When you’re in the market for a farm sprayer, the decision is more than just picking the biggest tank or loudest motor. With the right machine, you’ll maximise efficiency, protect your crops (and your wallet), and make life on-the-land a lot easier. Here’s how to choose the best sprayer equipment for your property.
1. Assess the Size and Layout of Your Property
Before you dive into specs, take a look at what you’re working with:
- Area to cover: Are you spraying large paddocks, or smaller blocks and fence lines? A large property with open space might suit a trailed or linkage sprayer, while smaller or irregular parcels of land might benefit from a more compact unit.
- Terrain & access: Slopes, tight tree lines and narrow gates affect the type of sprayer you can use effectively. A low-profile or 12V/motorised sprayer may be better if access is limited.
- Frequency of use: How often you’ll be spraying (weed control, fertiliser, pesticides) affects your choice of capacity and durability.
2. Choose the Right Type of Sprayer
Silvan offers several categories to match different operations. Here are the main types you should consider:
- Linkage Sprayers: Mounted on your tractor’s three-point hitch — great for medium-to-large properties where you already have the towing setup.
- Trailed or Sled Sprayers: Bigger capacity, towed behind a vehicle — ideal for large fields where speed and coverage matter.
- 12 V & Motorised Sprayers: Compact, independent units powered by vehicle battery or small engine — useful for spot spraying, orchards, vineyards, or lifestyle blocks.
- Boom/Overrow Sprayers & Accessories: For specialist crops (grapes, citrus, bananas) where precision and row coverage matter.
3. Key Features to Check
When evaluating a sprayer, compare these features:
- Tank size & flow rate: Bigger tanks mean fewer refills but require more power and may be bulkier.
- Boom width: Wider booms cover more ground per pass, reducing time — but need space to swing and turn.
- Pump type and pressure: Ensures consistent spray pattern and penetration.
- Nozzle and boom control options: Some models offer electronic control, GIS/GPS integration, or variable rate spraying — helpful for efficiency and cost savings.
- Durability & support: Silvan has built a reputation for strong build quality and after-sales support, especially for those “connected to the land”.
- Ease of manoeuvring and maintenance: Look for accessible filters, service points, and reliable parts supply.
4. Match to Your Budget and ROI
Buying a sprayer is an investment — one that should pay off through time savings, better coverage and fewer wasted inputs. Consider:
- Will the machine allow you to spray more often (or more accurately) and therefore produce healthier crops or fewer weeds?
- Could you modularise — use a smaller unit now and grow into a larger one later?
- What are the long-term maintenance costs (wear parts, pumps, nozzles)?
- Does the supplier (Silvan) offer warranty, parts access and service network?
5. Ask These Questions Before You Buy
- What type of sprayer best fits our crop types and land layout?
- What tank size and boom width make sense for our acreage?
- Will we need advanced features (GPS, variable rate, section control)?
- What is our total cost of ownership (purchase + maintenance + consumables)?
- Is the dealer network nearby and will parts/service be easy to obtain?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I upgrade my sprayer boom width later?
Yes. Many sprayers allow boom extensions or modular upgrades — just ensure the chassis and pump capacity are suited for the upgrade.
Do I need a high-spec sprayer if I only have 2 ha?
Not necessarily. For smaller properties, a compact 12 V or motorised sprayer might be a better fit, and far more cost-effective.
What maintenance should I expect?
Regular cleaning of nozzles and filters, checking pump seals, boom joints and hoses for wear. Also calibration of spray rate and checking pressure regularly ensures accurate application.
How important is after-sales support?
It’s very important. A trusted brand like Silvan has been serving the Australian agricultural market for decades with strong support across rural areas.
Choosing the best farm sprayer means matching your land, crops and budget to the right type and features. By analysing your property, choosing the right sprayer category, focusing on key specs, and working with a reliable brand like Silvan, you’ll be set up for efficient, effective spraying that supports your operation for years to come. Treat your sprayer as an investment — the right machine will pay you back in time, productivity and peace of mind. Find a Silvan dealer near you.