Best Tow Behind Sprayer (2026): 5 Top Picks Compared
Five tow-behind and mounted sprayers, including broadcast and spot units, compared by tank volume, pump flow, pressure, hose reach and warranty terms, plus who should skip each.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 1
Best OverallNorthStar ATV Boomless9.6/10View on Amazon - 2
Best High-CapacityMaster Mfg 25-Gallon9.4/10View on Amazon - 3
Best FiltrationChapin 97400E 25-Gal9.4/10View on Amazon - 4
Best CompactChapin 97084 8-Gallon9.3/10View on Amazon - 5
Best Portable AlternativePetraTools HD40009.2/10View on Amazon - 6
NorthStar 21-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom/Spot SprayerView on Amazon - 7
NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom/Spot SprayerView on Amazon
Finding the best tow behind sprayer allows property owners to apply liquid fertilizers, herbicides and pest controls across lawns, pastures and fence lines without carrying a manual tank. The five models below cover broadcast and spot applications, with tank capacities from 4 to 25 gallons, pump flow rates from 1.0 to 2.2 GPM, and power drawn from 12V vehicle connections or a dedicated battery. Below, we compare the published specifications from each listing and highlight what the maker does not state.
AcreMowerLab earns a commission when you shop through links here. It never changes your price. Affiliate disclosure.
Quick picks
- Best Overall NorthStar ATV Boomless: 14-ft boomless swath, 2.2 GPM pump, 70 psi and seat-side on/off switch Check price on Amazon
- Best High-Capacity Master Mfg 25-Gallon: 25-gallon tank, 2.2 GPM Everflo pump, 70 psi and 1-year warranty on pump and components Check price on Amazon
- Best Filtration Chapin 97400E 25-Gal: 25-gallon tank, 3-stage filtration system and 1-year limited warranty Check price on Amazon
- Best Compact Chapin 97084 8-Gallon: Light 9 lb weight, 8-gallon tank, 15-ft hose and 1-year limited warranty Check price on Amazon
- Best Portable Alternative PetraTools HD4000: 4-gallon battery backpack sprayer with 6 nozzles, 40 to 90 psi and 12V 8Ah battery Check price on Amazon
Our acreage picks
NorthStar ATV Boomless Broadcast and Spot Sprayer, 16-Gal, 2.2 GPM
Boomless ATV sprayer with a 16-gallon tank, a 2.2 GPM pump, a 14-foot broadcast swath and a spot spray gun reaching up to 19 feet.
Who it's for: property owners with one to ten acres who need wide broadcast coverage across pastures alongside spot spraying on fence lines.
Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated manufacturer warranty or lacks a 12V vehicle battery.
Read the full review
The NorthStar ATV Boomless sprayer pairs a 16-gallon polymer tank with a patented NSQ Series 2.2 GPM pump operating at 70 psi. A single broadcast nozzle throws a 14-ft swath without boom arms to snag on brush, while an included trigger spray gun delivers spot coverage up to 19 ft high. A regulator and pressure gauge allow flow control, and an 8-ft harness with battery clamps and an in-line switch gives seat-side control. The listing has a slight contradiction: the bullets state 15 ft of clear reinforced hose, while the spec table lists hose length as 14 feet. We trust the bullet text. Empty weight is 27.2 lb, and no warranty term is stated.
Pros
- Dual-mode spraying with 14-ft boomless broadcast swath and spot spray gun
- Continuous-duty 2.2 GPM pump rated at 70 psi with chemical-resistant Viton valves
- Seat-side on/off switch allows pump control without dismounting the vehicle
- Pressure gauge and regulator included for fine spray adjustment
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Contradiction in listing between 15-foot hose in bullets and 14-foot in spec table
- Heavier empty weight at 27.2 lb compared to spot-only sprayers
- Requires a 12V vehicle battery connection with no self-contained battery pack
Master Mfg 25-Gallon UTV and ATV Spot Sprayer, 2.2 GPM, 70 PSI
Spot sprayer featuring a 25-gallon tank, a 2.2 GPM Everflo pump, 70 psi pressure and vertical spray reach up to 25 feet.
Who it's for: owners of two to ten acres who want a high-volume 25-gallon spot sprayer with strong 2.2 GPM output for trees and fence lines.
Who should skip it: anyone who wants an out-of-the-box broadcast boom for large open lawns.
Read the full review
The Master Mfg Deluxe sprayer mounts to an ATV or UTV to deliver spot spraying for fence lines, trees and isolated weeds. The title and bullets state a 25-gallon tank, an Everflo 2.2 GPM 12V diaphragm pump and a deluxe spray gun reaching up to 25 feet vertically and 30 feet horizontally with a 180-inch hose. The listing contains sharp internal contradictions: the spec table lists Tank Size as 9 Gallon and pump flow as 1.0 GPM, while the title, bullet points and Item Type Name confirm 25 gallons and 2.2 GPM. Following site rules, we trust the title and bullets. Empty weight is not stated, and the listing states a 1-year manufacturer warranty on pumps and components.
Pros
- Large 25-gallon tank capacity reduces refilling on multi-acre properties
- Everflo 2.2 GPM diaphragm pump delivers high flow at 70 psi
- Deluxe spray gun reaches up to 25 feet vertically and 30 feet horizontally
- 1-year manufacturer warranty on pumps and components stated in listing
Cons
- Severe listing contradictions with spec table stating 9 Gallon tank and 1.0 GPM pump
- Spot sprayer only with no broadcast boom or wide-area swath nozzle included
- Empty weight is not stated
- No safety features or slope limits are stated
Chapin 97400E 25 Gallon ATV and UTV Spot Sprayer with 12V Pump
Chemical-resistant 25-gallon poly tank sprayer with 3-stage filtration, a 1.0 GPM diaphragm pump and a 19-inch poly wand.
Who it's for: acreage owners who need a 25-gallon spot sprayer with superior multi-stage debris filtration to avoid clogged nozzles.
Who should skip it: operators seeking rapid broad-acre broadcast spraying without buying add-on boom kits.
Read the full review
The Chapin 97400E is an ATV, UTV and lawn tractor spot sprayer built around a heavy-duty translucent poly tank. Key features include a 1.0 GPM diaphragm pump, nitrile seals, a 19-inch poly wand, a 15-foot reinforced hose and a 3-stage filtration system with filters in the cap, tank and shut-off. Several listing contradictions appear in the data: the title and bullets declare a 25-gallon tank, 15-foot hose and 19-inch wand, whereas the spec table states 15 gallon, 19 inches of hose and an 18-inch wand. Trusting the title and bullets, this is a 25-gallon sprayer with a 15-foot hose. Weight is 14.5 pounds, dimensions are 31.75 x 17.75 x 13.25 inches, and Chapin backs it with a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- 3-stage filtration system in cap, tank and shut-off reduces nozzle clogging
- Large 25-gallon translucent poly tank with wide 6-inch opening for filling
- Lightweight empty build at 14.5 pounds makes mounting simpler
- 1-year limited warranty stated on the listing
Cons
- Multiple listing contradictions between title and spec table for tank size, hose and wand
- Lower 1.0 GPM flow rate and 60 psi maximum pressure compared to 2.2 GPM models
- Connecting a boom requires purchasing an extra mounting kit sold separately
- Spot sprayer only as packaged
Chapin 97084 8-Gallon ATV and UTV Sprayer with 12V Pump
Compact 8-gallon ATV and garden-cart sprayer with a 1.0 GPM diaphragm pump, a 20-inch wand and a 9-pound empty weight.
Who it's for: owners of one to two acres or garden plots needing a light, nimble sprayer for ATV racks or tow-behind carts.
Who should skip it: anyone maintaining large pastures who needs 15 to 25 gallons of capacity.
Read the full review
The Chapin 97084 is an 8-gallon sprayer designed for smaller ATV racks, UTV cargo beds or garden-cart setups. It features an 8-gallon chemical-resistant poly tank, a 12V hookup powering a 1.0 GPM diaphragm pump at up to 60 psi and a 20-inch wand with an adjustable poly nozzle. The listing shows an internal contradiction regarding hose length: the title lists a 15-ft hose and the spec table lists 180 inches, but bullet 1 mentions a 10-foot hose. Per editorial guidelines, we credit the title and spec table figure of 15 feet. Weight is just 9 pounds, dimensions are 23.75"W x 12.25"H, and the unit includes a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Lightest vehicle sprayer here at 9 pounds empty weight
- Compact 8-gallon tank fits smaller ATV racks and garden utility carts
- 20-inch wand with adjustable poly nozzle for precise application
- 1-year limited warranty stated on the listing
Cons
- Small 8-gallon capacity requires frequent refills on larger acreage
- Listing contradiction between 15-foot hose in title and 10-foot hose in bullet
- Lower 1.0 GPM pump output and 60 psi maximum pressure
- Spot sprayer only with no broadcast capability
PetraTools HD4000 Battery Powered Backpack Sprayer, 4 Gallon
Battery backpack sprayer with a 4-gallon HDPE tank, a 12V 8Ah battery rated for 6 to 8 hours and adjustable pressure from 40 to 90 psi.
Who it's for: homeowners with tight garden beds, steep slopes or obstacle-filled yards where a tractor cannot tow.
Who should skip it: anyone seeking a high-capacity tow-behind or vehicle-mounted tank for broad acreage.
Read the full review
The PetraTools HD4000 is an electric sprayer powered by a built-in 12V 8Ah battery that the maker rates for 6 to 8 hours of runtime and over 200 gallons per charge. It features a 4-gallon translucent HDPE tank, adjustable pressure from 40 to 90 psi, a 34.5-inch extendable wand, a 48-inch hose, 6 nozzles and double-padded shoulder straps. Note that this is a wearable backpack sprayer rather than a true tow-behind or ATV-mounted unit; towing it requires placing it in a separate trailer or cart. The listing has a minor discrepancy between the title stating a 6-hour runtime and bullet 1 stating 6 to 8 hours. Weight is listed as 7.48 kg, and no concrete warranty term is stated.
Pros
- Self-contained 12V 8Ah battery delivers 6 to 8 hours of rated runtime
- Adjustable pressure range from 40 to 90 psi with 6 nozzles included
- Long 34.5-inch extendable wand reaches into tight garden corners
- Translucent HDPE tank with molded gallon markers for fluid monitoring
Cons
- Backpack design with shoulder straps, not a tow-behind or ATV-mounted unit
- Small 4-gallon tank capacity requires frequent refills on larger acreage
- Short 48-inch hose limits reach from a vehicle or cart
- No warranty term is stated
Other machines to compare
NorthStar 21-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom/Spot SprayerCheck price on Amazon
NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom/Spot SprayerCheck price on Amazon
Side-by-side specs
| Model | Acre Score | Type | Tank volume | Pump flow rate | Max pressure | Hose length | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NorthStar ATV Boomless | 9.6/10 | Broadcast and spot | 16 gal | 2.2 GPM | 70 psi | 15 ft | Not stated |
| Master Mfg 25-Gallon | 9.4/10 | Spot sprayer | 25 gal | 2.2 GPM | 70 psi | 180 in | 1 year on pumps and components |
| Chapin 97400E | 9.4/10 | Spot sprayer | 25 gal | 1.0 GPM | 60 psi | 15 ft | 1 year limited |
| Chapin 97084 | 9.3/10 | Spot sprayer | 8 gal | 1.0 GPM | 60 psi | 15 ft | 1 year limited |
| Petra HD4000 | 9.2/10 | Backpack sprayer | 4 gal | Not stated | 90 psi | 48 in | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 10 October 2026.
Acreage and terrain fit
NorthStar ATV Boomless Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
Master Mfg 25-Gallon Deluxe Spot Sprayer
Chapin 97400E 25-Gallon Spot Sprayer
Chapin 97084 8-Gallon ATV Sprayer
PetraTools HD4000 Battery Backpack Sprayer
Buying guide: choosing the best tow behind sprayer
Broadcast vs spot spraying
The biggest functional difference among these units is how liquid is distributed. A broadcast sprayer, like the NorthStar ATV Boomless, uses a specialized nozzle to produce a 14-ft swath across open ground, making quick work of large acreage and pastures without mechanical boom arms that could snap on uneven terrain. Spot sprayers, such as the Chapin and Master Mfg models, focus on targeted treatment: spraying fence lines, tree bases and isolated weeds using a hand wand. The NorthStar model includes both a 14-ft broadcast nozzle and a spot spray gun, whereas the other four units are dedicated spot sprayers or backpack units.
Tank capacity and coverage
Tank volume dictates how much acreage you can cover between refills. The 25-gallon tanks on the Master Mfg and Chapin 97400E models suit multi-acre properties where stopping to mix chemicals wastes time. For smaller properties, the Chapin 8-gallon model offers a compact footprint, weighing 9 pounds empty. The PetraTools HD4000 holds 4 gallons in a backpack format, which requires more frequent refilling on large properties. Always note listing contradictions: the Master Mfg spec table lists 9 Gallon while its title states 25-Gallon, and the Chapin 97400E spec table lists 15 gallon while its title states 25 Gallon.
Pump flow rate and operating pressure
A higher flow rate and pressure allow wider spray patterns and taller vertical reach. The NorthStar and Master Mfg units deliver 2.2 GPM at 70 psi, throwing streams up to 19 feet and 25 feet vertically, respectively. In contrast, the Chapin models utilize 1.0 GPM diaphragm pumps operating at 60 psi. The PetraTools backpack unit features an adjustable dial from 40 to 90 psi powered by an internal 12V 8Ah battery, though its gallon-per-minute flow rate is not stated.
Hose reach and wand build
Hose length determines how far you can walk from your vehicle to treat ditch banks or garden corners. The Master Mfg and Chapin models offer 15-foot hoses (or 180 inches), though Chapin listings present contradictions: the 97400E spec table states 19 inches, and the 97084 bullet states 10-foot. The NorthStar listing mentions 15 ft of hose in its bullets and 14 feet in its spec table. The PetraTools backpack includes a 48-inch hose paired with a 34.5-inch extendable wand.
Towing setups and aerating schedules
Vehicle sprayers mount to ATV racks, UTV cargo beds or lawn tractors. When managing seasonal turf care, operators often coordinate weed prevention with aeration schedules. Reviewing the best time to aerate a large lawn helps align soil care with chemical applications, while exploring the tow-behind attachments category offers broader equipment choices for acreage maintenance.
Vehicle stability and slopes
None of the sprayer listings publishes a maximum slope rating. Pulling or carrying liquid weight changes vehicle center of gravity and handling. Always consult the towing vehicle manual, check how to measure the slope of your yard, and reduce travel speed when turning with full tanks.
Turn rise and run, or a phone level reading, into degrees and percent, then compare it with typical mower slope ratings.
Stay within the towing capacity and hitch weight your mower manual lists, and add weight slowly. Loaded carts and spreaders push a mower downhill, so take slopes straight up and down at low speed. Keep riders off carts and keep bystanders clear while you tow. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score evaluates five factors: performance (tank volume, pump flow rate, operating pressure and spray coverage), build quality (tank materials, wand construction, valves and pump design), value (features and capacity for the investment), safety (switches, fuses and pressure regulation) and warranty (stated term in years or coverage). When a listing omits a specification or warranty term, that category receives zero points.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NorthStar ATV Boomless | 9.6 | 33 | 21 | 20 | 3 | 0 |
| Master Mfg 25-Gallon | 9.4 | 29 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 2 |
| Chapin 97400E 25-Gal | 9.4 | 27 | 18 | 19 | 0 | 2 |
| Chapin 97084 8-Gallon | 9.3 | 23 | 18 | 19 | 0 | 2 |
| PetraTools HD4000 | 9.2 | 22 | 18 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
FAQ: mowing large lots
What is the difference between a broadcast sprayer and a spot sprayer?
A broadcast sprayer distributes liquid across a wide path, such as the 14-ft swath on the NorthStar model, to cover pastures or lawns. A spot sprayer uses a hand wand and hose to apply liquid directly to isolated weeds, tree trunks or fence lines.
Can you pull a tow behind sprayer with a zero turn mower?
Yes, provided the mower features an approved hitch and adequate towing capacity. For details on hitch attachments and towing considerations, see our guide on whether a tow behind sprayer for zero turn mowers fits your yard setup.
How are electric sprayer pumps powered?
The NorthStar, Master Mfg and Chapin vehicle units connect to a 12V vehicle battery, using wiring harnesses or battery clamps. The PetraTools HD4000 includes a self-contained 12V 8Ah battery rated for 6 to 8 hours of runtime.
What warranty coverage do these sprayers include?
The Chapin 97400E and Chapin 97084 listings state a 1-year limited warranty, while Master Mfg states a 1-year warranty on pumps and components. The NorthStar and PetraTools listings do not state a warranty term.
More mowing guides
- Tow Behind Sprayer for Zero Turn: 5 Picks Compared (2026)
- Can a Zero Turn Pull Attachments?
- Best Tow Behind Dethatcher (2026): 5 Picks Compared
- Best Tow-Behind Aerator: 4 Plug Aerators for 1 to 10 Acres
- Best Tow Behind Aerator Under $300 (2026): 5 Top Picks Compared
- Best Time to Aerate a Large Lawn
- Best Trailer for Riding Lawn Mower (2026): 5 Top Picks Compared
- Best Pull Behind Dump Cart: 5 Picks for Lawn Tractors and UTVs (2026)
- Best Mower Trailer for Acreage (2026)
- Best Garden Tractor for Attachments (2026)
- Lawn Roller for Tractor: 5 Picks Compared (2026)
Explore the tow-behind attachments section to compare additional implements for your lawn tractor, ATV or utility vehicle.
