Quick verdict
The NorthStar 282780 is our top tow-behind sprayer. Its commercial NSQ pump runs 2.2 GPM at 70 PSI with a 100% continuous-duty rating, and the spring-loaded breakaway boom covers 120 inches while flexing on impact. A 21-gallon UV-resistant tank, seat-side remote, and dual broadcast plus spot spraying make it the most capable pick here.
NorthStar Tow
The NorthStar 282780 runs a commercial NSQ on-demand pump rated at 2.2 GPM and 70 PSI with a 100% continuous-duty motor, so it can spray all day without cooling down. Its spring-loaded breakaway boom spans 120 inches and flexes on impact instead of snapping, and independent nozzle valves let you cut one side. A 21-gallon UV-resistant tank, seat-side remote, and spot gun reaching 30 feet horizontally add real versatility.
Our best tow behind sprayer guide compares 5 ATV and tractor models by pump GPM, tank size, boom width, and reach so you cover acres of weeds fast.
Why you should trust this guide
I built this tow-behind sprayer guide by reading the published specs and feature lists for each trailer sprayer, then comparing them on the numbers that decide how much ground you cover per tank: pump flow in GPM, pressure in PSI, tank size, boom width, and spot-spray reach. The aim is to match a sprayer to your acreage and your tow vehicle rather than to chase a headline capacity.
I do not claim to have towed these behind an ATV. Instead I read what each spec sheet promises and where it leaves gaps, and I flag honest limitations for every pick. When a tank is only 15 gallons or a pump is a modest 1.1 GPM, I say so, because those trade-offs decide how many passes and refills a job takes.
How we evaluated
My evaluation criteria center on the pump and the coverage it produces. GPM tells you how fast the sprayer applies solution, PSI sets reach and force, and a continuous-duty rating signals whether the pump can run all day. Together these determine how quickly you can treat a field or pasture.
From there I weigh tank size against refills, boom width against pass count, and construction against real terrain. A breakaway boom that flexes on impact, powder-coated steel, pneumatic tires, and multi-stage filtration all point to a sprayer that survives rough ground and dirty water instead of clogging or bending.
What to look for
- Pump flow in GPM, since higher flow covers ground faster on broadcast passes.
- Pressure in PSI, because more pressure improves spot-spray reach and force.
- A continuous-duty pump rating if you plan long sessions on acreage.
- Tank capacity matched to your area to limit refills without overloading your tow vehicle.
- Boom width and whether it uses a breakaway design that flexes on impact.
- Spot-spray capability with a gun and hose long enough for fence lines and brush.
- Durable construction, including powder-coated steel, pneumatic or heavy-duty tires, and multi-stage filtration.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NorthStar Tow | Best Overall | Check price | |
| Grass Guardian 25 Gallon Pull | Best Value | Check price | |
| FIMCO Trailer Sprayer | Best Premium | Check price | |
| Master Mfg 36 | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Chapin 97664: Made in The USA 15 | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
NorthStar Tow
The NorthStar 282780 runs a commercial NSQ on-demand pump rated at 2.2 GPM and 70 PSI with a 100% continuous-duty motor, so it can spray all day without cooling down. Its spring-loaded breakaway boom spans 120 inches and flexes on impact instead of snapping, and independent nozzle valves let you cut one side. A 21-gallon UV-resistant tank, seat-side remote, and spot gun reaching 30 feet horizontally add real versatility.
Reasons to buy
- Commercial-grade NSQ series pump with 2.2 GPM, 70 PSI and 100% continuous duty rating
- Spring-loaded breakaway boom with 120-inch spray width and independent nozzle control
- 21-gallon UV-resistant tank on a rugged powder-coated steel cart with 12-inch pneumatic wheels
- Dual-mode broadcast and spot spraying with 19-ft vertical and 30-ft horizontal reach
- Compact storage design with seat-side remote pump control
Reasons to avoid
- The 21-gallon tank is smaller than some 25-gallon rivals
- It is the most complex setup here to assemble and store
Grass Guardian 25 Gallon Pull
The Grass Guardian offers the largest 25-gallon translucent tank with raised volume markings, so you refill less on big properties. A 1.1 GPM 12V Everflo diaphragm pump feeds a 7-foot broadcast swath, and the adjustable spot gun reaches up to 20 feet from stream to mist. It balances capacity and simplicity well.
Reasons to buy
- 25-gallon translucent tank with raised volume markings
- 7-foot broadcast spray swath
- Spot spray up to 20-feet horizontally
- 1.1 GPM 12V Everflo diaphragm pump
- Adjustable spot spray gun that goes from stream to mist
Reasons to avoid
- The 1.1 GPM flow is lower than the broadcast-heavy rivals
- No breakaway boom, so watch clearance on rough ground
FIMCO Trailer Sprayer
The FIMCO 15-2N-TRL-GS uses a 1.2 GPM High Flo pump rated to 60 PSI with an internally fan-cooled motor and chemically resistant valves and diaphragms for durability. Its two-nozzle boom suits targeted row and lane coverage on a compact 15-gallon trailer. The cooled motor is aimed at longer, more reliable runs.
Reasons to buy
- 1.2 GPM High Flo High Performance pump with internally fan cooled motor and chemically resistant valves and diaphragms
Reasons to avoid
- Smallest 15-gallon tank means more frequent refills
- Only a two-nozzle boom, so the swath is narrower than wide-boom units
Master Mfg 36
The Master Mfg 36-gallon posts the highest flow here at 3.0 GPM from an Everflo on-demand diaphragm pump, feeding a 10-foot broadcast swath through six no-drip nozzles. The boom folds horizontally for storage, a low center of gravity resists tipping, and 16-inch heavy-duty tires handle rough terrain. It is a lot of coverage for a budget price.
Reasons to buy
- Broadcast spray 10-feet with 6 quick attach, no-drip nozzles
- Everflo 3.0 GPM 12V on-demand diaphragm pump
- Spray boom folds horizontally for compact storage
- Low center of gravity to prevent unwanted tipping
- 16-inch heavy-duty tires for tough terrain
Reasons to avoid
- Its 60 PSI max trails the NorthStar for reach and spot work
- Larger footprint needs more storage space
Chapin 97664: Made in The USA 15
The Chapin 97664 is a USA-made 15-gallon tow-behind on a powder-coated steel trailer with 12-inch pneumatic tires. A 2.5 GPM 12V quick-connect diaphragm pump feeds a two-nozzle boom, and three-stage filtration limits clogs at the cap, tank, and shut-off. A 1-year warranty and rust-resistant poly tank round it out for smaller ATV jobs.
Reasons to buy
- Tow-behind trailer of powder-coated steel with 12-inch pneumatic tires
- Made in the USA with 1-year limited warranty
- 15-gallon rust-resistant translucent poly tank
- 2.5 GPM Chapin 12V quick-connect diaphragm pump
- 3-stage filtration to limit clogs
Reasons to avoid
- Smaller 15-gallon capacity for large acreage
- Two-nozzle boom covers less width than dedicated broadcast rigs
What to look for
Pump flow (GPM)
Higher GPM lays down solution faster, cutting the time to broadcast-treat a large area.
Pressure (PSI)
More PSI extends spot-spray reach for fence lines, brush, and low tree canopies.
Duty rating
A continuous-duty pump can run all day without overheating on big jobs.
Tank capacity
Match tank size to your acreage so you refill less without overloading the tow vehicle.
Boom design
A wider boom covers more per pass, and a breakaway boom flexes instead of snapping on impact.
Build and tires
Powder-coated steel, pneumatic or heavy-duty tires, and filtration keep it running on rough ground.
Our verdict
The NorthStar 282780 is our top tow-behind sprayer. Its commercial NSQ pump runs 2.2 GPM at 70 PSI with a 100% continuous-duty rating, and the spring-loaded breakaway boom covers 120 inches while flexing on impact. A 21-gallon UV-resistant tank, seat-side remote, and dual broadcast plus spot spraying make it the most capable pick here.
FAQs
Smaller yards suit a 15-gallon unit, while pastures and large lawns benefit from 21 to 36 gallons to reduce refills.
Yes, most tow-behind sprayers here hitch to a garden tractor, ATV, or UTV, though heavier full tanks demand more from the vehicle.
It means the pump motor is rated to run without stopping to cool down, which matters for long spraying sessions on acreage.
Boom widths here range from a 7-foot swath up to a 120-inch breakaway boom, so wider booms need fewer passes.
Multi-stage filtration and screen filters reduce clogs, but you should still filter your water source and rinse the system after use.