monitor the pressure in order to ensure that you are using the right amount when spraying. A pressure gauge that is affixed to the tank at a position where it is easily visible will make a lot of difference during your spraying job. The easier it is for you to see the current pressure, the better you can adjust it, and achieve the ideal pressure for maximum spraying efficiency.
Tires
The tow-behind sprayer is a garden maintenance tool. This means that it will have to be moved around over large areas. Some of these yards and areas may not be completely even and may be layered with bumps and troughs. You need a sprayer that can efficiently maneuver the uneven landscape.
Pneumatic wheels are the most effective when it comes to traversing uneven areas. However, you should pay attention to the size of the wheels. If you own a piece of land that is relatively uneven, look for a sprayer with larger wheels. For an even landscape, smaller wheels will do just fine.
Conclusion
Some of the best tow-behind sprayers for small jobs come at affordable prices. A majority of homeowners don’t need more expensive sprayers as they are generally meant for farming and other professional applications.
In this review and guide, we assessed some of the best poly tow-behind sprayers that you can purchase for your lawn, yard or orchard. Any of these 6 recommendations will serve you well for a number of spraying applications. However, we hope that our buying guide has left you more capable of assessing other options as well.
For homeowners with an average-sized yard, the Agri-Fab 15-gallon is probably a top choice. It is a durable and efficient sprayer that delivers tremendous value for money. However, for larger areas, we recommend the NorthStar which comes with a 31-gallon capacity for extended coverage.