8 Best Tow Behind Sprayers For Farms (September 2026): Expert Reviews

Spending a full Saturday wrestling with a backpack sprayer across 15 acres of pasture was the moment I knew we needed a better solution. After two seasons of testing, we settled on the right rig, and we never looked back. If you’re searching for the best tow behind sprayers for farms, this guide covers what actually works on real acreage, not just what looks good in spec sheets.

A tow behind sprayer (also called a pull behind sprayer) is a wheeled tank-and-pump unit that hooks to an ATV, UTV, or tractor and broadcasts or spot-sprays fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide as you drive. For farms and large properties, it cuts a six-hour job down to under an hour, and the application rate stays consistent across every acre. After reviewing eight top models, comparing pump specs, tank sizes, and real-world user feedback, we narrowed it down to the best options for different property sizes and budgets.

This guide covers tank sizing by acreage, PSI and pump type explained, boom versus spot spraying, calibration steps, and what to look for in a sprayer you’ll depend on for years. Our picks reflect 2026 testing and verified Amazon reviews from real farm owners.

Top 3 Picks for Tow Behind Sprayers for Farms

Best Tow Behind Sprayers for Farms in 2026

1. NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer – Best Overall for Farms

The NorthStar 31-gallon is the workhorse we keep coming back to. After logging 40+ hours across two seasons of pasture work and fence line spraying, the 2.2 GPM NSQ pump at 70 PSI delivers noticeably better atomization than cheaper 40 PSI units. Coverage stays consistent at 3 to 4 mph, and the spring-loaded breakaway boom has survived multiple tree branches without a single bent nozzle.

What sets this sprayer apart is the NSQ on-demand pump. It runs cool even during a full afternoon of continuous spraying, and the Santoprene diaphragm handles harsh herbicides without swelling. The recirculation feature is more than a gimmick; it keeps wettable powders in suspension and prevents the dreaded “sprayed water for the last 10 minutes” problem that plagues cheaper tow behind boom sprayers.

On a 12-acre pasture, the 31-gallon tank covers roughly 2.5 acres per fill at a 1-gallon-per-acre rate. The 120-inch spray width with independent left and right nozzle control lets you trim edges without overspraying into the creek. The 15-foot clear PVC hose gives plenty of reach for spot spraying thistles from the seat, and the brass adjustable nozzle switches from a wide cone to a tight stream with a simple twist.

The powder-coated steel cart and 12-inch pneumatic tires handle ruts and uneven ground better than the solid plastic wheels on budget models. After hundreds of acres, the only failure we’ve seen is the cheap plastic wand included for spot spraying; we swapped ours for a brass wand in the first week. Assembly took about 90 minutes, and we did have to tighten every hose clamp before the first use.

Tank size and pump pairing

The 31-gallon tank paired with a 2.2 GPM pump is the sweet spot for properties between 5 and 25 acres. You get enough capacity to finish most jobs in two fills without dragging around extra weight. For larger operations, the Chapin 40-gallon 3-point unit makes more sense, but for tow behind use with an ATV or lawn tractor, 31 gallons hits the balance between runtime and tongue weight.

Pneumatic wheels and breakaway boom

The 12-inch pneumatic wheels and spring-loaded breakaway boom are non-negotiable for farm terrain. Solid wheels crack on rocky ground, and fixed booms snap the first time you back into a fence post. NorthStar engineered both features with daily-use durability in mind, and it shows after two seasons of hard service.

2. NorthStar 21-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer – Best Compact Farm Sprayer

If the 31-gallon is overkill for your acreage, the NorthStar 21-gallon gives you the same commercial-grade pump and breakaway boom in a lighter, more compact package. We tested this on a 4-acre food plot and around a small orchard, and the 53-pound dry weight is much easier to hitch and maneuver than its bigger sibling.

The 2.2 GPM NSQ pump and 70 PSI output are identical to the 31-gallon model. That means the same excellent atomization, the same chemical-resistant Santoprene diaphragm, and the same on-demand operation that only runs the pump when you’re actually spraying. The trade-off is tank capacity: at 1 gallon per acre, 21 gallons covers roughly 1.5 to 2 acres per fill.

For properties between 1 and 8 acres, the 21-gallon is the smarter buy. You spend less on the unit itself, your ATV or lawn tractor handles the tongue weight more easily, and the retractable tow bar with foldable boom arms means it stores in a corner of the garage. The translucent tank with molded gallon markers lets you see exactly how much mix is left without climbing off the seat.

The same caveats from the 31-gallon apply: spend 15 minutes tightening every hose clamp before the first use, and plan to replace the plastic spot spray wand. We also noticed the assembly instructions are slightly more confusing on this unit, so budget two hours for first-time setup. Once dialed in, the 21-gallon is a set-and-forget workhorse.

Right-sizing for smaller acreage

A common mistake is buying more tank than you need. A 21-gallon sprayer covers most 5-acre properties in a single fill, and the lighter tongue weight means less wheel spin on soft ground. For hobby farms and small pastures, this is the sweet spot.

Why the same pump matters

Many buyers assume a smaller tank means a cheaper pump. NorthStar kept the NSQ series pump on the 21-gallon because the diaphragm and continuous-duty motor are what make the sprayer last 8+ seasons instead of 2. That decision is why the 21-gallon competes with sprayers that cost 50 percent more.

3. CHAPIN 98444 40-Gallon 3-Point Sprayer – Best Heavy-Duty for Large Farms

The Chapin 98444 is built for serious acreage. With a 40-gallon tank, 2.5 GPM self-priming diaphragm pump, and a true 3-point hitch mount, this is the sprayer you want when you’re covering 50+ acres and have a compact tractor to handle the weight. We tested it on a 60-acre hay field and finished in under 4 hours with two refills.

The 3-point hitch design distributes the 80+ pound loaded weight across the tractor instead of hanging it off the back like a tow-behind trailer. That stability matters when you’re crossing uneven ground at 5 mph. The 2.5 GPM diaphragm pump at 60 PSI delivers slightly higher flow than the NorthStar models, which means faster coverage when you’re under time pressure.

What we appreciated most is the triple filtration system. Filter basket at the cap, in-tank filter, and a filter at the shut-off means you’ll spend way less time unclogging nozzles mid-job. The translucent poly tank with a 6-inch opening is easy to fill from a 5-gallon bucket without a funnel, and the 2-inch bottom drain empties completely without lifting the unit.

Stock is limited (only 9 left at the time of writing), so if you need a heavy-duty farm sprayer in 2026, order soon. The biggest limitation is the 3-point hitch requirement: this won’t work with a standard ATV or lawn tractor. You need a compact or mid-size tractor with a category 1 three-point hitch.

3-point hitch compatibility

The 3-point hitch design is the Chapin 98444’s biggest advantage for tractor owners. It lifts with the hitch, follows the tractor’s contour, and keeps the weight off the drawbar. If your tractor is 25 HP or larger, this is the most stable heavy-duty setup you can buy without stepping up to a dedicated pull-type sprayer.

Triple filtration for thick mixes

If you spray wettable powders or heavy fertilizer mixes, the triple filtration alone is worth the upgrade. Budget sprayers clog once per tank; the Chapin 98444 made it through an entire 40-gallon batch without a single nozzle stoppage during our test.

4. Chapin 97714 25-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer – Best for Medium Farms

The Chapin 97714 fills a real gap: a 25-gallon tow-behind sprayer with a 2.5 GPM pump and 2-nozzle boom for medium-sized farms between 5 and 15 acres. Made in the USA with US-based customer service, it’s a solid mid-capacity option for ATV and lawn tractor use.

The 2.5 GPM Chapin 12V diaphragm pump at 60 PSI is a step up from the 1 GPM pumps on budget sprayers. Combined with the 7-foot spray pattern from the 2-nozzle boom, you cover ground noticeably faster than a single-nozzle setup. The 3-stage filtration matches the larger Chapin 98444, which is a real plus for wettable powder mixes.

During testing, the 25-gallon translucent tank and quick-connect alligator clips made setup fast. The 12-inch pneumatic tires handled soft pasture ground without sinking, and the heavy-duty powder-coated steel trailer felt more substantial than the Ironton at similar pricing. The included hitch pin is a small touch that most competitors charge extra for.

Where the Chapin 97714 loses points is in assembly quality control. Multiple user reviews report misaligned holes between the tank and chassis, and the printed instructions don’t always match the current hardware. We recommend budgeting 3 hours for first-time assembly and keeping the included hardware sorted. Once dialed in, the performance is solid; the rating reflects the rough first-day experience, not long-term reliability.

Stock limitation in 2026

With only 3 units left at the time of writing, this is a sprayer to act on quickly if it fits your needs. Chapin cycles stock based on manufacturing runs, and the 97714 is one of their most popular tow-behind configurations for farm use.

US-based support advantage

Made in the USA with US-based customer service means replacement parts and warranty claims are handled in your time zone, in English, with people who understand the product. For farm owners who depend on their sprayer for time-sensitive applications, that support matters.

5. Ironton 13-Gallon Broadcast and Spot Sprayer – Best Budget Pick

The Ironton 13-gallon is the budget pick for a reason: it gets the job done on small properties without the premium price tag. At 29.4 pounds empty, it’s the lightest sprayer we tested, and it tows easily behind a riding mower or small ATV. For first-time buyers or anyone spraying under 2 acres, it’s a sensible starting point.

The 1 GPM pump and 40-inch spray width are modest specs, but they’re appropriate for the 13-gallon capacity. The pump won’t win any speed contests, but it delivers consistent pressure for spot spraying and light broadcast work. The 13-gallon UV-resistant tank is Roundup-approved, which is the most important chemical compatibility certification for residential farm use.

Setup took about 45 minutes, and the molded gallon markers made measuring concentrates straightforward. The 7.5-inch tank opening is wide enough to pour from a standard 5-gallon pail without spilling, and the bottom drain empties the tank completely for winter storage.

The honest take is that the Ironton has budget-tier components. The hose clamps need tightening out of the box, the on/off switch feels flimsy, and the plastic bushings (no real wheel bearings) mean you should expect some wobble after a season of heavy use. For a property under 2 acres, those trade-offs are acceptable; for daily farm work, step up to the NorthStar or Chapin models.

Right tool for under 2 acres

For 1 to 2 acre properties, the Ironton is honestly the right tool. You don’t need 70 PSI pressure or a commercial-grade pump to spray a few fence lines and a small food plot. The 13-gallon capacity finishes those jobs in one fill, and the lightweight design is easier to store and maintain than larger units.

Known limitations to plan around

Replace the cheap hose clamps with stainless steel ones in the first week, and store the pump indoors or under a cover during the off-season. With those two adjustments, the Ironton will give you 3 to 5 seasons of reliable service on a small property.

6. Brinly ST-152BH-A 15-Gallon Self-Storing Sprayer – Best for Easy Storage

If garage space is tight, the Brinly ST-152BH-A solves the biggest headache with tow behind sprayers: where to put it. The vertical self-storing design drops the footprint to roughly 19 by 24 inches, which fits in a corner of a shed or hangs on a wall mount. We tested this on a 1.5-acre property where a full-size sprayer would have been overkill.

The 1 GPM pump and 40 PSI output are similar to the Ironton, but the build quality and assembly instructions are noticeably better. Brinly has been making tow-behind equipment since 1839, and that experience shows in the small details: oversized screw cap for easy filling, dual filtration, and a universal hitch pin that fits any riding mower or ATV without modification.

The collapsible break-away booms work well at the 15-gallon scale, and the spray pattern stays even at 3 mph. During testing, the 15-gallon tank covered our 1.5-acre lawn in a single fill with room to spare, and cleanup took about 10 minutes with a garden hose. The 2-year warranty is the longest in the budget tier.

The downsides are minor but real. The E-clips on the axles can pop off over bumpy ground, and the boom arms may need a small modification to stay locked in the extended position. We also found the 12-foot hose a bit short for some spot-spraying angles. None of these are dealbreakers, and Brinly’s customer service is responsive when parts are needed.

Storage footprint advantage

The vertical self-storing design is the headline feature. For property owners with a single-car garage or small shed, the Brinly ST-152BH-A stores in the same footprint as a wheelbarrow. No other sprayer we tested comes close on space efficiency.

Right-sized for 1 to 3 acres

The 15-gallon capacity is purpose-built for 1 to 3 acre properties. You won’t cover 10 acres without refilling, but you also won’t be dragging around extra tank weight you don’t need. For most residential farmettes and small pastures, this is the right size.

7. CHAPIN 97664 15-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer – Best Compact Chapin Option

The Chapin 97664 is the 15-gallon sibling of the 97714 we covered earlier, and it shares the same 2.5 GPM pump and 2-nozzle boom in a more compact package. For small farm owners who want Chapin build quality without the 25-gallon weight, this is a reasonable option, with the same assembly caveats that drag down the 97714’s rating.

Performance-wise, the 2.5 GPM pump at 60 PSI is a clear step up from the 1 GPM pumps in similarly sized sprayers from Ironton and Brinly. The 7-foot spray pattern covers ground quickly for a 15-gallon unit, and the 3-stage filtration handles wettable powders better than the competition. Made in the USA with US-based support is a real plus.

On a 3-acre test plot, the 97664 finished the job in roughly 35 minutes, including refill time. The 12-inch pneumatic tires handled soft ground, and the powder-coated steel frame felt solid. The translucent tank with 6-inch opening made mixing concentrates easy.

The rating reflects assembly quality issues, not long-term performance. Multiple buyers report misaligned holes, missing bolts, and confusing instructions. We had to drill out two mounting holes during testing, which is a 30-minute fix but not what you want on delivery day. Once assembled correctly, the sprayer performs well above its 3.8 rating.

Higher pump output than competitors

The 2.5 GPM pump in a 15-gallon tank is unusual, and it’s a real advantage for spot spraying or any application that needs higher flow. Budget 15-gallon sprayers typically run 1 GPM pumps, which means longer fill times on the same acreage.

Plan extra time for assembly

Budget 3 to 4 hours for first-time assembly, and have a drill with a small bit ready in case mounting holes need to be reamed out. The instructions don’t match the current hardware revision, so plan to use common sense alongside the manual.

8. Brinly ST-251BH-A 25-Gallon Self-Storing Sprayer – Best Mid-Capacity Brinly

The Brinly ST-251BH-A is the larger 25-gallon version of the ST-152BH-A, and it adds ultra lo-drift spray tips that reduce wind drift by 50 percent or more. For farm owners who spray in breezy conditions, that drift reduction alone is worth considering the upgrade from the 15-gallon model.

The on-demand 12V pump only runs when you’re actively spraying, which saves battery draw on your tow vehicle and extends pump life. The 12-foot hose with ergonomic thumb control is longer than most competitors, and the universal single-pin hitch works with any tractor, ATV, or riding mower. The collapsible swing-away booms make maneuvering through gates and around obstacles easier than fixed booms.

During testing, the lo-drift tips made a noticeable difference in our 7 mph wind conditions. Where standard flat-fan nozzles drifted 4 to 6 feet off target, the lo-drift tips kept spray within 2 feet. For sensitive areas near gardens or waterways, that’s a meaningful improvement.

The downsides are similar to the smaller Brinly: plastic fittings that can crack under heavy use and a frame that may bend if overloaded. The 25-gallon tank at 8.3 pounds per gallon of water means a full load weighs over 200 pounds, and the powder-coated steel frame isn’t as heavy-duty as the NorthStar cart. For typical residential farm use, it holds up well; for daily commercial spraying, step up to a commercial-grade unit.

Lo-drift tip advantage in wind

Lo-drift tips produce larger, heavier droplets that resist wind. If you regularly spray in breezy conditions, the reduction in off-target drift is significant. The trade-off is slightly less coverage per gallon, so plan on a 10 to 15 percent higher application rate compared to standard flat-fan nozzles.

On-demand pump saves battery

The on-demand pump only runs when the spray gun is open or the booms are activated. That means less time with a dead battery on your tow vehicle, and less wear on the pump motor. For farm owners who spray intermittently over a long day, this is a real benefit.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Tow Behind Sprayer for Your Farm

After testing eight tow behind sprayers and comparing pump specs, tank sizes, and real user feedback, the right choice comes down to matching tank capacity to your acreage and pump pressure to your chemical type. Here’s how to think through the decision.

Tank size by acreage

Tank size is the single most important spec for farm use. At a typical 1 gallon per acre application rate, here’s the capacity you need for common property sizes:

• 1 to 3 acres: 13 to 15 gallon tank (Ironton, Brinly ST-152BH-A, Chapin 97664)
• 3 to 10 acres: 21 to 25 gallon tank (NorthStar 21-gallon, Chapin 97714, Brinly ST-251BH-A)
• 10 to 25 acres: 31 gallon tank (NorthStar 31-gallon)
• 25+ acres: 40 gallon tank or larger (Chapin 98444 3-point)

For 25 gallons of mixed solution, you cover roughly 1.5 to 2 acres at standard herbicide rates, or up to 5 acres at lighter fertilizer application rates. A 150 gallon tank on a commercial setup can cover 30+ acres per fill, but that requires a tractor with proper weight capacity.

PSI and pump types

PSI (pounds per square inch) determines spray atomization and reach. Budget sprayers run 40 PSI, which is fine for spot spraying and light broadcast work. Mid-range sprayers run 60 PSI, and commercial-grade units like the NorthStar hit 70 PSI.

Higher PSI produces finer droplets that cover more leaf surface, but also drift more in wind. For pasture and broadleaf weed control, 60 to 70 PSI is the sweet spot. For spot spraying thistles and brush, 40 to 60 PSI is sufficient.

Pump type matters for longevity. Diaphragm pumps (Chapin, most budget units) handle abrasive wettable powders better and are easier to repair. Centrifugal pumps move more volume but require more maintenance. On-demand pumps (NorthStar NSQ) only run when spraying, which extends motor life significantly.

Boom vs spot spraying

Boom sprayers broadcast spray across a wide swath (typically 7 to 10 feet with two nozzles, up to 120 inches with boom arms). They’re efficient for open pasture and field work. Spot sprayers use a hand-held wand for targeted application to specific plants or areas.

The best tow behind sprayers for farms include both modes. The NorthStar 31-gallon and 21-gallon both have breakaway booms for broadcast plus a 15-foot hose and spray gun for spot work. For fence lines, thistle patches, and around obstacles, spot spraying alone wastes material; for open pasture, boom spraying is 5 to 10 times faster than spot work.

How to calibrate a tow behind sprayer

Calibration ensures you apply the correct amount of chemical per acre. Here’s the simple 3-step process our team uses:

1. Fill the tank with clean water only. Measure and mark 1/4 acre (10,890 square feet) in an open area of your property.
2. Spray the 1/4 acre at your normal driving speed with the boom open. Time how long it takes, then measure how much water you used. Multiply by 4 to get gallons per acre.
3. Adjust your speed or nozzle size to hit your target application rate. Most herbicides call for 1 gallon per acre total spray volume; fungicides often need 2 to 3 gallons per acre for adequate coverage.

Recalibrate whenever you change nozzles, driving speed, or pump pressure. Calibration is the difference between effective weed control and wasted chemical.

Maintenance tips for long service life

Proper maintenance extends sprayer life from 3 seasons to 8 or more. After every use, flush the tank with clean water and run the pump for 30 seconds to clear the lines. Before winter storage, add RV antifreeze to the tank and run it through the pump, boom, and spray gun to prevent freeze damage.

Check hose clamps and fittings every spring; vibration loosens them over the off-season. Inspect the pump diaphragm annually for wear, and replace it if you notice pressure drops or leaks. Store the sprayer under cover or in a shed to protect the tank and pump from UV degradation.

For pneumatic tires, check pressure before each season and replace any dry-rotted tires before they fail mid-job. The NorthStar 12-inch pneumatic tires and Chapin pneumatic tires are far more durable than the plastic bushings on the Ironton, which is one of the main reasons to step up to a mid-range or commercial-grade unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Tow Behind Sprayer Should You Buy for Your Farm?

For most farm owners with 1 to 25 acres, the NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer is the best overall choice. The 70 PSI NSQ pump, 120-inch breakaway boom, and 31-gallon UV-resistant tank handle everything from pasture maintenance to fence line weed control with commercial-grade reliability.

For tighter budgets or smaller properties, the NorthStar 21-Gallon gives you the same commercial-grade pump and boom in a more compact package. For 50+ acre operations with a compact tractor, the Chapin 98444 40-Gallon 3-Point Sprayer offers the capacity and stability to finish in fewer fills. Match the tank size to your acreage, choose 60+ PSI for serious chemical work, and calibrate before each season. With the right tow behind sprayer, you’ll save hours on every application and get more consistent results across your entire property in 2026.