Boomless or boom sprayer? It’s a question many have asked when it comes to buying chemical sprayers. The answer comes down to where and when you'll be spraying. This guide will help you discover the difference between them so you can decide for yourself which one suits you best.
Boomless vs. Boom Sprayers
A boomless sprayer typically has one or two nozzles that spray laterally to get greater coverage. On the other hand, a boom sprayer generally comes with multiple spray tips pointing downwards and spread out along the boom arms on each side to spray the crop or field directly.
Advantages of Boomless Sprayers
Easy to Control and Manoeuvre
Boomless sprayers are more compact than boom sprayers, making them easier to control and manoeuvre. They are efficient and safe to use even near fences, ditches, trees, poles and anywhere you may need to sharply turn.
Easy Spray Monitoring
Because boomless sprayers only have 1–2 nozzles, it's easy to monitor and keep an eye on your spraying.
Simple Maintenance
Due to their compact design, boomless sprayers generally have few parts, making them a breeze to maintain. Additionally, as they’re so small, you are less likely to have to deal with damage from accidents, like hitting posts, trees and other obstacles.
Advantages of Boom Sprayers
Strong Wind Resistance
Boom sprayers are designed with their nozzles close to the ground, so the chance of chemical drift is significantly reduced. Because of their wide-spread boom arms, you can spray large areas, such as fields and pastures, and not worry about the wind carrying off the spray.
Extensive Coverage
Along with strong wind resistance, low-placed nozzles ensure boom sprayers are accurate. It’s easy to track and monitor the areas that have been sprayed and what still needs to be done. This is particularly important if you’re covering large expanses and need to make the most efficient use of time.
Efficient Use of Chemicals
Because of their evenly-spaced nozzles, boom sprayers have less chemical overlap, saving you time and money.
Should You Go Boom or Boomless?
The best chemical sprayer for you depends on your spraying applications. If you're spraying on rough and uneven ground, orchards or in pastures with lots of trees, a boomless sprayer is best. Additionally, as they spray from such a height, they're also great for spraying any overgrown areas and killing mosquitoes.
Using a boom sprayer is best if you’re dealing with even or level pastures and fields. Further, because they are much more efficient when it comes to chemicals, they are great for maintaining food plot forages, saving you a lot of money. They also perform better than boomless sprayers in windier weather, which can be an issue in pastures where there are no wind breaks.
How Do You Maintain a Boom Sprayer or a Boomless Sprayer?
Now you know which sprayer you need, it’s important you understand how to best look after it. This includes a range of regular maintenance steps to keep your sprayer running at its best.
Visual Inspection
We recommend a regular quick visual inspection to pick up any damage from regular use.
Step 1:
Check the hoses, particularly the hose connections and fittings. This is best done by closely checking for any slits or cuts.
Step 2:
Unscrew all the filters and clean the dust that's built up over time. This will help ensure smooth running.
Step 3:
Check the inside of your tank for any dust, debris or insects that may have gotten inside. A clean tank means you’re less likely to have to deal with breakdowns.
Daily Maintenance
Along with your visual inspection, make sure to have a daily maintenance routine for your chemical sprayer. This should be done before and after use to ensure its working to its optimum level. For instance, making sure to keep the tank and plumbing clean helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and chemicals mixing.
Before Use
Before you start spraying, ensure you do the following.
Step 1:
Inspect your hoses for leaks. Sometimes, vibrations from use can cause fittings to come loose.
Step 2:
Decide how much spray mixture you'll need for the area to avoid bottom residue — leftover spray that can mix with your next chemical. It will take practice, but you will be able to do this when you have good control of the speed required for spraying, precise knowledge of the ground and plan for the passage of the sprayer.
After Use
Once you’ve finished spraying, the job’s not done yet. For a clean, easy spray next time, make sure you do the below steps.
Step 1:
Empty and clean out the tank, then fill it back up with clean water to remove any remaining chemicals.
Step 2:
Flush out the chemicals from the pump, hoses and nozzles with clean water to avoid mixing chemicals when you spray next.
Tip:
If you're planning to use the same chemical the next day, then it is not necessary to clean out your tank. Nevertheless, some chemicals should not be stored outside for a specific time. Refer to the chemical packaging for details.
Monthly Maintenance
Inspect your sprayer once a month for worn or broken parts. You may prefer to do this weekly if you're using the sprayer a lot.
Step 1: Check Filters
It’s best to change or thoroughly clean the filters on your sprayer after a month's use. This is done by removing them and spraying them with a pressure washer.
Step 2: Test Your Nozzles
You must check the spray nozzles every month and replace them if they’re no longer working. Otherwise, you’ll find your spraying far less efficiently than you need.
You can do this by spraying into a container and measuring the water captured to the recommended output. Refer to the nozzle manufacturer's chart as to how many gallons should be spraying out of the nozzle in 1 minute at a specific pressure. If your output differs by more than 10%, you should replace the nozzle.
Before Storage Maintenance
If you will not be using your sprayer for a length of time, it’s best to prep it for storage to ensure it’s ready to go the next time you need it. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending extra time and money on fixing it back up.
Step 1:
Drain the sprayer of any chemicals or water, so it will be clean to use next time.
Step 2:
Similarly, blow out the plumbing lines or hoses to avoid blockages.
Step 3:
Store your sprayer somewhere safe, where it will not be exposed to the elements and excessive dust and dirt. You may like to use a cover on your sprayer.
After Storage Maintenance
When you need your sprayer again, follow these steps to ensure there are no issues before you begin using it again.
Step 1:
Complete a visual inspection as detailed above.
Step 2:
Clean the tank thoroughly. There should be no residue from the last use or dust or dirt that could mix with the chemicals.
Step 3:
Inspect the engine and pump to ensure each is working properly.
Step 4:
Like the tank, clean the nozzles to get maximum spraying efficiency.
Step 5:
Run water through the sprayer and take it for a test run, looking for any signs of blockages or operational issues.
Happy Spraying!
With the right equipment for a job, you can work as efficiently as possible. And, now, thanks to this guide, you’re sure to pick the best sprayer option for your job to get things done fast but effectively.
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