# Agricultural sprayers: boom, mounted and self-propelled systems

URL: https://leafwrit.com/uk/sprayer-selection/
Reviewed: 2026-10-29

Choose a **crop sprayer** by the crops, field layout, tractor or vehicle, filling arrangements and application system it needs to serve. Mounted, trailed and self-propelled machines are distinct starting points. HARDI MEGA is mounted, NAVIGATOR is trailed and ALPHA is self-propelled.

Application equipment is matched to the intended method, operator exposure and environmental risks.

For a proposed treatment in Great Britain, [Article 55(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2009/1107/article/55/data.html) includes compliance with the authorised conditions specified on the labelling within proper use.

## Crop sprayer types: mounted, trailed and self-propelled sprayers

| Arrangement | Example (HARDI) |
| --- | --- |
| Mounted | MEGA |
| Trailed | NAVIGATOR |
| Self-propelled | ALPHA |

These are the types of sprayers used in agriculture for field crops. A tractor sprayer is either mounted on the linkage or trailed (pull type, towed behind the tractor); a self-propelled sprayer has its own cab.

A spot sprayer, whether battery powered, electric, rechargeable, high pressure or self-propelled, is chosen on the same basis as any application equipment: matched to the intended method, operator exposure and environmental risks. The best farm sprayer, or the best sprayer for agriculture, is the one that fits those points and the crops, field layout, tractor and filling arrangements above. A pull behind or tow behind chemical sprayer is a trailed machine.

An agro sprayer, agriculture mechanical sprayer or agricultural fertiliser sprayer is a machine of the same kinds: mounted, trailed or self-propelled, with a tank, pump and boom. It is matched to the intended method, operator exposure and environmental risks in the same way.

Sold as a large farm sprayer, a large agricultural sprayer or a large chemical sprayer, the machine is one of these three types (mounted, trailed or self-propelled), and the type is chosen from the tractor, the field layout and the filling arrangements. At the small end, a handheld or small pesticide sprayer (a plant sprayer, or a water sprayer with tank) is a knapsack or hand sprayer on foot, and a tank with a boom or nozzles on a quad bike, as below. A long distance pesticide sprayer is a different method, the air-assisted or mist-blower delivery described in the [application methods guide](/uk/pesticide-application-methods/), and it is judged by the drift and exposure checks for that method.

For small areas and work done on foot, the [knapsack comparison](/uk/knapsack-sprayer-selection/) covers a different purchase decision.

## Pull-type, ATV and quad bike boom sprayers

Smaller crop sprayers sit between a knapsack and a full tractor machine. A pull type sprayer (for example a 200 gallon or 300 gallon pull type sprayer), a 100 litre (100l) or 200 litre boom sprayer, an ATV or UTV sprayer with boom, a quad bike boom spray unit and a 12 volt tank sprayer are all a tank, a pump and a boom on a smaller carrier. Spot sprayers and boomless units, for example a 25 gallon spot sprayer or an ATV boomless sprayer, replace the boom with one or two nozzles. They are matched to the job in the same way as a large machine: the intended method, the operator's exposure and the environmental risk. A petrol agriculture sprayer, battery powered pesticide sprayer, hydrostatic sprayer or smart pesticide sprayer changes the drive or the controls, not the duty to apply within the label: on the label the crop or situation and the conditions of use are set, whichever machine is used. Tank sizes and the conversion from gallons are in the [tank selection guide](/uk/spray-tank-selection/); for the carried version see the [backpack guide](/uk/knapsack-sprayer-selection/).

## Assess the tractor and mounted system together

HARDI MEGA has linkage-mounted suspension and an optional front-tank arrangement. The front tank can bring extra water to the field or work with the main system.

## Examine tracking on a trailed machine

NAVIGATOR's steering drawbar and tracking system control how the trailed machine follows the tractor.

## Evaluate a self-propelled machine as a complete workplace

HARDI ALPHA has a dedicated cab, adjustable track width and suspension. Spraying and hydraulic functions are controlled from the cab.

## Choose a boom sprayer that can work on the ground you have

Boom width is only part of the specification: suspension, track-width adjustment and automatic height control differ between machines.

Boom height, forward speed, nozzle choice, pressure and maintenance affect drift.

## Follow the liquid through the machine

On NAVIGATOR, agitation, filling and cleaning have separate automation options.

For the tank-specific decision, use [spray tank selection](/uk/spray-tank-selection/). For measuring output and choosing tips on an existing machine, use the [nozzle guide](/uk/sprayer-nozzle-chart/).

## Filling

Watch tank levels, prevent overflow and exterior contamination, and use filling devices suited to the machine.

## Next step

See [NSTS sprayer testing](/uk/nsts-sprayer-testing/), the [nozzle guide](/uk/sprayer-nozzle-chart/) and [tank selection](/uk/spray-tank-selection/).