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Disease Management

Bayer Crop Science

Crop sprayer types explained: Mounted, trailed & self-propelled

Article overview

Picking the most suitable sprayer type for a farm’s crop protection regime isn’t always straightforward.

Farmers and contractors often have favourites, be it mounted, trailed or self-propelled. However, the options and configurations for each format make the decision more complex.

For example, mounted machines have traditionally been the entry-level option, ideal for smaller areas. But with some large front-and-rear units offering capacities approaching 4,000-litres, they can now cover serious acreages.

Trailed and self-propelled machines also come in various sizes and specifications, with smaller units at around 2,000-litres and the largest capable of holding 12,000-litres or more.

Despite these crossovers, the pros and cons of each setup remain unchanged.

Mounted sprayers are generally more cost-effective and once setup are fairly manoeuvrable. However, mounting and dismounting can be tedious (particularly with a front tank), carrying capacity is limited and ground clearance is governed by the tractor’s pick-up hitch height.

Trailed setups suffer the same ground clearance issues, but benefit from easier hitching and a range of sizes. But they cost more, can be tricky to reverse into corners, and the extra axle can make them a handful in wet conditions.

Both options also rely on having spare tractor capacity to operate them.

Self-propelled models offer the best of both worlds, with top-end technology and excellent manoeuvrability and weight distribution.

But, they are more expensive, have higher maintenance costs and lack the flexibility of additional tractor power outside the spraying season. 

Below, three seasoned sprayer operators explain their favoured choices.

3 types of sprayers

Nat Bacon – Ward Farming, Suffolk

Ward Farming runs a 900 ha arable and veg enterprise and a 3,800-litre Landquip mounted sprayer forms a key part of its crop protection strategy.

Most spraying and liquid fertiliser application is done with a 4,000-litre Bateman RB35 self-propelled machine. But during the peak spraying months of May to July it’s unable to cope with the workload and the mounted outfit assists.

Director Nat Bacon says a mounted setup was most sensible for this type and amount of work. Another self-propelled was unnecessary and trailed units were more expensive than a similar capacity mounted sprayer.

Additionally, mounted machines offer better manoeuvrability, which is particularly important in some smaller root-crop fields, he says.

With a pair of 1,900-litre tanks front and rear the 24m Landquip Cropmaster’s capacity rivals the Bateman, and when mounted on a Fendt 724, gives a smooth and stable ride.

Low ground clearance is one downside, but does not cause problems because the machine spends most time sprayingonions. 

The biggest limiting factor is the front and rear tanks have to be mixed separately, says Mr Bacon. “Although you put the same amount of chemical in, there is twice as much measuring out.”

It is also fiddly to get on and off, particularly the pipework linking front and back tanks, which must be mounted carefully to avoid damaging the tractor’s paintwork, he notes.

Mounted sprayers: Pros and cons

Best for:

  • Price

  • Low maintenance

  • Good manoeuvrability

Worst for:

  • Carrying capacity

  • Putting on and taking off

  • Ground clearance

Next >  Trailed sprayers

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