3pt Sprayer for Weeds, Watering and Ballast

[Tojo4158]

New BX2380 owner here. I'm considering purchasing the FIMCO 40 gallon 3pt hitch sprayer. My thought is that it could be a very cost and space-effective way to not only spray my property, but transport water out to my tree seedlings and to provide a little rear-end ballast when doing loader work.

I realize that ballast can be pretty cheaply fabricated with concrete, but then I'd have a large concrete block that serves no other purpose. I could also purchase some other 3pt implement (rear blade, etc) that would have other purposes, but not sure I'd use it enough to justify the additional cost (up to 2x the sprayer cost).

The sprayer manual says that when filled it will weigh approx 430lb, which seems to be about the correct recommended rear ballast according to the FEL (LA344) manual.

Wondering if anyone has done something like this and what your experience has been (or other opinions).

Thanks.

 

[Dave_eng]

New BX2380 owner here. I'm considering purchasing the FIMCO 40 gallon 3pt hitch sprayer. My thought is that it could be a very cost and space-effective way to not only spray my property, but transport water out to my tree seedlings and to provide a little rear-end ballast when doing loader work.

I realize that ballast can be pretty cheaply fabricated with concrete, but then I'd have a large concrete block that serves no other purpose. I could also purchase some other 3pt implement (rear blade, etc) that would have other purposes, but not sure I'd use it enough to justify the additional cost (up to 2x the sprayer cost).

The sprayer manual says that when filled it will weigh approx 430lb, which seems to be about the correct recommended rear ballast according to the FEL (LA344) manual.

Wondering if anyone has done something like this and what your experience has been (or other opinions).

Thanks.

The issue with using a ballast which could weight different amounts at different times seems to introduce an element of risk...... you expect the tractor/loader to act one way but on this day the tank is empty and you have no ballast.

I would also be concerned about herbicide residue in the tank when you are watering seedlings

Dave

 

[Mlarv]

I have a 25 gallon Rual King special I use in the bucket of my tractor or the bed of my XG850 Sidekick. It works great to water the flower beds away from the house. I was looking at a 40 gallon sprayer for my BX2380 and decided on this one. When empty it is easy to take out of the bucket and put up. It didn't tie up my 3 point when I need it. Not in my way when using the tractor as a tractor. I had a ballet box and weighted tires for the extra weight I need and didn't want to worry about breaking a plastic tank.

 

[Jim L.]

FIMCO 40 gal works fine as a sprayer.

I too would be concerned about completely flushing herbicide with mixed use as a water carrier. For sure would use colorant in the herbicide to indicate its use.

Winter the pump does not care for freezing. I remove mine and take the pump into heated area. Could carry RV antifreeze if counterweight is all that is needed in winter.

Myself I would not run with it full time. It really is an occasional use sprayer and not mechanically up to full time use.

 

[SDT]

FIMCO 40 gal works fine as a sprayer.

I too would be concerned about completely flushing herbicide with mixed use as a water carrier. For sure would use colorant in the herbicide to indicate its use.

Winter the pump does not care for freezing. I remove mine and take the pump into heated area. Could carry RV antifreeze if counterweight is all that is needed in winter.

Myself I would not run with it full time. It really is an occasional use sprayer and not mechanically up to full time use.

Bingo, Jim.

A sprayer will not hold up long when bouncing around while doing FEL work.

SDT