Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn often requires more than just a hose-end sprayer. For larger properties, efficiently applying fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides becomes a significant task. A tow-behind sprayer is the perfect solution, allowing you to cover vast areas quickly and uniformly from the comfort of your riding mower or UTV.
These versatile machines range from compact spot sprayers for targeted applications to high-capacity models with wide booms for broadcast coverage. The right choice depends on your acreage, terrain, and specific lawn care needs. This roundup highlights ten of the best tow-behind sprayers to help you find the ideal model for a greener, more vibrant lawn.
The Best Tow-Behind Sprayers for a Perfect Lawn
- Master Mfg 15-Gallon UTV & ATV Spot Sprayer
- Agri-Fab 45-0292 Tow Sprayer, 15-Gallon
- Agri-Fab 45-0293 25-Gallon Professional Tow Sprayer
- NorthStar Tow-Behind Trailer Sprayer – 55-Gallon
- Precision Products TCT25 Tow Behind and Spot Sprayer
- FIMCO Trailer Sprayer with 2 Nozzle Boom, 15 Gallon
- Chapin International 98444 40-Gallon Tank Sprayer
- NorthStar Tow-Behind Trailer Sprayer, 55-Gallon
- Grass Guardian 25 Gallon Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer
- NorthStar Tow-Behind Sprayer 55-Gallon
Master Mfg 15-Gallon UTV & ATV Spot Sprayer
For those who need precision on larger properties, the Master Mfg spot sprayer is an excellent companion for your UTV or ATV. Its 15-gallon capacity is ideal for targeting weeds, trees, and fence lines without the need for constant refills. The 2.2 GPM pump provides a consistent flow for effective application.
The key feature is the adjustable spray gun, which offers impressive reach. You can spray up to 25 feet vertically and 30 feet horizontally, allowing you to treat hard-to-reach areas from the comfort of your vehicle’s seat. This makes it a versatile tool for both lawn care and general property maintenance.
Agri-Fab 45-0292 Tow Sprayer
The Agri-Fab 45-0292 is a user-friendly, battery-powered tow sprayer perfect for medium-sized lawns. Its 15-gallon tank strikes a good balance between capacity and maneuverability. Being battery-powered means you don’t have to rely on your tractor’s electrical system, offering greater flexibility and easier setup.
This model is designed for simplicity and effectiveness. It’s a solid choice for homeowners who need a reliable sprayer for regular lawn fertilization and weed control without the complexity of a larger, more powerful system.
Agri-Fab 45-0293 25-Gallon Professional Tow Sprayer
Stepping up in capacity, the Agri-Fab 45-0293 offers a 25-gallon tank for more extensive lawn care tasks. This 12-volt professional model is built for those who need to cover more ground between refills. It connects directly to your tractor’s battery for a dependable power source.
This sprayer is designed for efficiency and is well-suited for larger residential properties. The increased capacity means you can fertilize or treat weeds across a significant area without interruption, making your lawn care routine more productive.
NorthStar Tow-Behind Trailer Sprayer – 55-Gallon Capacity
For the serious property owner or small-scale farmer, the NorthStar 55-gallon sprayer is a heavy-duty workhorse. Its massive tank, built with extra-thick, UV-stabilized walls, is made to handle large-scale applications. The powerful 160cc Honda GC160 engine drives a 7 GPM pump for high-performance spraying.
This model includes boomless nozzles that deliver a wide 32-foot spray swath, allowing you to cover vast areas quickly. The 20-foot reinforced PVC hose provides ample reach for monitoring and spot treatment, making it an incredibly efficient tool for extensive land management.
Precision Products TCT25 Tow Behind and Spot Sprayer
The Precision Products TCT25 is a versatile 25-gallon sprayer that offers the best of both worlds: broadcast coverage and spot treatment. When towed behind a tractor, its boom can spray a width of over 7 feet for efficient lawn coverage. It also includes a hand wand for precise spot spraying.
Operating at up to 60 PSI, this 12-volt sprayer is easy to connect to your tractor’s battery. This combination of features makes it an ideal all-in-one solution for property owners who need to maintain large grassy areas while also addressing specific problem spots like weeds along fences or garden edges.
FIMCO Trailer Sprayer with 2 Nozzle Boom
The FIMCO 15-gallon trailer sprayer is built with a focus on durability and pump longevity. Its 1.2 GPM High Flo pump features an internally fan-cooled motor, which helps prevent overheating during extended use. The chemically resistant valves and diaphragms are designed to withstand harsh lawn chemicals.
This model comes equipped with a 2-nozzle boom for effective broadcast spraying. It’s a robust and reliable option for homeowners who want a sprayer that will perform consistently over many seasons, thanks to its focus on durable component design.
Chapin International 98444 40-Gallon Agriculture Sprayer
Chapin offers a substantial 40-gallon solution that is proudly made in the USA with global materials. The chemical-resistant, translucent poly tank features a large 6-inch opening for easy filling and mixing. Its seals are designed to handle standard fertilizers and weed control chemicals.
A significant advantage is the 2.5 GPM diaphragm pump, which can run dry without damage, eliminating the worry of costly repairs from accidental dry operation. The easy-mount system connects to a 12V battery with a wiring harness and alligator clips for a quick and simple setup.
NorthStar Tow-Behind Trailer Sprayer, 55-Gallon
This NorthStar model is another professional-grade 55-gallon sprayer, distinguished by its powerful 4-roller pump and dependable Honda GX160 engine. The pump delivers 7 GPM and allows for adjustable pressure up to 150 PSI, giving you precise control over your application.
Features like the clear PVC hose for easy chemical flow monitoring and left and right boom shutoff valves provide enhanced control and convenience. This sprayer is built for demanding, large-scale applications where performance and reliability are paramount.
Grass Guardian 25 Gallon Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer
The Grass Guardian is a well-designed 25-gallon sprayer that offers excellent functionality. The translucent tank includes raised volume markings, allowing you to easily see how much liquid remains. Its 7-foot broadcast spray swath is ideal for efficiently treating medium to large lawns.
In addition to the broadcast boom, it comes with a spot spray wand capable of reaching up to 20 feet horizontally. This versatility ensures you can handle both large-area fertilization and targeted weed control with a single machine.
NorthStar Tow-Behind Sprayer 55-Gallon
NorthStar offers another variant of its robust 55-gallon tow-behind sprayer, designed for users with substantial spraying needs. These models are generally built for durability and high performance, often featuring powerful engines and high-flow pumps to tackle large properties and farmland.
When considering a sprayer of this caliber, it’s important to review the specific engine, pump output, and boom configuration to ensure it matches your requirements. NorthStar’s reputation for building sturdy, reliable equipment makes this a brand worth considering for professional-level results.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Tow Behind Sprayer for Your Lawn
Choosing the right tow behind sprayer for your lawn can feel like a big decision, and I get it. You want something that makes the job easier, not harder. The good news is that once you know what to look for, the choice becomes a lot clearer. I’ve found that focusing on a few key areas will help you find the perfect match for your property.
First, consider the tank capacity. This is probably the most important starting point. For smaller lawns of an acre or two, a 15- or 25-gallon model might be plenty. But if you’re maintaining a large field, a multi-acre property, or a small farm, you’ll want to look at 55-gallon or even 100-gallon tanks. A larger tank means fewer trips back to your filling station, which saves you a ton of time. Just remember that a full 100-gallon tank weighs over 800 pounds, so you need a vehicle like a riding mower or UTV that can handle that weight.
Next, think about the pump. This is the heart of the sprayer. For most lawn fertilizers and herbicides, a 12-volt diaphragm pump is the standard and works great. They are durable and can handle a variety of chemicals. Look at the pump’s flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A higher GPM means more pressure and a wider spray pattern, which helps you cover ground faster. Also, check how the pump is powered. Most connect to a standard vehicle battery via alligator clips, which is simple and effective.
The boom is what does the actual spraying. A good boom will have multiple nozzles spaced evenly to ensure a consistent, overlapping pattern. Some booms are adjustable in width, which is a nice feature for navigating around obstacles or treating different areas. For spot treatment, a handgun sprayer is an absolute must-have accessory. I always look for a model that includes one, as it’s perfect for targeting weeds along fence lines or in hard-to-reach corners.
Finally, don’t overlook the construction. You want a sprayer that will last. Look for tanks made from polyethylene, which is chemical-resistant and won’t rust. A sturdy, welded steel frame is crucial for supporting the full weight of the tank, especially on rougher terrain. Features like an easy-to-read sight gauge for checking liquid levels and a good filtration system to protect the pump from debris are small details that make a big difference in the long run. By weighing these factors—tank size, pump type, boom design, and build quality—you can confidently pick one of the best tow behind sprayers for lawns that fits your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of vehicle do I need to tow a sprayer?
You don’t need a tractor for most residential models. A standard riding lawn mower or a garden tractor is usually sufficient for sprayers up to 55 gallons. For larger 100-gallon sprayers, you’ll want something more powerful like a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) or a compact tractor. Always check the gross vehicle weight of your towing vehicle to make sure it can handle the weight of a fully loaded sprayer, as water and chemicals are very heavy.
Can I use the same sprayer for both fertilizer and weed killer?
Yes, you can, but you need to be incredibly careful and thorough with your cleaning in between uses. Residual herbicide left in the tank, hoses, or boom can damage your lawn when you later go to spray fertilizer. I always do a triple rinse with clean water and a small amount of detergent, running the pump and spraying through the boom and handgun each time. For absolute peace of mind, some people dedicate one sprayer for herbicides and another for fertilizers.
How do I calibrate my tow behind sprayer?
Calibration sounds technical, but it’s just about figuring out how much liquid you’re applying per acre or per 1,000 square feet. To do it, you’ll fill the tank with a known amount of water, mark a test course on your lawn, and spray it at your normal speed and pressure. Then, you measure how much water you used to cover that area. This process helps you apply chemicals at the correct rate, which is crucial for both effectiveness and preventing damage to your lawn. Your sprayer’s manual should have specific calibration instructions.
What maintenance does a tow behind sprayer require?
Proper maintenance is key to making your sprayer last for years. After every use, you should thoroughly rinse the entire system with clean water. It’s also a good practice to run some RV antifreeze through the pump and lines before winter storage to prevent cracking. Regularly inspect the nozzles for clogs and the hoses for any signs of wear or cracks. I also make a habit of checking all electrical connections for corrosion to ensure my pump gets a consistent power supply.
Are the tires on these sprayers important?
They are more important than you might think! Good, pneumatic (air-filled) tires with a decent tread make a huge difference, especially if you have uneven or hilly terrain. They provide better flotation and a smoother ride, which prevents the tank from sloshing and helps maintain an even application. Solid plastic wheels are common on smaller, cheaper models and are fine for perfectly flat lawns, but they can be rough on your turf and the sprayer itself on bumpy ground. When looking at the 10 best tow behind sprayers for lawns, I always pay close attention to the tire quality.