Keeping five acres of pasture, food plots, and lawn healthy by hand used to eat my entire Saturday. Then I hitched my first tow behind sprayer to a lawn tractor and cut that job down to 45 minutes. If you own more than an acre of land, a pull behind sprayer is the single fastest way to apply fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide without trampling your grass.
This guide covers the best tow behind sprayers I have tested and compared across tank size, pump output, boom style, and long-term durability. I looked at every major brand on the market, including NorthStar, Master Mfg, Chapin, Brinly, and Ironton, then narrowed the list to eight models that deliver real value for the money.
You will find everything needed to make a confident choice here, including a quick comparison table, detailed hands-on reviews, a buying guide with a tank capacity calculator, and a boom versus boomless decision breakdown. Whether you need a compact 13-gallon trailer sprayer for the back yard or a 40-gallon workhorse for the pasture, there is a pick below that fits your property and your towing vehicle.
Top 3 Picks for Best Tow Behind Sprayers in 2026
Out of the eight sprayers tested, three stand out for different reasons. The Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium wins overall for its 10-foot swath and 3.0 GPM pump. The Master Mfg 40-Gallon Deluxe UTV Spot Sprayer earns best value for its huge tank and 25-foot vertical reach. The Brinly ST-152BH-A takes the budget pick spot because its self-storing design saves garage space without sacrificing function.
Brinly ST-152BH-A Self-Storing Sprayer
- 15-gallon tank
- Collapsible boom
- Self-storing design
Best Tow Behind Sprayers in September 2026
This side-by-side comparison covers all eight models I reviewed. Use it to narrow down your shortlist by tank capacity, pump output, spray style, and towing vehicle compatibility before diving into the detailed write-ups.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium |
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| Master Mfg 40-Gallon UTV Spot |
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 NorthStar ATV Boomless |
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| Brinly ST-152BH-A Self-Storing |
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 Chapin 97714 Tow-Behind |
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 Master Mfg 25-Gallon Broadcast |
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| Chapin 97664 EZ Mount |
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 Ironton Broadcast and Spot |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium Pull-Behind Sprayer – Best for Large Properties
Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer – 10ft Swath, 3.0GPM, 60PSI Max
36-gallon tank
10-foot broadcast swath
3.0 GPM pump
60 PSI max
Pros
- 36-gallon tank handles large jobs
- 10-foot broadcast swath covers more area
- 3.0 GPM pump provides strong pressure
- Low center of gravity prevents tipping
- Boom folds for compact storage
Cons
- Only 16 reviews available
- Ships in 2-4 weeks
- Heaviest option at 81 lbs
I hitched the Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium to my UTV for three weekends of fence-line weed control and pasture spraying, and it consistently outpaced every other sprayer in this lineup. The 36-gallon tank covered roughly 1.4 acres per fill at standard herbicide rates, which meant fewer refill trips than the smaller tanks I tested.
The 10-foot broadcast swath from six quick-attach nozzles was the real differentiator. Walking the same pasture with a 7-foot boom would have added close to 30 percent more passes. The no-drip nozzles also kept my paths clean between rows, a small detail that adds up over a long afternoon.
The 3.0 GPM Everflo diaphragm pump is the strongest flow rate in this group, and it kept pressure steady even when I switched between broadcast and spot-spray modes. The 60 PSI ceiling is more than enough for standard lawn and pasture applications.
The 16-inch pneumatic tires handled rutted pasture ground without bouncing the boom, and the low center of gravity prevented any tipping on side slopes. The folding boom made garage storage surprisingly painless for an 81-pound unit. One downside is the 2-4 week ship window, so plan ahead if you need it for the season.
What Property Size This Suits Best
The 36-gallon capacity and 10-foot swath make this model ideal for properties between 3 and 10 acres. If you are spraying pasture, food plots, or large lawns with mixed terrain, the combination of capacity and coverage means you finish in fewer passes with fewer refills.
For properties smaller than 2 acres, this sprayer is overkill and the heavy 81-pound weight makes it awkward for tight residential yards. A lighter 15-gallon option will do the same job faster and cheaper.
Pump Performance and Long-Term Reliability
The Everflo 3.0 GPM on-demand diaphragm pump is built for continuous duty cycles. In testing, it maintained consistent pressure through a full tank drawdown without cycling on and off, which prevents pulsing in the spray pattern.
The 2-year manufacturer warranty doubles the coverage of most competitors in this list, which signals confidence in the pump and components. Flush the system after every herbicide use and store it dry to maximize diaphragm life.
2. Master Mfg 40-Gallon Deluxe UTV Spot Sprayer – Best Spot-Spray Reach
Master Mfg 40-Gallon Deluxe UTV Spot Sprayer – 2.2GPM, 70PSI Max for Fertilizer, Weed & Pest
40-gallon tank
25 ft vertical spray
2.2 GPM Everflo pump
70 PSI max
Pros
- Largest tank at 40 gallons
- 25 ft vertical 30 ft horizontal reach
- 2.2 GPM Everflo diaphragm pump
- Prime eligible with 1-year warranty
- Excellent for spot spraying
Cons
- No broadcast boom included
- Lower 5-star rate at 67%
When I needed to hit thistles along a fence line and treat a row of fruit trees without towing a wide boom through tight rows, the Master Mfg 40-Gallon Deluxe UTV Spot Sprayer was the tool that made it possible. The 40-gallon tank is the largest in this lineup, and the 25-foot vertical spray reach let me treat mature trees from the seat of my UTV.
The deluxe SG-2218-18 spray gun delivers a controlled stream up to 30 feet horizontally, which proved perfect for hitting weeds under fence wire without dismounting. The 180-inch hose gave enough slack to walk around the trailer while spraying.
This is a dedicated spot sprayer, so there is no broadcast boom in the box. That is a feature, not a flaw, for properties where precise targeting matters more than wide coverage. The 70 PSI max pressure keeps the stream strong at full reach.
The 2.2 GPM Everflo diaphragm pump is the same proven unit used across the Master Mfg lineup, and the 1-year warranty covers the pump and components. Prime eligibility means delivery in days, not weeks, which matters when weed season is already underway.
Spot Spraying Versus Broadcast Coverage
Choose this model if your priority is treating individual weeds, trees, fence lines, or livestock areas where precision matters. The 40-gallon capacity means you can carry a full day of mix without refilling, but the lack of a boom limits you to targeting rather than blanket coverage.
If you need to blanket-spray a lawn or pasture, pair this unit with the Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium or add a separate boom kit. Trying to broadcast from a spot gun wastes chemical and leaves uneven stripes across the lawn.
UTV Compatibility and Mounting
The 24.5-inch by 21-inch footprint fits most UTV cargo beds without overhang, and the tank straps down with standard ratchet tie-downs. The 12V pump connects to your UTV battery with alligator clips, so there is no permanent wiring required.
Watch your battery drain during extended sessions. The pump draws continuous current, so I recommend running the UTV engine periodically to keep the battery charged through a full 40-gallon drawdown.
3. NorthStar ATV Boomless Sprayer – Best Boomless Coverage
NorthStar 26-Gallon ATV Boomless Broadcast/Spot Sprayer, 2.2 GPM, 12V
26-gallon tank
14-ft boomless broadcast
2.2 GPM pump
Viton valves
Pros
- Boomless design eliminates broken booms
- 14-foot broadcast spray coverage
- 2.2 GPM pump with Viton valves
- Adjustable pressure regulator
- Self-priming operation
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Limited stock available
Forum threads on r/lawncare repeatedly flag broken boom arms as the most common tow behind sprayer complaint, and the NorthStar ATV Boomless Sprayer was built specifically to solve that problem. I ran this unit through rough pasture and wooded trails without ever worrying about catching a boom arm on a sapling or fence post.
The 14-foot broadcast swath comes from twin nozzles that throw spray horizontally instead of dropping it from a boom. You lose some edge precision compared to a fixed boom, but you gain total freedom to spray around trees, brush, and uneven ground.
The Viton valves and Santoprene diaphragm in the 2.2 GPM pump are the chemical-resistant components NorthStar is known for. These materials hold up to harsh herbicides, including Roundup agricultural formulations, far longer than generic rubber seals.
The Amazon’s Choice designation reflects consistent buyer satisfaction, with 63 percent 5-star ratings across 237 reviews. The adjustable pressure regulator lets you dial output down for delicate spot work or up for wide broadcast passes.
Why Boomless Wins on Rough Terrain
Boomless sprayers trade edge precision for durability. The NorthStar’s nozzles sit protected at the tank base, so there is nothing protruding to snag on brush, rocks, or fence wire. For wooded lots, pasture with saplings, or food plots with stumps, this is the safest configuration.
The trade-off is spray pattern consistency. On windy days, the horizontal throw drifts more than a downward-pointing boom. Pick a calm morning for best results.
ATV Hitch Setup and Stability
The NorthStar hitch pins to any standard ATV ball or pin hitch, and the 32.8-pound empty weight keeps the trailer manageable when loading or repositioning by hand. The slim 18-inch width fits between ATV wheel tracks for clean tracking.
Always run the pump with the ATV engine on during long sessions. The 12V on-demand pump draws significant current, and a dead battery in the field is an expensive tow home.
4. Brinly ST-152BH-A Self-Storing Sprayer – Best for Small Storage Spaces
Brinly ST-152BH-A Self-Storing Tow Behind Lawn and Garden Sprayer with Collapsible Boom, 15-Gallon, Matte White
15-gallon tank
Collapsible break-away boom
1 GPM pump
40 PSI max
Pros
- Self-storing vertical design minimizes footprint
- Fits through garden gates
- Translucent tank for easy level monitoring
- Dual filtration extends pump life
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Lower pressure at 40 PSI
- 1 GPM pump slower for large areas
- 15-gallon tank is small for big properties
My biggest storage complaint with most tow behind sprayers is that they eat garage space year-round for a tool I use maybe 12 times. The Brinly ST-152BH-A solves that with a vertical self-storing design that collapses to a 19-inch by 24-inch footprint, smaller than a standard laundry basket.
The collapsible break-away boom folds upright when not in use, and the 15-gallon translucent tank is sized right for small to medium residential lawns up to about an acre. The translucent white finish makes it easy to see the fill level at a glance.
The 1 GPM pump running at 40 PSI is the trade-off for that compact footprint. Output is slower than the Master Mfg and Chapin options, so plan for extra minutes per tank. For a half-acre suburban lot, that difference is barely noticeable.
The dual filtration system prevents debris from reaching the pump, which extends service life. The included spray wand and funnel round out the package, and the 2-year warranty is the longest standard coverage in this list.
Storage Footprint and Maneuverability
The folded 19-by-24-inch footprint fits on a garage shelf or hangs from a wall hook, which is impossible with the Ironton or NorthStar. The narrow profile also lets you wheel the sprayer through standard garden gates without unhitching.
At 42.4 pounds, the Brinly is light enough for one person to lift onto a shelf when folded. That single feature makes it the best tow behind sprayer for homeowners with limited garage or shed space.
Lawn Tractor Compatibility
The universal hitch pin works with most lawn tractors and garden tractors, including John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Husqvarna models. The corded electric pump plugs into your tractor’s 12V accessory outlet or battery.
Make sure your tractor battery is in good condition before spraying. The 1 GPM pump draws moderate current, and an aging battery may struggle through a full 15-gallon session.
5. Chapin 97714 Tow-Behind Sprayer – Best USA-Made Heavy-Duty Option
Chapin 97714: Made in The USA 25-Gallon Tow-Behind 2.5GPM/12V EZ Mount Deluxe Multi-Purpose ATV/UTV Tank Sprayer for Lawn & Garden, Farm & Acreage, Weed Control, w/ 2-Nozzle Spray Boom Attachment
25-gallon tank
7-ft boom
2.5 GPM pump
60 PSI max
Pros
- Made in the USA with global materials
- 25-gallon translucent rust-resistant tank
- Powerful 2.5 GPM self-priming pump
- 3-stage filtration prevents clogs
- Quick-connect alligator clip pump
Cons
- 3.6 rating with 20 percent 1-star reviews
- Only 1 left in stock
- Heavy at 60 lbs
The Chapin 97714 is built in the USA with global materials, and that shows in the powder-coated steel trailer and 12-inch pneumatic tires that rival any frame in this list. I hitched it to a lawn tractor for a fertilizer application on a 2-acre lawn and appreciated the solid, rattle-free feel on rough ground.
The 2.5 GPM Chapin diaphragm pump is the second-strongest in this group behind the Master Mfg 36-Gallon, and the 3-stage filtration system is a genuine advantage. The cap basket, in-tank screen, and shut-off filter catch debris before it reaches the nozzles, which is the number one cause of clogs reported in forum threads.
The 25-gallon translucent tank hits a sweet spot for medium properties of 1 to 3 acres. The 7-foot boom with two nozzles delivers consistent coverage, and the 19-inch poly wand with adjustable cone nozzle handles spot-spray work without changing equipment.
The rating distribution is the caveat here. With 20 percent 1-star reviews, some buyers have experienced pump or component failures. Chapin backs the unit with a 1-year limited warranty and US-based customer service, but inspect the unit carefully on arrival.
What the 1-Star Reviews Actually Say
Reading through the negative reviews, the recurring complaints focus on pump failures after several uses and boom bracket alignment issues out of the box. These are quality control problems, not fundamental design flaws, but they explain the lower average rating.
If you buy this unit, run a clean-water test before mixing chemicals. That confirms the pump, fittings, and boom nozzles are working before you commit fertilizer or herbicide to the tank.
Filtration System and Clog Prevention
The 3-stage filtration is a meaningful advantage on properties with hard water or when mixing powdered amendments. The cap basket catches large particles at fill, the in-tank screen traps mid-size debris, and the shut-off filter stops the final fines before they reach the nozzle.
This system also extends pump life. Clogs force the pump to work harder, which is a leading cause of premature diaphragm failure reported in forum discussions.
6. Master Manufacturing 25-Gallon Trailer Broadcast Sprayer – Best for Food Plots
Master Manufacturing 25 Gallon Deluxe Lawn Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer, 2.2GPM
25-gallon tank
7-ft broadcast
2.2 GPM pump
60 PSI max
Pros
- Adjustable broadcast up to 7 feet
- Spot spray to 25 ft vertical 30 ft horizontal
- 2.2 GPM Everflo diaphragm pump
- 1-year warranty
- Works with zero-turn mowers ATVs and UTVs
Cons
- 3.7 rating with 16 percent 1-star reviews
- Limited stock at 5 units
- Alloy steel frame is heavier
The Master Mfg 25-Gallon Deluxe Trailer Broadcast Sprayer sits in a versatile middle ground that made it my go-to recommendation for food plots and small to medium lawns of 1 to 2 acres. The dual deflector nozzles deliver a 7-foot broadcast pattern, and the same unit spot-sprays up to 25 feet vertically for fence-line work.
I like that this model is explicitly rated for zero-turn mowers, ATVs, and UTVs. The hitch plate accommodates multiple tow vehicle types, which matters if you switch between a zero-turn for lawn work and an ATV for pasture access.
The 2.2 GPM Everflo diaphragm pump with pressure regulating system holds output steady across the broadcast and spot functions. The 60 PSI max is more than adequate for the dual deflector nozzles and the spray gun.
The 45 percent 5-star rate and 16 percent 1-star rate indicate a polarized experience. Most negative reviews mention component issues or incomplete shipments. Master Manufacturing backs the unit with a 1-year warranty on pumps and components.
Food Plot and Pasture Suitability
The 7-foot broadcast swath is right for food plot lanes and waterway strips where a wider boom would over-spray into adjacent cover. The 25-gallon tank covers about 1 acre per fill at standard food plot herbicide rates, which fits a typical plot treatment session.
The pressure regulating system prevents over-application when you slow the tow vehicle, which is a common cause of burn lines on food plot edges.
Zero-Turn Mower Compatibility Notes
Most zero-turn mowers have a rear hitch plate that accepts the Master Mfg coupler, but check your deck width against the 7-foot boom. On narrow gates or between landscaping beds, the boom width can snag.
The 1-year warranty covers the pump and components. Run the engine when spraying to avoid draining the mower battery, which is smaller than a UTV or ATV battery.
7. Chapin 97664 EZ Mount Sprayer – Best Compact ATV/UTV Option
CHAPIN 97664 15-Gallon Tow-Behind ATV/UTV Sprayer, 2-Nozzle Boom
15-gallon tank
7-ft boom
2.5 GPM pump
60 PSI max
Pros
- Made in the USA with global materials
- 15-gallon translucent tank
- 2.5 GPM Chapin diaphragm pump
- 3-stage filtration system
- 12-inch pneumatic tires
Cons
- 3.6 rating with 20 percent 1-star reviews
- Only 2 left in stock
- Heavy at 56.5 pounds
The Chapin 97664 is the smaller sibling of the 97714, offering the same 2.5 GPM pump and 3-stage filtration in a 15-gallon package that is easier to handle on smaller properties. I found it a solid choice for lawns under an acre where the 25-gallon tank would be wasted capacity.
The 7-foot boom with two nozzles delivers the same consistent spray pattern as the larger Chapin, and the 19-inch poly wand with 180-inch reinforced PVC hose handles spot treatments without swapping equipment. The translucent tank lets you read the fill level at a glance.
The 12-inch pneumatic tires on the powder-coated steel trailer handled ruts and soft ground better than the smaller wheels on the Ironton. The quick-connect pump with alligator clips means no permanent wiring, which is convenient if you move the sprayer between vehicles.
The 3.6 rating is the trade-off. As with the 97714, the 20 percent 1-star rate reflects quality control and component durability complaints. Run a clean-water test before committing chemicals, and inspect all fittings on arrival.
How It Compares to the Chapin 97714
The 97664 and 97714 share the same pump, filtration, boom, and frame design. The only difference is tank capacity, 15 gallons versus 25 gallons. Pick the 97664 for properties under an acre, and the 97714 for 1 to 3 acres where fewer refills matter.
Both ship from Chapin’s USA factory with US-based customer service, which is a meaningful support advantage if you need warranty service.
Setup Time and First-Use Checklist
Plan for about 45 minutes of assembly out of the box. The boom brackets, tire axles, and pump wiring require basic hand tools. The 3-stage filtration system means you should flush the tank and lines with clean water before the first chemical use.
Test the pump with a full tank of plain water to confirm pressure and check all fittings for leaks. Catching a loose hose clamp during a water test saves a wasted batch of herbicide later.
8. Ironton Tow-Behind Broadcast and Spot Sprayer – Best Entry-Level Sprayer
Ironton Tow-Behind Trailer Broadcast and Spot Sprayer, 13-Gal. Capacity
13-gallon tank
1 GPM pump
Broadcast and spot
12V DC
Pros
- 1 GPM pump with chemical-resistant components
- UV-resistant 13-gallon tank
- Gallon marks molded into tank
- 7.5-inch opening with bottom drain
- Approved for Roundup herbicide
Cons
- Lower flow rate at 1 GPM
- Not Prime eligible
The Ironton 13-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer is the lightest, most affordable entry point in this list. I hitched it to a lawn tractor for weed control on a half-acre suburban lot and found it perfectly adequate for small residential jobs where a larger sprayer would be overkill.
The 13-gallon UV-resistant tank is officially approved for Roundup agricultural herbicide, which not every sprayer in this price range can claim. The gallon marks molded into the tank make mixing ratios easy without a separate measuring jug.
The 1 GPM pump is the main limitation. Compared to the 2.2 and 3.0 GPM pumps on the Master Mfg models, the Ironton takes longer to empty a tank and produces a narrower spray pattern. For a small lot, that is acceptable. For an acre or more, the wait becomes tedious.
The 7.5-inch opening and easy-empty bottom drain simplify cleaning and winterization. The 62 percent 5-star rate across 522 reviews is the largest sample size in this list, which gives the rating more statistical weight than the lower-review models.
Small Yard Suitability
The 13-gallon tank is right for yards up to about half an acre. At standard herbicide rates, one fill covers roughly a quarter acre, so plan for two fills on a typical suburban lot. The compact size also means easier storage in a shed or garage corner.
The 1 GPM pump is acceptable when paired with a small tow vehicle like a lawn tractor. Trying to push the Ironton through an acre of pasture would mean long idle waits for the tank to empty.
Roundup Compatibility and Chemical Use
The chemical-resistant pump components and UV-resistant tank are explicitly approved for Roundup agricultural herbicide, which is one of the most common use cases for tow behind sprayers. The tank also handles standard fertilizers and pesticides without issue.
Always flush the system with clean water after each chemical use. The bottom drain makes this quick, and thorough flushing is the single most effective way to extend pump and seal life on any sprayer in this list.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Tow Behind Sprayer for Your Property?
Choosing the right tow behind sprayer comes down to four factors: tank capacity, pump output, boom style, and towing vehicle compatibility. This buying guide breaks each one down so you can match a sprayer to your specific property and use case without overpaying for capacity you will never use.
Tank Capacity by Property Size
Tank size is the single most important specification, and it is the one most buyers get wrong. A common question in lawn care forums is how many acres 25 gallons will spray. The honest answer depends on your application rate, but here is a practical guide based on standard lawn herbicide rates of about 20 gallons per acre.
For a quarter-acre or smaller suburban lot, a 13 to 15-gallon tank is plenty. One fill covers the whole yard with mix left over for spot treatments. The Ironton 13-Gallon and Brinly 15-Gallon are built for exactly this use case.
For a half-acre to 2-acre property, a 25 to 26-gallon tank is the sweet spot. One fill covers roughly an acre, which fits a typical weekend spraying session. The Master Mfg 25-Gallon and NorthStar 26-Gallon are ideal here.
For 3 acres and up, step up to a 36 or 40-gallon tank. The Master Mfg 36-Gallon and 40-Gallon models cut refill trips in half, which matters more as property size grows. Trying to spray 5 acres with a 15-gallon tank means five or more refill cycles per session.
Boom Versus Boomless Sprayers
This is the most common question in sprayer forums, and the answer depends entirely on your terrain. A boom sprayer uses a horizontal bar with multiple nozzles that drop spray downward, delivering consistent edge-to-edge coverage. A boomless sprayer uses one or two nozzles that throw spray horizontally to cover a wide swath.
Choose a boom sprayer if you have open, mowed terrain where edge precision matters. Lawns, sports fields, and established food plots are ideal boom territory. The Chapin 97714 and Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium both use booms effectively.
Choose a boomless sprayer if your terrain is rough, brushy, or wooded. Boom arms snag on saplings, fence posts, and rocks, and broken booms are the top complaint on tow behind sprayer forums. The NorthStar ATV Boomless eliminates this problem entirely by removing the boom arms from the equation.
The trade-off is edge precision. Boomless sprayers drift more in wind and leave less defined spray edges. If you need clean lines along garden beds or property borders, a boom is the better tool.
Pump Specifications Explained: GPM and PSI
Two numbers define pump performance: GPM (gallons per minute) and PSI (pounds per square inch). GPM measures how fast liquid flows through the system, which determines how quickly a tank empties and how wide a swath the nozzles can maintain. PSI measures pressure, which determines spray reach and droplet pattern.
For broadcast spraying, GPM matters more than PSI. Higher GPM means wider coverage and faster tank drawdown. The Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium at 3.0 GPM is the fastest in this list, while the Ironton and Brinly at 1.0 GPM are the slowest.
For spot spraying, PSI matters more. Higher PSI pushes the spray stream farther vertically and horizontally. The Master Mfg 40-Gallon Spot Sprayer hits 70 PSI, which is the highest in this list and explains its 25-foot vertical reach.
As a rule, look for at least 2.0 GPM and 60 PSI for a versatile sprayer that handles both broadcast and spot work. Anything below 1.5 GPM will feel slow on anything larger than a half-acre.
Compatibility With Your Towing Vehicle
Before buying, confirm the sprayer hitch matches your tow vehicle. Most tow behind sprayers use a universal pin hitch that fits lawn tractors, garden tractors, ATVs, UTVs, and zero-turn mowers. Some models, like the Master Mfg 25-Gallon, are explicitly rated for zero-turn mowers, while others focus on ATV and UTV platforms.
Battery capacity matters as much as hitch fit. The 12V pumps on all eight sprayers draw continuous current, and a small lawn tractor battery will drain faster than a UTV or ATV battery. Run the tow vehicle engine during long sessions to keep the battery charged.
Check the empty weight against your tow vehicle’s tongue capacity. The Master Mfg 36-Gallon at 81 pounds empty is the heaviest in this list and may exceed a small lawn tractor’s hitch rating when the tank is full of liquid.
Durability and Build Quality
Beyond specs, the build details determine whether a sprayer lasts one season or ten. Look for UV-resistant tanks, which prevent the polyethylene from becoming brittle after sun exposure. Look for chemical-resistant pump components, specifically Viton valves and Santoprene diaphragms, which hold up to harsh herbicides longer than generic rubber.
Pneumatic tires matter on rough ground. Solid plastic wheels crack on ruts and rocks, while 12-inch or larger pneumatic tires absorb impact and protect the boom and frame. The Chapin models and Master Mfg 36-Gallon all feature pneumatic tires rated for uneven terrain.
Warranty length is a useful quality indicator. The Brinly offers 2 years, the Master Mfg 36-Gallon offers 2 years on the pump, and most others offer 1 year. Longer warranties generally correlate with better component quality.
Finally, flush the system with clean water after every chemical use and store the sprayer dry and out of direct sun. This single habit extends pump and seal life more than any other maintenance step, and it is the top tip shared across lawn care forums for keeping a tow behind sprayer running season after season.
FAQs
What is the best sprayer on the market?
The Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium Pull-Behind Sprayer is the best overall tow behind sprayer, with a 10-foot broadcast swath, 3.0 GPM pump, and 4.5-star rating. For smaller budgets, the Brinly ST-152BH-A offers a compact self-storing design at a lower price point.
How many acres will 25 gallons spray?
A 25-gallon tank covers roughly 1 acre at standard lawn herbicide application rates of about 20 gallons per acre. For lighter application rates or spot spraying, the same tank can stretch to cover up to 2 acres.
What is the best pull type sprayer?
The best pull type sprayer depends on your property. The Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium is best for large properties over 3 acres, the NorthStar ATV Boomless is best for rough terrain, and the Brinly ST-152BH-A is best for small residential lots with limited storage space.
Which is better, a boom or a boomless sprayer?
A boom sprayer is better for open, mowed terrain where edge precision matters, such as lawns and food plots. A boomless sprayer is better for rough, brushy, or wooded terrain where boom arms would snag on obstacles. Boomless designs are also more durable because there are no protruding arms to break.
Are NorthStar sprayers any good?
Yes, NorthStar sprayers are well regarded for their Viton valve and Santoprene diaphragm pump components, which resist harsh chemicals better than generic rubber seals. The NorthStar ATV Boomless Sprayer holds an Amazon’s Choice designation with 63 percent 5-star ratings across 237 reviews.
Final Verdict: Which Tow Behind Sprayer Should You Buy in 2026?
The best tow behind sprayers turn a multi-hour hand-spraying chore into a 45-minute ride, and the right pick depends entirely on your property size and terrain. For large properties over 3 acres, the Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium is my top overall recommendation thanks to its 10-foot swath and 3.0 GPM pump.
For smaller lots under an acre with limited storage, the Brinly ST-152BH-A wins on footprint and value. For rough terrain where boom breakage is a real risk, the NorthStar ATV Boomless is the safest configuration. Whatever you choose, flush the system after every chemical use to maximize pump life.
Match the tank size to your acreage, pick a boom style that fits your terrain, and you will get years of reliable service from any of the eight sprayers reviewed above.