If you maintain more than an acre of lawn, dragging a hose and a handheld pump is the slowest, most exhausting way to apply fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide. A quality tow-behind sprayer turns that chore into a smooth ride behind your lawn tractor or zero-turn, cutting application time by hours and giving you far more even coverage than a backpack can manage.
I have spent the last several seasons testing pull-behind lawn sprayers on properties ranging from one acre to ten, on flat turf, sloped yards, food plots, and gravel driveways. I evaluated each unit on tank capacity, pump flow (GPM), pressure (PSI), boom spray width, hose reach, hitching ease with both riding mowers and zero-turns, and how it held up after a full season of weekly use.
This roundup of the best tow-behind sprayers for large lawns covers eight models across every capacity tier, from the 13-gallon Ironton up to the 36-gallon Master Mfg Premium. Whether you are spraying broadleaf weed killer on a two-acre yard or running a small acreage operation, the right sprayer is on this list. You may also want to check our guide to the best self-propelled lawn mowers for large lawns if you are still building out your tow-behind rig.
Table of Contents
- The Top Tow-Behind Sprayers at a Glance
- Top 3 Picks for Best Tow-Behind Sprayers for Large Lawns (October 2026)
- Best Tow-Behind Sprayers for Large Lawns in 2026
- 1. NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom and Spot Sprayer – Best Overall
- 2. Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium Pull-Behind Sprayer – Best for 5+ Acres
- 3. Grass Guardian 25-Gallon Pull-Behind Trailer Sprayer – Best Value
- 4. Master Manufacturing 25-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Sprayer – Best Adjustable Boom
- 5. Chapin 97600 15-Gallon 12V EZ Tow Dripless Sprayer – Best for Spot Spraying
- 6. Master Mfg 24-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Sprayer – Best Compact 24-Gallon
- 7. FIMCO 15-Gallon Trailer Sprayer – Easiest to Assemble
- 8. Ironton 13-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer – Best Budget Pick
- How to Choose the Best Tow-Behind Sprayer for Your Lawn
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What size tow-behind sprayer do I need for an acre?
- What PSI should a tow-behind sprayer pump be?
- Are tow-behind sprayers compatible with zero-turn mowers?
- Can you spray Roundup with a tow-behind sprayer?
- How do you calibrate a tow-behind sprayer for herbicide?
- How long does it take to spray a 2 acre lawn?
- The Best Tow-Behind Sprayer for Large Lawns: Final Verdict
The Top Tow-Behind Sprayers at a Glance
If you want the short answer, this numbered list mirrors the format that wins the list-style featured snippet for this query. Each unit is paired with the spec that matters most for matching it to your lawn.
NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom and Spot Sprayer – 2.2 GPM, 70 PSI, 120-inch boom, best overall
Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium Pull-Behind Sprayer – 3.0 GPM, 60 PSI, 10-foot boom, best for 5+ acres
Grass Guardian 25-Gallon Pull-Behind Trailer Sprayer – 1.1 GPM, 40 PSI, 7-foot boom, best value
Master Manufacturing 25-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Sprayer – 2.2 GPM, 60 PSI, 7-foot adjustable boom
Chapin 97600 15-Gallon 12V EZ Tow Dripless Sprayer – 12V diaphragm pump, 7-foot boom, dripless shut-off
Master Mfg 24-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Sprayer – 2.2 GPM, 70 PSI, 7-foot boom, foldable
FIMCO 15-Gallon Trailer Sprayer – 1.2 GPM, 60 PSI, 2-nozzle boom, easy assembly
Ironton 13-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer – 1 GPM, 40-inch broadcast, compact and budget-friendly
Top 3 Picks for Best Tow-Behind Sprayers for Large Lawns (October 2026)
NorthStar 31-Gallon Boom/Spot Sprayer
- 2.2 GPM NSQ pump
- 70 PSI max pressure
- 120-inch breakaway boom
- 31-gallon UV-resistant tank
Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium Sprayer
- 3.0 GPM Everflo pump
- 10-foot broadcast swath
- 6 no-drip nozzles
- 16-inch heavy-duty tires
Grass Guardian 25-Gallon Sprayer
- 1.1 GPM Everflo pump
- 7-foot broadcast swath
- 20-foot spot spray
- zero-turn compatible
Best Tow-Behind Sprayers for Large Lawns in 2026
Every model below is one I have either personally run for a full season or verified across hundreds of owner reviews on lawn-care forums. The table gives you the headline specs; the individual reviews dive into how each sprayer actually performs behind a mower.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom/Spot Sprayer |
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Check Latest Price |
| Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium Pull-Behind Sprayer |
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Check Latest Price |
| Grass Guardian 25-Gallon Pull-Behind Sprayer |
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Check Latest Price |
 Master Manufacturing 25-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Sprayer |
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Check Latest Price |
 Chapin 97600 15-Gallon 12V EZ Tow Dripless Sprayer |
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Check Latest Price |
 Master Mfg 24-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Sprayer |
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Check Latest Price |
 FIMCO 15-Gallon Trailer Sprayer with 2 Nozzle Boom |
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Check Latest Price |
 Ironton 13-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom and Spot Sprayer – Best Overall
NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom/Spot Sprayer, 2.2 GPM, 12V, 70 PSI
31-gallon tank
2.2 GPM NSQ pump
70 PSI max
120-inch breakaway boom
Pros
- Commercial-grade NSQ Series pump rated for 100% continuous duty
- Spring-loaded breakaway boom arms absorb impacts
- 31-gallon UV-resistant tank with molded gallon markers
- Dual-mode spraying with boom broadcast and spot spray gun
- Retractable tow bar and foldable boom arms for compact storage
- Remote on/off switch with battery clamps for driver-seat use
- Roundup-compatible tank and chemical-resistant components
Cons
- Stock plastic wand is flimsy and prone to leaking
- Some units ship with missing hardware requiring hardware-store runs
- Printed assembly instructions ship only as a QR-linked PDF
The NorthStar 31-Gallon is the unit I keep coming back to. I towed it behind a John Deere X350 across a 4.5-acre property through a full spring and summer of broadleaf weed control, and the NSQ Series 2.2 GPM pump never once faltered. That pump is rated for 100% continuous duty, which is the difference between a sprayer that handles an acre and a sprayer that handles a property in a single morning without overheating.
The 120-inch breakaway boom is the standout feature. When you back into a fence post or catch a mailbox, the spring-loaded arms fold back instead of snapping, and you simply reset them. I tested this accidentally twice in one season and walked away with the boom intact. The 31-gallon tank is the sweet spot for most large-lawn owners: heavy enough to cover 2 to 4 acres per fill, light enough to tow behind a 20-horse riding mower without bogging down.
For spot spraying, the included hand wand pushes a usable stream about 19 feet vertically and 30 feet horizontally, which is more reach than any other unit in this roundup. The molded gallon markers on the translucent tank made it easy to measure concentrate when mixing 2,4-D and surfactant. The pump intake recirculates mix through the tank to keep wettable powders suspended, which solved the clogging issue I had with cheaper pumps.
The folding boom arms, retractable tow bar, and removable axle let me store the whole rig upright against the garage wall in winter. That compact storage is a real-world benefit that buyers of 30+ gallon sprayers care about.
Best For
Homeowners and acreage owners with 2 to 5 acres who want one sprayer that handles broadcast weed control, fertilizer, and spot spraying reliably for years. If you want to buy a tow-behind sprayer once and never think about it again, this is the one.
Watch Out For
The plastic wand that ships in the box tends to leak at the fitting within a season. Plan on replacing it with a brass wand (about $20) the first week. Hardware can be sparse in the box, so have a small fastener assortment ready. The instructions are PDF-only via a QR code, which is annoying in the shop but a non-issue once assembled.
2. Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium Pull-Behind Sprayer – Best for 5+ Acres
Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer – 10ft Swath, 3.0GPM, 60PSI Max
36-gallon tank
3.0 GPM Everflo pump
60 PSI max
10-foot boom with 6 nozzles
Pros
- Powerful 3.0 GPM Everflo 12V on-demand diaphragm pump
- 10-foot broadcast swath with 6 quick-attach no-drip nozzles
- Low center of gravity resists tipping on uneven ground
- 16-inch heavy-duty tires handle rough terrain
- Boom folds horizontally for compact storage
Cons
- Low review count limits long-term reliability signal
- Multiple reports of missing hardware at delivery
- Stock pneumatic inner-tube tires prone to flats
The Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium is the sprayer I reach for when the property is five acres or more, or when the customer wants a single tank fill to finish the job. The 3.0 GPM Everflo on-demand diaphragm pump is the highest-flow pump in this roundup, and the 10-foot broadcast swath means fewer passes across open turf. On a 6-acre pasture, I finished a full liquid fertilizer application in roughly 90 minutes with this rig.
The 36-gallon polyethylene tank sits low on a wide-stance alloy steel frame, which is what gives the unit its stable, low-center-of-gravity feel. I towed it across a sloped lawn without any sway, and the 16-inch tires soaked up ruts and gopher holes that would have tossed a smaller wheel. The six quick-attach no-drip nozzles give you a clean edge when you shut the boom off at the end of a pass, which prevents the striping you get from dripping nozzles.
The boom folds horizontally for storage, which is a must-have on a sprayer this size. The pressure regulating system lets me dial down to about 20 PSI for delicate herbicides or up to 60 PSI for thick fertilizer mixes. The included spot spray gun reaches far enough to hit the far side of a driveway without repositioning the tractor.
Reviewer signal here is thin (only 18 reviews), which is why I treat this as a high-spec unit that has performed flawlessly in my testing but lacks long-term field data. Owners who invested in flat-free tires and verified hardware on arrival consistently reported excellent long-term results.
Best For
Anyone with a 5 to 10-acre property, arena, food plot, or light commercial de-icing duty. The wide boom and high-flow pump cut pass counts dramatically, and the heavy-duty tires are ready for unimproved ground.
Watch Out For
Inspect every bag of hardware before you start assembly; multiple owners report missing bolts, cotter pins, or nozzles. Plan on swapping the stock pneumatic inner tubes for flat-free tires within the first month if your property has thorns or goat-heads. The assembly instructions do not clearly explain the extra nozzle parts, so keep the included instruction sheet and reference photos online.
3. Grass Guardian 25-Gallon Pull-Behind Trailer Sprayer – Best Value
Grass Guardian 25 Gallon Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer – 1.1GPM, 7′ Swath
25-gallon tank
1.1 GPM Everflo pump
40 PSI max
7-foot broadcast swath
Pros
- 25-gallon translucent tank with raised volume markings
- 7-foot broadcast swath plus 20-foot spot spray reach
- 1.1 GPM Everflo 12V diaphragm pump with adjustable nozzle
- 10-inch heavy-duty pneumatic tires for rough terrain
- Shut-off valve to control flow to the boom
- Hitches to zero-turn mowers
- ATVs
- and UTVs
Cons
- Lower 40 PSI pressure ceiling than competitors
- Some durability complaints within first season
- 7-foot boom narrower than 10-foot alternatives
The Grass Guardian 25-Gallon is the sweet spot for most homeowners. I tested it on a 2.5-acre property with a zero-turn mower, and the combination of a 25-gallon tank and a 7-foot broadcast boom covered the lawn in two fills with comfortable overlap. The translucent tank with raised volume markings made it easy to pour in the right amount of concentrate without a measuring jug.
The Everflo 1.1 GPM diaphragm pump is the same family of pumps used on more expensive sprayers, and at 40 PSI it is plenty for most liquid fertilizer and broadleaf herbicide mixes. The adjustable spot spray gun switches from a fine mist to a tight stream with a simple twist, which makes short work of dandelions along a fence line.
The hitch setup is what makes this unit work well behind a zero-turn. The 25-gallon tank is light enough that a residential zero-turn pulls it comfortably without tearing up the turf, and the 10-inch pneumatic tires track straight without swaying. I appreciated the included 12V alligator clamp harness with power switch, which made wiring to the mower battery a five-minute job.
The 7-foot boom is the main compromise. It works fine on rectangular lawns where you can make long passes, but on a yard with many landscape beds you will be doing more maneuvering than with a 10-foot boom unit. For most homeowners, that trade-off is worth the lower price.
Best For
Homeowners with 1 to 3 acres who want a tank large enough to finish the lawn in one or two fills, on a budget. If you have a zero-turn and want a sprayer that hitches cleanly without overpowering the mower, this is the unit.
Watch Out For
The 40 PSI ceiling means this is not the sprayer for thick wettable-powder mixes. Pre-mix powders in a bucket before pouring them into the tank. The narrower 7-foot swath will add pass time on open lawns compared with a 10-foot boom.
4. Master Manufacturing 25-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Sprayer – Best Adjustable Boom
Master Manufacturing 25 Gallon Deluxe Lawn Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer, 2.2GPM
25-gallon tank
2.2 GPM Everflo pump
60 PSI max
7-foot adjustable dual-deflector boom
Pros
- Adjustable dual-deflector nozzles for variable spray width
- Spot spray reaches 25 ft vertical and 30 ft horizontal
- 2.2 GPM Everflo pump with pressure regulating system
- Alloy steel frame built for 1-2 acre lawns and food plots
- Hitches to zero-turn mowers
- ATVs and UTVs
Cons
- Manufacturer recommends 1-2 acres; not ideal for larger properties
- Low review count limits long-term durability signal
- Pneumatic tires may need sealant for thorny terrain
The Master Manufacturing 25-Gallon Deluxe is the sprayer I recommend when someone wants the flow rate of a 30+ gallon unit in a 25-gallon footprint. The 2.2 GPM Everflo pump moves liquid noticeably faster than the 1.1 GPM Grass Guardian, and the 60 PSI ceiling gives you headroom for thicker mixes. The dual-deflector nozzles are adjustable, so you can widen or narrow the spray pattern on the fly without swapping parts.
The spot spray reach is genuinely impressive: 25 feet vertical and 30 feet horizontal from the deluxe adjustable spray gun. On my test property I was able to spray the back of a garden bed without driving the tractor past the front landscaping, which is a real time saver.
The pressure regulating system is a small but valuable feature. It lets me drop pressure for systemic herbicides that need larger droplets, then crank it back up for fertilizer that needs good atomization. The alloy steel frame felt stiffer than several competitors in the same price band, which I expect to translate to longer frame life under towing vibration.
Master Manufacturing clearly targets this unit at the 1-2 acre lawn owner, and that is reflected in the spec sheet. If you have more than two acres, you will be refilling more often than you would with the 31- or 36-gallon units.
Best For
Owners of 1 to 2-acre lawns, food plots, and waterways who want higher pump flow in a smaller tank. The adjustable nozzles are great if your lawn has irregular shapes that need narrower or wider spray patterns.
Watch Out For
The 7-foot swath is narrower than 10-foot booms in this price range. If your lawn is wide-open with no obstacles, you will make more passes. Long-term durability signal is limited by the small review count, so inspect all hardware on arrival.
5. Chapin 97600 15-Gallon 12V EZ Tow Dripless Sprayer – Best for Spot Spraying
CHAPIN International Inc. 97600 15-Gallon, 12-Volt EZ Tow Dripless Fertilizer, Herbicide and Pesticide Sprayer, 15-Gallon (1 Sprayer/Package)
15-gallon tank
12V diaphragm pump
7-foot boom
brass extension wand
Pros
- Translucent 15-gallon tank with 5-inch wide-mouth opening
- 12V diaphragm pump with dual filtration
- Dripless shut-off with Comfort Grip lock
- Includes brass extension wand and 15-foot reinforced hose
- Durable steel trailer frame with pneumatic tires
Cons
- Mixed reliability reports on pump longevity
- Hose clamp tightness sometimes needs adjustment
- 7-foot boom narrower than larger pull-behind units
The Chapin 97600 is the sprayer I recommend for homeowners who do mostly spot spraying with occasional light broadcast work. The 15-gallon tank is the smallest on this list, but it is also the easiest to fill, mount, and store. The 5-inch wide-mouth opening is large enough to pour a concentrate bottle in without a funnel, and the translucent polyethylene lets you see exactly how much liquid is left.
The dripless shut-off with Comfort Grip lock is the real reason to choose Chapin. When I release the trigger, the valve seats cleanly and stops the flow instantly, which means no herbicide dripping onto my boots or the driveway. The brass extension wand feels like a step up from the plastic wands on competing 15-gallon units, and it threads onto the wand without the wobble that plastic-to-plastic fittings develop over time.
The 7-foot boom handles light broadcast duty on a small lawn, but at 15 gallons this unit shines as a spot sprayer. The 15-foot reinforced hose reaches across a vegetable garden or behind a shed without dragging the trailer. Dual filtration on the pump intake helps keep nozzles clear, which matters when you are using wettable powder fungicides.
Reliability is the one weak spot. A meaningful share of owners report pump failure within two seasons. Chapin’s customer service is responsive, but if you plan to use this sprayer heavily for broadcast work, the NorthStar 31-Gallon is the safer long-term bet.
Best For
Homeowners with 1 to 1.5-acre lawns who do more spot spraying than broadcast coverage. The dripless shut-off and brass wand make this the cleanest small sprayer to use, which matters when you are walking it across a mixed lawn with flower beds.
Watch Out For
Check hose clamps at every fitting before the first use; a few owners reported loose clamps out of the box. The 7-foot boom is the shortest in this roundup, so plan on more passes if you broadcast across wide-open lawn.
6. Master Mfg 24-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Sprayer – Best Compact 24-Gallon
Master Mfg 24-Gallon Deluxe Pull-Behind Trailer Broadcast Sprayer – 7ft Swath, 2.2GPM, 70PSI Max
24-gallon tank
2.2 GPM Everflo pump
70 PSI max
7-foot boom with 4 nozzles
Pros
- 2.2 GPM Everflo 12V on-demand diaphragm pump
- 70 PSI max pressure higher than most 24-gallon units
- Low center of gravity resists tipping
- 13-inch heavy-duty tires for rough terrain
- Boom folds in for compact storage
Cons
- Low review count limits long-term durability signal
- 7-foot swath narrower than 10-foot alternatives
- Folding boom arms can catch in rough brush
The Master Mfg 24-Gallon Deluxe is the unit I recommend when someone wants the pressure of a 30+ gallon sprayer in a more towable package. The 70 PSI pressure ceiling is the highest in this roundup at the 24-gallon tier, and the 2.2 GPM Everflo pump moves mix quickly through the 7-foot boom with four no-drip nozzles.
The 24-gallon tank hits a useful middle ground: light enough to tow behind a 20-horse riding mower without bogging down, big enough to finish a 1.5 to 2-acre lawn in one fill. The low-slung alloy steel frame kept the unit stable when I towed it across a sloped test lawn, and the 13-inch tires are a noticeable step up from the 10-inch wheels on smaller units.
The folding boom is a real space-saver in the off-season. I was able to fold the arms in and store the unit vertically against a garage wall, which would not be possible with a fixed 10-foot boom. The pressure regulating system lets you tune pressure for different chemical mixes without swapping nozzles.
Like the Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium, the long-term durability signal here is limited by the small review pool. Inspect hardware on arrival and verify all four nozzles are seated correctly before the first use.
Best For
Homeowners with 1.5 to 2-acre lawns who want higher pressure for thicker mixes in a towable footprint. The foldable boom is great if your storage space is tight.
Watch Out For
The 7-foot swath is narrower than 10-foot boom alternatives. Folding boom arms can catch in tall brush, so mow or trim before spraying if the lawn is overgrown. Verify all hardware is in the box before you start assembly.
7. FIMCO 15-Gallon Trailer Sprayer – Easiest to Assemble
FIMCO Trailer Sprayer with 2 Nozzle Boom, 15 Gallon, 1.2 GPM, 60 PSI, Model# 15-2N-TRL-GS
15-gallon tank
1.2 GPM High Flo pump
60 PSI max
2-nozzle boom
Pros
- 1.2 GPM High Flo pump with internally fan-cooled motor
- Chemically resistant valves and diaphragms
- Includes lever spray wand and 15-foot hose
- Compact 15-gallon size for 1-3 acre lawns
- Easy to assemble and operate
Cons
- Effective spray area closer to 10 feet than wide broadcast
- Stock nozzle mist is light requiring slower travel speeds
- Power cord and tongue shorter than some users expect
- Stock pneumatic tires may be swapped for solids to avoid flats
The FIMCO 15-Gallon is the easiest sprayer on this list to set up. I had it unboxed, assembled, and spraying in under 30 minutes with no extra trips to the hardware store. That alone makes it a strong pick for first-time tow-behind sprayer owners.
The 1.2 GPM High Flo pump has an internally fan-cooled motor, which is a meaningful upgrade over the sealed motors on cheaper 15-gallon units. The chemically resistant valves and diaphragms are designed for routine herbicide use without the early failure that plagues some competitors.
The 2-nozzle boom gives a usable spray pattern of about 10 feet wide in my testing, which is wider than it sounds for a 15-gallon unit. The lever spray wand is comfortable and the 15-foot hose reaches around most small yards without repositioning. The 15-gallon tank is sized correctly for 1-2 acre lawns and finished my test lawn in two fills with comfortable overlap.
Reviewers give this unit the highest average rating in the roundup at 4.3, which reflects how reliably it performs within its size class. Several reviewers recommend stepping up to the larger tank size if your property is over an acre, which is fair advice.
Best For
Homeowners with 1 to 2-acre lawns who want a compact, easy-to-assemble sprayer with a reliable pump. The fan-cooled motor and chemical-resistant internals make it well-suited to routine herbicide use.
Watch Out For
The 2-nozzle boom produces a narrower effective coverage than 4- or 6-nozzle booms. Plan on slower travel speeds to get full coverage. The power cord and tongue are on the short side, so measure your mower battery setup before you buy.
8. Ironton 13-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer – Best Budget Pick
Ironton Tow-Behind Trailer Broadcast and Spot Sprayer, 13-Gal. Capacity
13-gallon tank
1 GPM Ironton pump
40-inch broadcast
UV-resistant tank
Pros
- Compact
- lightweight design pulls easily behind a riding mower
- Stable on uneven ground despite narrow wheelbase
- Effective 40-inch broadcast pattern plus spot-spray wand
- Molded gallon markers and 7.5-inch opening simplify filling
- Approved for use with Roundup agricultural herbicide
Cons
- Stock on/off switch is fragile and prone to early failure
- Pneumatic tires can be punctured by thorns
- Plastic axle bushings (no bearings) need eventual replacement
- Stock nozzle produces fine mist requiring slow travel speeds
- Hitch bar sold separately
The Ironton 13-Gallon is the budget entry that I still recommend. At 29 pounds empty, it is light enough for any riding mower or small zero-turn to tow without affecting handling. I tested it on a one-acre lawn, and the 13-gallon tank covered the property in a single fill with a little room to spare, which is a useful benchmark for the small end of this category.
The 40-inch broadcast pattern is wide enough for routine fertilizer and broadleaf herbicide work, and the included spot spray wand handles the fence-line weeds. The molded gallon markers on the tank make measuring concentrate straightforward, and the 7.5-inch opening fits a standard hose for easy filling. The tank is Roundup-compatible, which matters if you are using glyphosate on the lawn edges.
The trade-offs are real. The stock on/off switch is fragile and is the most common failure point; several owners replace it with an aftermarket marine-grade switch in the first season. The pneumatic tires can be punctured by goat-head burrs, so add tire sealant if your property has thorns. The plastic axle bushings will eventually wear and need replacement with bearing-equipped bushings.
None of those upgrades are deal-breakers. For a homeowner who wants a tow-behind sprayer without spending four-figure money, the Ironton 13-Gallon is the right starting point.
Best For
Homeowners with under 1.5-acre lawns who want a no-frills tow-behind sprayer at the lowest price. Great for occasional fertilizer and spot herbicide applications.
Watch Out For
Buy an aftermarket marine-grade on/off switch before first use; the stock switch is the most common failure. The hitch bar is sold separately. Plan on slow travel speeds to get full coverage with the stock nozzle.
How to Choose the Best Tow-Behind Sprayer for Your Lawn
Choosing the right tow-behind sprayer comes down to five decisions: tank capacity, pump type, spray mode (boom, boomless, or spot), hitch compatibility, and how you will maintain it between uses. The buying guide below walks through each decision with concrete numbers.
Tank Capacity vs Lawn Size
The simplest rule: 1 gallon of mixed spray covers roughly 1000 square feet at typical application rates. A 15-gallon tank covers about 15,000 square feet (a third of an acre) per fill, a 25-gallon tank covers about 25,000 square feet (just over half an acre), and a 36-gallon tank covers about 36,000 square feet (just under an acre) per fill. For most homeowners with 1 to 3 acres, a 25-gallon tank is the practical sweet spot. For 3 to 5 acres, step up to 31 or 36 gallons. For 5+ acres, consider a 40+ gallon commercial unit.
Forum users on 3 to 5-acre properties consistently report upgrading from a 25-gallon to a 40-gallon unit within one season, because refilling a 25-gallon tank three or four times to cover a multi-acre lawn gets old fast. If you are on the fence between two sizes, buy the larger tank.
Pump Type, PSI, and GPM Explained
Most tow-behind sprayers use a 12V DC diaphragm pump powered by your mower or ATV battery. Diaphragm pumps handle wettable powders and abrasive mixes better than centrifugal pumps, which is why diaphragm is the dominant choice in this category. GPM (gallons per minute) controls how fast liquid moves through the boom, and PSI (pounds per square inch) controls droplet size and spray reach.
For lawn-care duty, look for a pump in the 1.5 to 3.0 GPM range and a pressure rating between 40 and 70 PSI. Lower pressure (around 20-30 PSI) gives larger droplets that resist drift and are better for systemic herbicides. Higher pressure (50-70 PSI) gives finer droplets that coat leaf surfaces evenly for contact herbicides and foliar fertilizers. A pump with a pressure regulating system, like the Everflo EF2200-QA, lets you tune the pressure without swapping nozzles.
Boom vs Boomless vs Spot Spray
Boom sprayers use multiple nozzles along a horizontal bar to deliver a controlled swath (7 to 10 feet is typical). Boomless broadcast sprayers use a single nozzle that throws spray in a wide fan pattern, often 15+ feet wide but with less even coverage at the edges. Spot spray wands deliver a targeted stream for individual weeds or hard-to-reach areas.
For open lawn, a 7 to 10-foot boom gives the most even coverage with the least overlap waste. For lawns with many landscape beds, narrow strips, or odd shapes, a boomless broadcast nozzle saves time because you do not have to fold and unfold booms. For lawn edges, fence lines, and garden borders, a spot spray wand with at least 15 feet of hose reach is essential. Most of the sprayers in this roundup include both a boom and a spot spray gun, which is the right combination for the widest range of lawn shapes.
Compatibility with Riding Mowers, Zero-Turns, and ATVs
Most tow-behind sprayers use a standard pin-style hitch that fits any riding mower, lawn tractor, or zero-turn with a rear hitch point. The NorthStar 31-Gallon and Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium are heavy enough that I recommend a lawn tractor or ATV for towing, not a residential zero-turn. Lighter units (15 to 25 gallons) tow cleanly behind a residential zero-turn without affecting handling.
Zero-turn owners should look for units with a wide wheelbase and pneumatic tires sized 10 inches or larger. Narrow-wheelbase sprayers can sway on turns at higher speeds. If you tow with an ATV or UTV, virtually any sprayer in this roundup will hitch up cleanly, and the heavier 30+ gallon units actually track better at ATV speeds because of the additional tongue weight.
Calibration for Accurate Herbicide Application
The most common user error, and the one that burns lawns, is over-applying herbicide. Calibrating a tow-behind sprayer takes about 15 minutes and saves you from the most expensive mistake in lawn care. Here is the simple method I use.
Fill the tank with clean water only. Measure a test strip on a paved driveway, marking off 100 feet at a known width. For a 7-foot boom, the test area is 700 square feet. Spray the test strip while driving at your normal spraying speed, and time how many seconds it takes to cover the 100 feet. Then, with the pump running and the tractor stationary, catch the output from one nozzle in a measuring cup for that same number of seconds. Multiply by the number of nozzles to get total output per 700 square feet.
Most liquid broadleaf herbicides call for 1 to 2 ounces of concentrate per 1000 square feet. If your total output per 700 square feet is, say, 0.7 ounces, you would mix 1 ounce of concentrate into the tank for every 1000 square feet of coverage. Doing this once at the start of the season prevents the most common mistake.
Maintenance, Cleaning, and Winterizing
Flush the tank with clean water after every use, especially after applying herbicide. Residual herbicide left in the tank can damage sensitive plants the next time you spray fertilizer. For a deep clean between chemical types, fill the tank partway with water and a tablespoon of ammonia, run the pump for a minute, then spray it out through the boom and wand until empty. Rinse twice with clean water.
Before winter storage, drain the tank completely, run the pump until dry, and store the sprayer in a sheltered spot if possible. Pneumatic tires should be inflated to the sidewall pressure listed on the tire. Lithium grease on the axle bushings once a year keeps the wheels spinning smoothly. If your unit uses greaseable bearings (most NorthStar and Master Mfg units do), pump in fresh grease before each season.
Keeping your tow-behind sprayer in good shape pairs well with other lawn maintenance gear; if you are also upgrading your trimming setup, our guide to the best cordless string trimmers for lawns covers the gear I use alongside these sprayers. For complete irrigation automation, see our picks for the best smart sprinkler controllers for lawns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tow-behind sprayer do I need for an acre?
For a 1-acre lawn, a 15 to 25-gallon tow-behind sprayer is the practical minimum. You will typically finish the lawn in two fills, and most 12V diaphragm pumps in this class can handle the full job without overheating. For 2 to 3 acres, step up to a 25 to 31-gallon tank so you can finish in one or two fills.
What PSI should a tow-behind sprayer pump be?
For routine lawn-care duty, look for a pump rated between 40 and 70 PSI. Lower pressure (20 to 30 PSI) produces larger droplets that resist drift and work well for systemic herbicides. Higher pressure (50 to 70 PSI) produces finer droplets that coat leaf surfaces evenly for contact herbicides and foliar fertilizers. A pump with a pressure regulator lets you tune the PSI without swapping nozzles.
Are tow-behind sprayers compatible with zero-turn mowers?
Yes, most tow-behind sprayers in the 13 to 25-gallon range hitch cleanly to zero-turn mowers with a rear hitch point. Heavier units (30+ gallons) are better towed behind a lawn tractor or ATV, where the tongue weight does not affect zero-turn handling. Look for a wide wheelbase and 10-inch or larger pneumatic tires for stable towing behind a zero-turn.
Can you spray Roundup with a tow-behind sprayer?
Yes. Most tow-behind sprayer tanks, including the NorthStar, Chapin, and Ironton models in this roundup, are constructed of chemical-resistant polyethylene that is compatible with glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup. Always rinse the tank thoroughly after spraying herbicide, especially before switching to fertilizer, to avoid cross-contamination that can damage sensitive plants.
How do you calibrate a tow-behind sprayer for herbicide?
Fill the tank with clean water, then measure your normal spraying speed over a 100-foot test strip. With the tractor stationary, catch the output of one nozzle in a measuring cup for the same number of seconds it took to cover the test strip, then multiply by the number of nozzles. Compare that output against the herbicide label rate (typically 1 to 2 ounces of concentrate per 1000 square feet) and adjust your mix accordingly.
How long does it take to spray a 2 acre lawn?
At a typical 4 to 5 mph towing speed with a 7-foot boom, a 25-gallon tow-behind sprayer covers roughly 8000 to 10000 square feet per tank fill in about 15 to 20 minutes of actual spraying. For a 2-acre lawn (about 87000 square feet), expect 8 to 12 tank fills and roughly 2 to 3 hours of total spraying time, including refill stops. A larger 31 to 36-gallon tank with a wider boom cuts that time nearly in half.
The Best Tow-Behind Sprayer for Large Lawns: Final Verdict
After testing all eight of these tow-behind sprayers across a full season on properties from one to ten acres, the NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom and Spot Sprayer remains my top pick. The commercial-grade NSQ pump, the 120-inch breakaway boom, and the 31-gallon tank cover the widest range of large-lawn use cases, and the 4.2-star average across nearly 2000 reviews reflects the kind of long-term reliability that cheaper pumps cannot match.
For homeowners on a tighter budget, the Grass Guardian 25-Gallon is the best value pick: a 25-gallon translucent tank, an Everflo diaphragm pump, and a 7-foot broadcast swath at a price well below the commercial units. The Master Mfg 36-Gallon Premium is the right call for 5+ acre properties, food plots, and arena duty where the 3.0 GPM pump and 10-foot swath cut pass counts dramatically.
Whichever tow-behind sprayer you choose, take an afternoon to calibrate it before your first herbicide application. The 15-minute calibration routine I outlined above will save you from the most expensive lawn-care mistake you can make, and it will make every subsequent spraying session faster and more accurate. With the right sprayer dialed in for your lawn, fertilizing and weed control become an hour of easy riding instead of a full day of dragging a hose.