Northstar sprayer from Northern Tool

[Jerry-B-WI]

I know there's reviews of ATV sprayers here but I don't see any recent experiences, or advice with Northstar brand. Anyone have recent experience with this brand? I'm thinking of buying one for the ATV. Lugging the back pack sprayer around is getting old, or maybe I'm getting old.

 

[RGrizzzz]

The general rule with sprayers is you get what you pay for. Make sure your cleaning the sprayer when you're done. Using cleaner/soap for sprayers is best. That will ensure your sprayer lasts as long as possible.

 

[Prairie Acres]

I bought a NorthStar ATV sprayer, new in the box, from someone local on Marketplace late last year for a great price. I'm just getting around to setting it up in the back of my UTV so I can't offer my experience using it. Comparing the tank to my Fimco pull-behind I think the NorthStar is sturdier. I like the handles on the NorthStar for the few times I've had it on and off the UTV while figuring out a way to mount it. I think the reviews were a little bit better than Fimco's. The included wiring harness with switch is a little short for my UTV so I need to order one off Amazon.

The one I bought is a 26 gallon spot sprayer with boom. It's on sale at Amazon for $280, Prime Day Deal.
Amazon NorthStar Sprayer

 

[Ben.MN/WI]

I have a 25 gallon fimco with a boom and used to have all types of problems with the pump and valves. All the problems went away when started rinsing the tank well after each use and then running a full tank of cold, clean water through the sprayer. Whatever brand you select, make sure you do that or you will likely end up with pump issues.

I also removed the in-line screen on the intake line since that kept getting gummed up. Removing that screen/filter didn't cause any issues.

 

[bigboreblr]

I have a 25 gallon fimco with a boom and used to have all types of problems with the pump and valves. All the problems went away when started rinsing the tank well after each use and then running a full tank of cold, clean water through the sprayer. Whatever brand you select, make sure you do that or you will likely end up with pump issues.

I also removed the in-line screen on the intake line since that kept getting gummed up. Removing that screen/filter didn't cause any issues.

The light is bright with you......

Spare nozzle, spare $30 pump, and some spare fuses, you're good for a decade. All fun n games until your add AMS.........

 

[Ben.MN/WI]

The light is bright with you......

Spare nozzle, spare $30 pump, and some spare fuses, you're good for a decade. All fun n games until your add AMS.........

My Fimco sprayer is probably about 15 years old and I hated the thing for the first 10 years. I lost count on the number of pumps I replaced in that time - it seems like I was fixing something on that sprayer every other time I used it. But I was only running a partial tank of water through after each use.

Once I thoroughly rinsed the tank after each use and followed up with running a full tank of clean water through the sprayer before putting it away my problems went away.

 

[buckdeer1]

I have repaired several of those pumps and have 2 in my truck right now that need it.From what I have found it's usually just the diaphragm and I have been able to clean and pull out to get them working again.

 

[Maddog66]

I’ve had the Northstar 25 gallon sprayer for about 5 years now. I only use it about twice per summer and I clean it up with dawn dish soap every time and always bring it in the basement for the winter.

I hate to tempt fate like this but it’s been a great little sprayer for me and my 5 acres of plots, 1.5 acres of grass, and 70 apple trees.

I almost always use AMS with my glyphosate……..what problems has it caused for the pump?

 

[Turkish]

I know there's reviews of ATV sprayers here but I don't see any recent experiences, or advice with Northstar brand. Anyone have recent experience with this brand? I'm thinking of buying one for the ATV. Lugging the back pack sprayer around is getting old, or maybe I'm getting old.

Sprayer brand name isn’t all that important. Look at the parts and connections used. They’re completely modular. Sprayers are actually pretty easy to build yourself, but you don’t save much money once quality components are sourced.

 

[weekender21]

I bought the 26 gallon North Star boom sprayer several years ago based on its superior reviews. I think I got ~3 years out of that first sprayer before it started leaking. Nothing crazy but in an area that would be hard to repair. I’m still using north Star but have switched to a 16 gallon boom sprayer. It’s a safer option for the steep terrain we have on our place.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[weekender21]

Edit above: I forgot my 16 gallon sprayer got ripped off the ATV when I hit a tree first time I used it. I replaced it with a 15 gallon County Line (tractor supply) last summer. Used once, cleaned, dried and stored. Filled it up this week, leaking in multiple locations. I hate these things.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[weekender21]

Sprayer brand name isn’t all that important. Look at the parts and connections used. They’re completely modular. Sprayers are actually pretty easy to build yourself, but you don’t save much money once quality components are sourced.

Recommendation on location to buy quality parts?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Turkish]

Recommendation on location to buy quality parts?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What’s leaking? Amazon for stainless threaded fittings. TSC for rubber hose. Minimize hose clamps, especially on plastic hose barb fittingsIf the pump has a cracked housing, you’ll need a new pump.

I built my own 25-gal and have over $200 in it, not counting the pump. I’m sure mine will leak at some point, but it’s all repairable, unless the pump housing cracks. I understand why the cheap, ready-made sprayers frustrate people.

 

[weekender21]

What’s leaking? Amazon for stainless threaded fittings. TSC for rubber hose. Minimize hose clamps, especially on plastic hose barb fittingsIf the pump has a cracked housing, you’ll need a new pump.

I built my own 25-gal and have over $200 in it, not counting the pump. I’m sure mine will leak at some point, but it’s all repairable, unless the pump housing cracks. I understand why the cheap, ready-made sprayers frustrate people.

The switch on the plastic sub component (y shape). You can remove the switch with a Phillips head but the o ring looks fine. Must be cracked. The wand handle is also leaking but that’s an easy amazon replacement.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Turkish]

The switch on the plastic sub component (y shape). You can remove the switch with a Phillips head but the o ring looks fine. Must be cracked. The wand handle is also leaking but that’s an easy amazon replacement.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Spray nozzles can cost $200-300 alone. For mine I use stainless steel NPT connection to a pressure washer quick connect. Quality components for this equipment are not cheap. I don’t think a company could make any money producing sprayers with these components and charging a fair price; everybody would still buy the cheap ones.

 

[RGrizzzz]

What’s leaking? Amazon for stainless threaded fittings. TSC for rubber hose. Minimize hose clamps, especially on plastic hose barb fittingsIf the pump has a cracked housing, you’ll need a new pump.

I built my own 25-gal and have over $200 in it, not counting the pump. I’m sure mine will leak at some point, but it’s all repairable, unless the pump housing cracks. I understand why the cheap, ready-made sprayers frustrate people.

You should share pictures and a build list.

 

[Turkish]

You should share pictures and a build list.

I will.

 

[weekender21]

I’m looking at brass Y hose shut offs as a possible upgrade.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[weekender21]

Can’t find a place local that carries these, only online. Seems pretty similar to a hose splitter.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[weekender21]

Updated parts, no more leaks.

Lowes hose splitter

New wand from tractor supply

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk