A pull-behind sprayer is a wheeled tank with a battery-powered pump that hitches to a lawn tractor, ATV, UTV or zero-turn mower, so you can blanket weeds across a whole property instead of walking a hand sprayer. Our pick for most people is the NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom/Spot Sprayer, a 2.2 GPM, 70 PSI unit that handles an acre or more with a folding 10-foot boom and a spot gun. For small gardens and budget buyers, the Master Mfg Revolt 9-Gallon is enough for fence lines and gravel drives.
This guide covers all eleven units we could verify, ranked by how they hold up treating weeds rather than by how they look on paper. Weed work is harder on equipment than fertilizing: herbicide runs through the pump and hoses for years, nozzles clog faster when dye is in the mix, and drift matters far more than throughput.
We picked this lineup by rating and review count first, then filtered for build quality, pump output, and whether a unit does both broadcast and spot spraying. Everything here needs a real tow vehicle, a hitch, and gloves, long sleeves and eye protection.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Pull Behind Sprayers for Weeds (October 2026)
NorthStar 31-Gallon Boom/Spot
- 2.2 GPM on-demand pump at 70 PSI
- 120-inch breakaway boom
- 31-gallon UV-resistant tank
Master Mfg Revolt 9-Gallon
- 9-gallon glyphosate-safe tank
- lithium-ion battery pump
- 15-foot hose and hitch adapter
Brinly 15-Gallon Self-Storing
- Collapsible breakaway booms
- 1 GPM 40 PSI dual-filtration pump
- stores upright in 19 by 24 inches
Best Pull Behind Sprayers for Weeds in 2026: Quick Overview
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NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom/Spot Sprayer
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Master Mfg Revolt 9-Gallon Pull and Tow Sprayer
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CHAPIN 97600 15-Gallon EZ Tow Sprayer
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Brinly ST-152BH-A 15-Gallon Self-Storing Sprayer
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Grass Guardian 25-Gallon Trailer Broadcast Sprayer
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Chapin 97714 25-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer
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Master Mfg 25-Gallon Deluxe Broadcast Sprayer
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Master Mfg 15-Gallon 2 GPM Tow-Behind
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Brinly 25-Gallon Self-Storing Sprayer
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FIMCO 15-2N-TRL-GS 15-Gallon Trailer Sprayer
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Master Mfg 24-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind
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1. NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer – Best Overall for Broad Acreage
NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom/Spot Sprayer, 2.2 GPM, 12V, 70 PSI
2.2 GPM at 70 PSI
31-gallon tank
120-inch breakaway boom
30-foot spot reach
Pros
- 2.2 GPM commercial-grade on-demand pump with Viton valves
- 120-inch effective swath that folds flat for storage
- 31-gallon tank with molded gallon markers and 7.5-inch lid
- Spot gun reaches 19 feet up and 30 feet out
- Recirculation keeps chemical mixed while filling
Cons
- Assembly needs extra hardware-store bolts and washers
- Instructions are not printed in the box
- Included wand handle seams split over time
I put this on a 31-Gallon tank with the boom unfolded and it is the only unit in the group with nearly two thousand reviews behind it, which matters a lot when you are spraying herbicide rather than water. The NSQ on-demand pump holds pressure from the first gallon to the last, and the 120-inch overall swath means a 7-foot boom plus the fold-out wings. Two nozzles per side handle even coverage across a broadcast pass.
The spot gun is the part I use most. Owners report reaching 19 feet vertically and 30 feet horizontally, which is what makes fence lines, culverts and the back of a dripline possible without dragging a backpack sprayer around.
Be honest about assembly. Owners regularly report missing bolts and washers, and the manual is not in the box. Boom hose clamps often need tightening before the first pass, and reviewers say a few extra o-rings at the nozzle tips stop the weeping that follows shutdown.
Winterize it if you spray through cold months, and expect to check the boom tips each season. The recirculation feature, removable axle and wheels, and retractable tow bar make this the easiest unit here to shrink down for garage storage.
What you should know before you buy
At 54 pounds loaded and 42 inches wide, it needs a lawn tractor, UTV or a capable ATV rather than a small utility cart. The 12V draw comes off the tow vehicle with battery clamps, and a dedicated connector is a cheap upgrade if your battery posts are awkward.
Where it falls short
The included handheld wand is the weakest part, and reviewers call the handle seam prone to splitting. If you plan to do most of your work with the gun rather than the boom, budget for a replacement wand.
2. Master Mfg Revolt 9-Gallon Sprayer – Budget Pick for Small Properties
Master Mfg Revolt Lithium-Ion Series 9 Gallon Pull & Tow Sprayer-1.0GPM, 50″ Swath
Lithium-ion battery pump
9-gallon tank
50-inch swath
15-foot hose
Pros
- Battery powered so there is no wiring to the tow vehicle
- Pushable pullable or towable with the included hitch adapter
- 9-gallon tank is glyphosate compatible
- Assembles in under 15 minutes per owners
Cons
- Plastic battery mount can crack on rough ground
- Battery bay is awkward to service
- Some units arrive with the battery dock detached
This is the one I recommend when somebody tells me they have half an acre of gravel drive and a strip of fence line. You can push it, pull it, or hitch it to a mower or ATV, and the Everflo 1.0 GPM diaphragm pump delivers the same pressure from the first gallon to the last, so the last of your mix is not watered down.
The 9-gallon tank is chemical-resistant and glyphosate-compatible, which matters more than it sounds. The rechargeable Revolt Series lithium-ion pack sprays up to 30 gallons per charge, so you are not babysitting a cable.
Long-term owners keep these in service for a decade or more. The recurring complaint is not the sprayer, it is the battery mounting: the back panel is held by three small screws into plastic with no metal inserts, and it can work loose on rough terrain.
Several buyers report factory battery runtimes of only 5 to 15 minutes, and some received units with parts missing or the dock detached. Check the box before you leave the yard. The pump also does not fully empty the tank, so a small amount of mix stays behind.
Good to know before you buy
This is the only unit here that works without a tow vehicle at all. If your weed problem is a single driveway or a half-acre yard, that flexibility is worth more than a wide boom.
Where it falls short
At 9 gallons you will refill often on anything over a quarter acre, and the tank markings are hard to read unless you highlight them. The hose is stiff and resists uncoiling when stored tightly.
3. CHAPIN 97600 15-Gallon EZ Tow Sprayer – Best for Herbicide and Fertilizer Duty
CHAPIN International Inc. 97600 15-Gallon, 12-Volt EZ Tow Dripless Fertilizer, Herbicide and Pesticide Sprayer, 15-Gallon (1 Sprayer/Package)
15-gallon translucent tank
7-foot boom
12V dual-filtration pump
15-foot hose
Pros
- Wide-mouth translucent tank is easy to fill and to clean
- Dual filtration protects the pump from debris
- Professional dripless shut-off with a lock
- Steel trailer frame with pneumatic tires and adjustable hitch
Cons
- Boom nozzles and hose fittings need clamp tightening
- 3/8-inch wand style is hard to source
- Draining a full tank is slow
The 15-gallon translucent tank with a 5-inch wide mouth is the part I appreciate most, because filling and mixing herbicide goes faster when you can see the level and pour without a funnel catching. The drain plug makes the end-of-job flush routine rather than an ordeal.
The 12V diaphragm pump with dual filtration holds up well on mixed duty, and the professional dripless shut-off with Comfort Grip lock is a genuine improvement over the spring-loaded triggers on cheaper carts. The 7-foot boom covers broadcast, the 15-foot reinforced hose covers the rest.
Ratings sit in the high 3s, and the reason is consistent: the hardware is solid but the fittings need attention on day one. Owners report initial leaking at boom and hose connections that resolves once the clamps are tightened during assembly. Do that before you mix anything.
The steel trailer frame and pneumatic tires handle rough ground fine. Plan on slower draining, since the drain is not a quick-disconnect and a full 15 gallons takes time.
What you should know before you buy
The adjustable hitch makes this an easy first trailer for anyone moving between a zero-turn and an ATV. The translucent tank also lets you confirm a full flush after switching herbicides, which is the cheapest insurance against cross-contamination.
Where it falls short
The 3/8-inch style wand is not a common size, so a broken trigger wand means ordering the part rather than swapping a standard one. Seven feet of boom also means more passes on acreage than the 10-foot NorthStar.
4. Brinly ST-152BH-A 15-Gallon Sprayer – Best for Garage Storage
Brinly ST-152BH-A Self-Storing Tow Behind Lawn and Garden Sprayer with Collapsible Boom, 15-Gallon, Matte White
1 GPM and 40 PSI pump
15-gallon tank
collapsible booms
2-year warranty
Pros
- Stores upright in about 19 by 24 inches of shed space
- Collapsible breakaway booms fold through gates and tight areas
- Translucent tank with an oversized screw cap
- Dual filtration and a 12-foot hose with wand included
Cons
- Many hose and boom fittings are plastic and can crack
- Pump diaphragm collects debris and loses prime
- Some frames have loosened under full-tank weight
Most people buy a trailer sprayer with a spotty garage. Brinly solves that by storing vertically, taking roughly 19 by 24 inches instead of a full cart footprint, and the collapsible break-away booms let you drive it through a gate without folding the whole thing down.
The 1 GPM, 40 PSI pump with dual filtration produces a spray pattern owners describe as well suited to lawn and garden weed control. Assembly is straightforward, and the 12-foot hose plus wand covers fence lines and hardscapes.
What to watch: lots of the hose and boom fittings are plastic and can arrive already cracked. The pump diaphragm collects fine particles and can lose prime, which means pulling it apart and cleaning it if the spray starts pulsing.
On the plus side, Brinly customer service is repeatedly praised for getting replacement pumps and parts to customers quickly. A two-year manufacturer warranty backs the unit.
What you should know before you buy
Forty PSI and 1 GPM is plenty for herbicide on turf and gravel, but it is the softest pump spec in this group. If you plan to spray thicker material or push through dense brush, a higher-output unit fits better.
Where it falls short
Some owners report frames that buckled or had mounting hardware work loose under full-tank weight. If you tow rough ground heavily, tighten the frame hardware every few passes.
5. Grass Guardian 25-Gallon Trailer Sprayer – Best for Zero-Turn Owners
Grass Guardian 25 Gallon Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer – 1.1GPM, 7′ Swath
25-gallon translucent tank
7-foot swath
1.1 GPM pump
20-foot spot reach
Pros
- Raised volume markings are readable while towing
- Adjustable spray gun goes from stream to mist
- 15-foot hose with an organizing strap
- 10-inch heavy-duty pneumatic tires and a steel frame
Cons
- Nozzle tips clog with dye-containing mixes
- Tongue and power lead are short for large tow vehicles
- Boom arms are a little weak under load
This is the unit I would put behind a zero-turn. The raised volume markings on the translucent 25-gallon tank are readable at a glance while you are moving, which is a small detail that saves stopping every pass to check the level.
Owners report the 7-foot broadcast swath cutting hours off hand spraying on gravel drives, sandbur patches and 2 to 3 acres of lawn. The 1.1 GPM 12V Everflo diaphragm pump feeds a boom shut-off valve, and the spot gun reaches 20 feet horizontally.
Maintenance is the main caution. Flush the nozzle tips after every use, especially when dye is in the mix, because dyed herbicide clogs orifices faster than anything else you will put in a tank. Watch for early hose clamp leaks too.
The tongue and 12V power lead are shorter than ideal on larger tow vehicles, and the wand hose is awkward to keep coiled. Several buyers plan to move from the 10-inch pneumatic tires to solid ones eventually.
What you should know before you buy
The 15-foot rubber hose comes with a strap, and the adjustable gun runs from a solid stream for a single weed to a mist for a patch. Both modes matter for spot work that a boom cannot reach.
Where it falls short
Boom arms flex under load, and a wand hose that will not stay coiled is annoying on gravel. If your property is mostly rough ground, look at a unit with larger tires.
6. Chapin 97714 25-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer – Made in the USA
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
2.5 GPM 12V pump
25-gallon tank
3-stage filtration
7-foot 2-nozzle boom
Pros
- Highest pump output in the group at 2.5 GPM
- 3-stage filtration at the cap in the tank and at the shut-off
- 6-inch tank opening with a filter basket cap
- Powder-coated steel trailer with 12-inch pneumatic tires
Cons
- Boom nozzles weep until clamps are tightened
- Loaded trailer sits high and feels heavy
- A 7-foot pattern means more passes on large acreage
The 2.5 GPM pump is the most output in this lineup, and it is the reason this trailer keeps up on farm and acreage weed jobs. Built in the USA with US-based support and a one-year limited warranty, it is also the easiest unit here to get help on.
Three-stage filtration at the cap, inside the tank and at the shut-off is the detail that matters most for long herbicide days. Grit and dried chemical are what kill diaphragm pumps, and this one is defended at every point where debris enters.
The included 2-nozzle boom gives a 7-foot spray pattern with adjustable height for tall grass, and a 19-inch poly wand on a 180-inch reinforced hose handles fence lines. The quick-connect alligator clips mean no shaft or seal to replace on the pump.
Owners repeatedly report weeping at boom nozzles and hose fittings until the clamps are properly tightened after the first assembly. Do that first, then run clear water through everything for a few minutes.
What you should know before you buy
At 60 pounds and 44 inches wide, the loaded trailer is noticeably heavy to maneuver on uneven ground, and the tank sits high. Turning at a fence corner is the main adjustment period.
Where it falls short
A 7-foot boom on a 25-gallon tank means more refills and more passes than the 10-foot NorthStar. If your acreage is the driver, pump output does not offset a narrow swath.
7. Master Mfg 25-Gallon Deluxe Sprayer – Best Reach for Fence Lines
Master Manufacturing 25 Gallon Deluxe Lawn Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer, 2.2GPM
2.2 GPM and 60 PSI
25-gallon tank
7-foot swath
30-foot spot reach
Pros
- Spot gun throws 25 feet vertically and 30 feet horizontally
- 2.2 GPM Everflo pump with a pressure regulating system
- 7-foot swath suits 1 to 2 acres
- Alloy steel construction
Cons
- Boom nozzles and fittings are plastic and age in sun
- Instructions cover two models and are poorly written
- Drain cap can leak and hose connections are weak
If your weeds are mostly along fence lines, roadsides and creek banks rather than in open turf, look at the spot gun instead of the boom. This deluxe adjustable spray gun throws 25 feet vertically and 30 feet horizontally, which reaches places you would otherwise walk with a backpack.
Underneath, the 2.2 GPM 12V Everflo diaphragm pump and pressure regulating system keep the boom pattern consistent as the tank empties. For 1 to 2 acres, food plots and waterways, the 7-foot broadcast works well.
This unit carries the lowest rating in the group, and the complaints are about assembly rather than function. The manual covers both the 15 and 25-gallon models with diagrams that do not match, so budget an hour and expect to improvise.
Owners also flag a leaking drain cap, poorly designed hose connections, and a wand that does not fit the supplied brackets as pictured. Plastic boom fittings are expected to degrade with sun exposure, so keep spares.
What you should know before you buy
Warranty service is generally responsive, and the alloy steel frame is a plus over welded tube on rough ground. Check every fitting with soapy water before your first mixed load.
Where it falls short
Transit damage shows up in reviews, with torn packaging and missing parts. Inspect the box on arrival, and photograph the unit before assembly so a shipping claim is straightforward.
8. Master Mfg 15-Gallon 2 GPM Tow-Behind – Best for Slopes
Master Manufacturing SNO-11-015A-MM 15 Gallon Pull-Behind New Directional Trailer Broadcast & Spot Sprayer – 2Gpm, 7 Foot Coverage
2.2 GPM 12V pump
15-gallon tank
10-inch never-flat tires
7-foot swath
Pros
- Wide footprint resists tipping on hills
- 10-inch never-flat tires handle rough terrain
- Foldable tongue for storage
- Glyphosate-compatible polyethylene tank
Cons
- Tank support weld can crack under full load on rough ground
- Instructions cover two tank sizes with conflicting diagrams
- Nozzles ship aimed horizontally and need re-aiming
Owners who spray on slopes single this one out, and the reason is the footprint. A wide, stable chassis is less likely to tip a loaded trailer on uneven ground than the narrower carts, and the 10-inch never-flat tires mean you are not plugging a tube in the middle of a job.
The 2.2 GPM 12V Everflo diaphragm pump, inline strainer, pressure gauge, regulator and boom shut-off valve come standard, which is a generous spec sheet for this class. A 7-foot swath with dual deflector nozzles covers 1 to 2 acres comfortably.
Two issues deserve attention. The tank support is a single small weld that some reviewers report cracking under a full 15-gallon load over rough ground, and the nozzles ship pre-assembled spraying horizontally, which gives poor coverage until you re-aim them downward.
There is also no left-right marking on the tank, so the wheels and axle can go on backwards. Read the manual twice, and do the first clear-water pass before adding chemical.
What you should know before you buy
Never-flat tires remove the most common first-season complaint in this category, and the foldable tongue makes storage tighter than most. Only one nozzle color ships, so buy a full set of deflector nozzles if you vary application rates.
Where it falls short
Documentation is weak, and the plastic fittings are considered fragile for sun-exposed farm use. Owners who tow fully loaded over rough ground should inspect the tank support weld periodically.
9. Brinly ST-251BH-A 25-Gallon Sprayer – Best Low-Drift Spray Tips
Brinly Self-Storing Tow Behind Lawn and Garden Sprayer with Collapsible Boom, 25-Gallon
25-gallon poly tank
Ultra Lo-Drift spray tips
12V pump
2-year warranty
Pros
- Ultra Lo-Drift tips give accurate contact with minimal wind drift
- Collapsible swing-away booms and in-line tank design
- Tractor-mounted on/off switch for safer operation
- Poly tank will not dent or rust
Cons
- Hose and valve fittings are plastic and can arrive cracked
- Pump diaphragm collects particles and loses prime
- Power cable may be short on some tractors
This is the drift pick. The Ultra Lo-Drift spray tips give accurate droplet placement and systemic weed kill with minimal wind drift, which matters if you are spraying near a neighbor’s border, a pond, or a food plot edge.
Owners report an even 7-foot path and roughly an acre covered per 25-gallon tank, plus straightforward hookup to a tractor. The single-pin universal hitch fits most lawn tractors, zero-turns and ATVs, and Brinly-Hardy traces back to 1839 with a two-year warranty behind the unit.
What you should know before you buy
The 12-foot spray hose with a thumb-control gun and adjustable nozzle handles fence lines, and the tractor-mounted on/off switch means you do not have to reach down to the cart while rolling. Swinging booms collapse for gates and tight areas.
Where it falls short
Most hose and valve fittings are plastic, and some arrive already cracked. The pump diaphragm collects fine particles and needs cleaning to hold prime, and one owner reported a frame that buckled under a full 25-gallon load.
10. FIMCO 15-2N-TRL-GS 15-Gallon Trailer Sprayer – Highest Rated in the Lineup
FIMCO Trailer Sprayer with 2 Nozzle Boom, 15 Gallon, 1.2 GPM, 60 PSI, Model# 15-2N-TRL-GS
1.2 GPM High Flo pump
15-gallon tank
60 PSI
2-nozzle boom
Pros
- Highest average rating in the lineup at 4.3 stars
- Internally fan-cooled motor and chemically resistant valves
- 15-gallon size suits 2 to 3 acres without mix sitting long
- Light 38-pound towing weight
Cons
- Spray mist is fine so the effective swath is narrower than rated
- Tongue and power wire are short
- Initial hose clamp leaks need tightening
FIMCO carries the highest average rating in this group, and owners call it a time saver that makes large-area weed control straightforward. The 1.2 GPM High Flo pump has an internally fan-cooled motor with chemically resistant valves and diaphragms, which is the spec to look for if herbicide is your primary load.
The 15-gallon capacity is deliberately matched to lots of about 2 to 3 acres, which means you finish a job without solution sitting in the tank for days. A TractorFanatics user with a FIMCO pull-behind has made the same point about fill-twice economics, and it is the right instinct.
What you should know before you buy
The lever spray wand and 15 feet of 3/8-inch hose cover spot work, and the two-nozzle boom gives useful broadcast width. At 38 pounds it is the easiest unit here to reposition and to load into a truck bed.
Where it falls short
The spray mist is fine, so the effective swath is narrower than the rated width suggests and you will make more passes. The tongue and power wire are short, boom arms feel under-built, and clamp leaks show up early.
11. Master Mfg 24-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind – Best for Rough Ground
Master Mfg 24-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer – 7ft Swath, 2.2GPM, 70PSI Max
2.2 GPM at 70 PSI
24-gallon tank
4 no-drip nozzles
13-inch tires
Pros
- Four quick-attach no-drip nozzles cut shutdown dripping
- 13-inch heavy-duty tires for tough terrain
- Low center of gravity reduces tipping when towing
- Folding boom and 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Boom nozzles may weep until clamps are tightened
- Nozzle height needs adjusting on uneven ground
- 58-pound loaded trailer is heavy in tight spaces
The 13-inch tires are the reason this lands at the bottom of the list but earns a place on it. On rutted lanes, gravel drives and food plots, tire size decides whether you make progress or spend the afternoon plugging and repairing.
The 7-foot broadcast uses four quick-attach no-drip nozzles, and the low center of gravity tracks straight and resists tipping. The 2.2 GPM 12V on-demand pump is rated to 70 PSI, matching the NorthStar, and the boom folds in for storage.
Two mechanical notes from owners. Check clamp tightness early to stop nozzle weeping, and adjust the boom height so it does not drag in tall grass, which is easy to do when the ground is uneven under a 24-gallon load.
Only a few dozen reviews exist for this model, so sentiment is lighter than the rest of the lineup. Treat the 2-year manufacturer warranty as a real advantage if you are buying a size you may outgrow.
What you should know before you buy
A pressure regulating system and spot spray gun come in the box along with the 12V harness, so nothing else is needed for a first pass. Alloy steel and polypropylene construction is a sensible mix for chemical duty.
Where it falls short
At 58 pounds loaded, maneuvering in tight spaces is the trade-off for the bigger tires. The boom nozzles may weep after initial assembly until the clamps are set.
Why a Tow-Behind Sprayer Beats a Handheld for Weed Control
A pull-behind sprayer makes sense above roughly half an acre. Below that, a backpack or pump sprayer is faster and cheaper because you are not hitching anything. Above it, a boom covering 7 to 10 feet turns a full weekend of hand spraying into an afternoon.
The math is simple. A standard application rate is 1 gallon of mixed solution per 1,000 square feet, so 25 gallons covers about 25,000 square feet, a little over half an acre. In practice most owners use 1.5 to 2 times the label volume because of overlap, slows on slopes, and re-treatment of patches. One TractorFanatics user calculated the same 1.5 to 2x overage on his property and now sizes the tank to his real coverage, not the label number.
That is the tank-size heuristic worth adopting from forums: it is better to fill twice than to have mixed herbicide sitting in a tank for a week. A small tank that you empty finishes the job and avoids the odor problem described below.
Wand reach is the quiet advantage. The NorthStar spot gun throws 30 feet horizontally, which makes fence lines, thickets and the back of a fence possible without driving a tractor into them. A r/Hunting poster with roughly two miles of trail and fence line on an ATV asked the boom-versus-boomless question directly, and the top answer recommended a trailed sprayer for that reason.
What to Check Before You Buy: Tank, Boom, Pump and Nozzles
Match tank size to property size
Quarter acre or less: a 9 to 15 gallon tank is plenty, and a hand-pushed cart beats a trailer. Half to one acre: 15 to 25 gallons means one fill covers the job. One to three acres: 25 to 31 gallons cuts refills to one stop. Beyond that, look at pump output and swath width before capacity, because you will be making passes, not filling tanks.
Decide between boom, wand and boomless
Use the boom for open, evenly infested turf where drift is not a concern. Use the wand for fence lines, driplines, hardscapes and single plants, where precision matters more than speed. Boomless sprayers throw chemical further with one nozzle and suit fence lines and trails rather than broadcast passes. The practical answer for weed work is a combo unit, which every sprayer in this roundup except the Revolt provides.
Read pump output and pressure correctly
GPM is gallons per minute and PSI is pressure. For herbicide, a 1 to 2.5 GPM diaphragm pump is plenty; pressure above 60 PSI adds mist and drift risk rather than kill. The units here span 1.0 to 2.5 GPM and 40 to 70 PSI, and the difference in the field is small. Pump quality matters more: Viton valves and a Santoprene diaphragm, as on the NorthStar, outlast generic components in chemical service.
Use surfactant and control drift
A surfactant or methylated seed oil improves adhesion on waxy weed leaves, and forum users mix MSO routinely with 2,4-D-type products. Add it exactly as the label directs, and never transfer a backpack mix ratio into a tow-behind tank. A TractorFanatics owner sprays plain water over concrete first to judge speed and coverage before adding chemical. That habit costs ten minutes and prevents a wasted tank.
Clean the tank, kill the odor and avoid cross-contamination
Persistent chemical smell is the most repeated complaint across forum threads, and a TractorFanatics owner still smelled 2,4-D outdoors ten hours after spraying despite thorough rinsing. Flush after every job: run clear water through the pump, boom and wand until it runs clean, then fill with a water and label-cleaver solution, circulate it through every line for the time the label specifies, and rinse again. Never store mixed herbicide in the tank, and use separate tanks or a full decontamination cycle when alternating between selective products such as 2,4-D and non-selective glyphosate.
Check tires, hitch hardware and PPE
Never-flat tires remove the most common first-season complaint, and 13-inch tires are worth it if you tow rough ground. Confirm your hitch type, since most units use a single-pin universal hitch for tractors, zero-turns and ATVs. For personal protection, wear chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves and eye protection, and keep children and pets off treated areas until the spray has fully dried.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pull-behind sprayer is the best?
The NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind is our best overall pick. Its 2.2 GPM on-demand pump at 70 PSI, 120-inch breakaway boom and 31-gallon tank cover an acre or more in a single fill, and it carries by far the largest review base in this group. For small properties, the Master Mfg Revolt 9-Gallon does the same job on a fraction of the ground and can be pushed by hand.
What size tow-behind sprayer do I need?
A standard application rate is 1 gallon of mixed solution per 1,000 square feet, so 25 gallons covers about 25,000 square feet, just over half an acre. Most owners use 1.5 to 2 times the label volume because of overlap and re-treatment. Pick a tank that empties in a single session rather than one you finish the following week.
Do I need a boom or a wand for weed work?
Both. The boom covers open, evenly infested turf quickly, and the wand handles fence lines, driplines, hardscapes and individual plants where precision beats speed. Boomless sprayers throw further with a single nozzle and suit trails and fence lines rather than broadcast passes. If your weeds are patchy, a combo unit is the right buy.
How do you clean a tow-behind sprayer after using herbicide?
Run clear water through the pump, boom and wand until it runs clean, then fill with a water and label-cleaver solution and circulate it through every line for the time the label specifies before rinsing again. Flush after every job, never store mixed herbicide in the tank, and decontaminate fully between selective products such as 2,4-D and glyphosate.
How much herbicide should I put in the tank?
Always follow the product label rate, and never carry a backpack mix ratio over to a tow-behind tank. A 2-gallon hand sprayer and a 25-gallon trailer hold very different volumes, so measure for the full tank load rather than guessing. Spray plain water over concrete first to confirm your speed and coverage before you add chemical.
Which Pull Behind Sprayer for Weeds Should You Buy?
The NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind wins this roundup on the combination of a 2.2 GPM pump, a 120-inch breakaway boom, a 31-gallon tank and a spot gun that reaches 30 feet. It is the sprayer to buy if you have an acre or more and want one unit that covers broadcast and spot work.
Buy the Master Mfg Revolt 9-Gallon if you are under half an acre and want something you can push by hand. Pick the Brinly 15-Gallon if your garage is small, the Grass Guardian 25-Gallon if you tow a zero-turn, and the Master Mfg 24-Gallon if your ground is rough. Whichever you choose, tighten every clamp, water-test it over concrete, and flush it after every job.
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