[RonS]

I know that it is kind of odd to be thinking about a sprayer while in the middle of winter but it generally takes 2 - 4 weeks to ship these things. So now I am looking for input from the my fellow Deereheads.

I have a few options.

1) I can buy the 25 gallon JD unit for my X540. Advantages are that (a) it is a bit smaller; easier to navigate around the flower gardens and trees, (b) since the 540 has turf tires, it would be easier on the lawn. Disadvantage is that it has an electric pup

2) Second option is to buy a Fimco gallon unit for my 2520. Advantages are (a) 3 pt; (b) higher gallonage so fewer refills. Disadvantages are (a) the 2520 has R4s so it would be harder on the lawn; (b) bigger so a bit clumsier in tight spaces; (c) electric pump.

3) Fimco 55 gallon for the 2520. Advantages are (a) 3 pt; (b) higher gallonage so fewer fill ups; (3) roller pump driven. Disadvantages are (a) R4 tires harder on lawn; (b) clumsier in tight places; (c) most expensive option.

The JD unit is $440; the 40 gallon Fimco is $384 plus shipping; the 55 gallon Fimco is $680 plus shipping.

Any and all input is appreciated.

 

[JD4EVER]

What are you spraying chemical wise?
How much area?
Will you need or want a wand?

 

[RonS]

I will be spraying herbicide over a couple of acres. No need for a wand.

 

[Brian]

I have a 25 gallon Fimco boomless sprayer that I use for my lawn and field. I use it on my ATV, as my Zero turn would not be easy to mount it on.

Are you looking at one with a boom or boomless?

 

[ejb69]

I too use a 26 gallon boomless sprayer on a atv to spray my lawn. Not sure of the brand, I have had it for 10 years or so. It came from fleet farm. I may put it on my 1026r in spring. A 55 gallon sprayer seems really big for a lawn.

 

[RandyM]

I have 60 gal Demco with a roller pump and 12 foot collapsable boom. I love it. No way would I go back to an electric pump and a trailer. I have way more control now over flow and pressure. I use it on my 2520 with R4s. I do approximately 4.5 acres of lawn. It works for me.

http://dem.co/pro/

 

[dieselshadow]

Can you help out the sprayer uneducated here (me)? What is the advantage of having a PTO pump vs an electric pump? It looks to me like a huge expense.

 

[RandyM]

Can you help out the sprayer uneducated here (me)? What is the advantage of having a PTO pump vs an electric pump? It looks to me like a huge expense.

Not sure what huge expense you are referring to. :unknown: But, the difference for me is that the PTO pump is sooooo much more versatile and controllable. I can get completely different flows and pressures just by adjusting my rpm, pressure switch, and nozzles. I found that with all the ranges I have with these variables I struggled with electric pumps. Now mind you, you may get there with electric pumps but I certainly found it to be a struggle. The one thing I didn't do was keep buying bigger pumps, now that would have been expensive. I can easily set what I need, flow and pressure very quickly.

 

[Brian]

While I can see what Randy is saying, I feel differently about a PTO pump. In my situation, a PTO pump would limit my ise of the sprayer to only 2 machines and not allow me to use it on my atv, gator, or loan it out to a friend. Also, the stuff I spray, 2-4d & roundup should be put down at a specific amount, and there is little need to adjust the pressure, IF I have to, my pump has an adjustable guage and easily lets me drop from 45 psi to zero.

I don't see the benifit, other than possible longevity, to the major cost difference to justify a PTO pump over an electric.

 

[RonS]

Brian,

Right now I am looking at models with a boom. Although having said that, I have zero experience/knowledge about sprayers.

 

[jfoi]

i would rather have the 3pt. sprayer. but that is just because i have more ground to spray with it and i can go from the boom to a wand (even though you can do that on a tow behind) but i dont need to worry about hooking it up to my battery or putting fuel into the engine of the sprayer, i just quick hitch it up and im off. i also have one that fits in the gator its a 60 gallon one that is custom made from parts from northern tool, for doing smaller jobs around the acreage like the garden and places deep in the woods where i hunt.

i really like the pto powered one for doing large areas becasue i can regulate my speed better with a speedometer in the 4720, where with the x320 or in your case x540 you cant tell how fast you are applying what ever your spraying so it's kinda hit or miss.

hope this helps, you can ask me any questions you have about my setups

 

[dieselshadow]

Randy, I misread the brochure. It seems the price spread wasn't as high as I had thought.

There is some great info and feedback in this thread. My needs do not dictate the need for a sprayer of this size for my property. However this is still great stuff to know.

PTO vs Electric may be another of those R4 tires vs turfs and electrical outlet ground up vs ground down kind of thing. I can appreciate the pros and cons of either.

 

[Brian]

If you are going wide, a boom gives you greater adjustability as to coverage and width. Boomless like to spray at higher pressures and a set width per head you use.

 

[deeregator]

Silly question. If an electric sprayer is used on a carry-all, can the outlet on a 1026R be used instead of a battery?:dunno:

 

[jfoi]

well, you would have to check, it is possible to do but the amp. rating may exceed the rating for the 12v outlet which would blow the fuse alot...