NorthStar ATV Broadcast & Spot Sprayer Review: Specs Assembly & Testing (

[@SuperJamster1]

I know a little too much about spraying herbicides. Part of my job was a state licensed sprayer, in charge of our resource teams. Here's a couple of suggestions for controlling poison ivy. Spray early in the morning or after a light misting rain. I know it seems counter intuitive, but the plants open up their cells (Stomata) to control moisture regulation. This makes them vulnerable to the herbicides. If you think about it, it makes sense, during really dry weather the plants are closed up to regulate moisture loss, and the light dosing from the sprayer isn't enough to allow them to open up, and half of it evaporates before it is useful. The other most important aspect is speed/spray volume/spread, but that' an entirely different math calculation. Good luck.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi SuperJamster1! That’s great advice! I appreciate it very much! Thanks for watching!

[@markb7067]

Excellent video. Thanks for putting it together. This is new territory for me so I appreciate all the information. We bought a ranch in Oklahoma last fall, had several acres of thicket cut down with a forestry mulcher, and I was horrified when I saw all the growth coming back so strong this spring. I believe spreading the herbicide will be key in brush control and trail maintenance going forward.

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad it was helpful to you! Thanks for watching!

[@crauchle]

Very well put together honest review. I may have found my first sprayer after juggling the idea of multiple different setups. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@ericduck8273]

Good video! I have two 15 gal tank sprayers. I use one for Roundup and 2-4-D, and one for insecticide. I put the tank in my front loader bucket and run the spray hose to the tractor operator station. Works well for my needs.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Eric! Sounds like you have a good setup. Thanks for watching!

[@dwayneloftice2326]

I've had the earlier model like that one years ago that worked very well. Ain't to shabby!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for watching, Dwayne!

[@HillsideAcres]

We just picked up a 12v spot sprayer to control some broad leaf weeds in our pasture, really wish i went with something like this with the boom! nice video!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you! Yes the spot and broadcast combo is really nice to have.

[@waynebaker-h2y]

I have the same sprayer with the same 2 problems. Cross threaded drain and cycling on/off. I have added Teflon tape and hope it stops this. Thanks for the video.

[@DIYMyWay]

Once I fixed the cross threading and tightened other fittings, the cycling quit and it has worked perfectly ever since. Thanks for watching!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

Nice sprayer! Glad it works good. I got a 3Pt. setup. I will be using. Have a good week Martin! See ya!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, John! Hope you have a good week too!

[@medicmike4906]

I own a pest control/lawn fertilization company I have been a Certified pest control Operator here in Florida for 39 years (family business) I would suggest wearing nitrile gloves, long sleeve shirt/pants as well as rubber boots. All clothing used should be washed separately from your regular clothes as well and in very hot water. These precautions should be followed when using all chemicals, but especially Roundup. When spraying Roundup it is important to apply it using large water droplets, this reduces the chance of it drifting onto undesirable target foliage. One Roundup treatment stays in the soil for 8 months. Over the years I learned one thing very well, chemical companies sell chemicals, and they do not give two flips about your health, so act accordingly. I found your video because I just sold my lawn spray truck, I am preparing to retire and I have no intention of paying someone to treat my lawn. I am interested in using your setup on a zero-turn mower. Liked your video, so I subscribed.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you for the tipsand for subscribing, Mike! Also congrats on your upcoming retirement!

[@stuckinnj9554]

I have the older model (pump on top). Highly recommend running/flushing water through the tank, hoses and valves. My experience if you don’t, the next time you use it, you’ll spend 15mins cleaning the dried chemical out of the nozzles and trigger mechanism of the wand. Further the plastic ball valve used to change fluid direction from boom to wand will seize. Same if this model uses a mixing valve (allows fluid flow back into the tank). I purchased a wireless remote for mine. Makes it easy to control whether mounted to my ATV rear rack or in the dump bed of my RTV. These are great for the price. Mine is 15 years old and still in use.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for sharing the tips and for watching!

[@glennlawless4838]

That’s a good idea…. Maybe the hoses won’t dry rot from within from the chemicals…Nice!

[@MrPabco]

Hi Martin. I have a similar unit on my Kubota RTV. Amazon sells an extension cord with eyelets on one end (battery end) and the exact same plug on the other along with (another) inline fuse. Routed it in some cable wrap and permanently installed it with the plug sticking out in a convenient spot. Little bit of velcro w/sticky back on the switch allows me to stick it on my ROP just over my left shoulder for convenient on-off operation. Sprayer works great. Thanks for another great video. Good luck with your PO.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Paul! Sounds like you have a good set up. Now that you mention it, there is no inline fuse on sprayer’s cable. I may change the battery clips out for a cigarette lighter plug so I can just plug it in to the 12V outlets on my Polaris or my tractor. The PO is already looking sad in the areas I’ve sprayed so I’m encouraged. Thanks for watching!

[@MrPabco]

@@DIYMyWay Here's the cable I used. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079ZTBHYK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Paul! I appreciate it!

[@chriss2387]

Great video on this product! I just bought the 26gal boomless broadcast and spot sprayer setup. I also had the cross threaded drain cap and the same issue with the pressure regulator. I figured out the drain cap already so now I need to check my fittings for a leak. Otherwise a solid product.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you Chris! Yep, other than the initial issues we both had, it’s been a great product. One thing I learned is that it’s important to clean the tiny filters in the nozzle after each use. Thanks for watching!

[@jhors7777]

Fabulous and helpful video, thank-you!

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@charliemetoo2541]

I have two of those sprayers, and suggest that you should run RV antifreeze through it before you store it to keep the pump from siezing up.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for the tip, Charlie!

[@jhors7777]

thank you Charlie for the tip

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Hi Martin, the shots of your property at the start of the video were beautiful. We pasture our timber here and that really helps to keep the vegetation under control.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Gary! If we had some goats, the ivy would be doomed, but we also have coyotes so the goats wouldn’t be around for long. Thanks for watching!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

@@DIYMyWay , boy howdy. They would have a Feld day with goats.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Wow Martin that sure looks like a nice sprayer and a perfect fit for the Ranger and the spray pattern is well suited for your trails. It's nice that you can easily switch from boom spray to spray gun too. That's a bit plus. Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Take care!!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Mike! Yes indeed it seems like a good choice for the Ranger and my trails. I have a little more to spray on the trails then I’ll open up the pattern wider for the fields. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinblair191]

Great video. I am wanting one of these sprayers to use for cleaning my roof. Most folks have said get at least a 5gpm pump but it looks like this one will spray far enough for what I need. Have you tried increasing the psi and if so how far does it truly spray? Thanks!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Kevin! I haven’t tried higher PSI so I don’t know the maximum range of the spray gun, but if you are spraying from the ground up to a one story roof, it will certainly do that. Thanks for watching!

[@Stockbadger]

This video is 100000% great. Well edited and enjoyed it

[@johnc8112]

Very informative video in watched today. Questions how does that feild look like and how long did it take to kill the Poison Ivy and rate you mixed-up?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi John! It took a couple of weeks before everything died out and was brown for months. It started greening up again this Spring but without the poison ivy, so mission accomplished. I mixed 2.5 ounces to the gallon. Thanks for watching!

[@johnc8112]

Thanks for sharing your experience with me.

[@martyb3783]

Very nice. I have been waging war on my property with poison ivy as well. I use a back pack sprayer which is tough to do. I don't have a side by side. I am envious. I know this video is several months old but beware that glyphosate, the active ingredient in round up, while safe and effective for mammals, it is known to be very toxic to fish and other water critters. I am always very careful when spraying near the creek on my property. Thanks for the very interesting video!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Marty! It could also be strapped in the back of a 3-point carryall for use on a tractor since you don’t have a side by side. Yep, I know glyphosate is deadly to water critters and take appropriate care around water. Thanks for watching!

[@medicmike4906]

Glyphosate is not safe for mammals. Matter of fact it is a known cancer-causing carcinogen. Not good for your prostate either.

[@martyb3783]

@@medicmike4906 I disagree. The science does not show that. Just because one jury was convinced, does not convince me.

[@mikeleinback7689]

I'm curious if you've had any experience with this unit where the spray from the boom becomes a bit sporadic even though the tank has plenty of fluid. If so, did you find a resolution to the problem?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Mike! Only when the fluid level gets to about 3” and is sloshing around due to uneven terrain. I’ve thought about making a set of baffles to go in the bottom to minimize sloshing. Thanks for watching!

[@glennlawless4838]

Thank you sir! Very informative and I absolutely look forward to your videos. You have help make this city, suburbanite a little smarter 😃 Glenn

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Glenn! I'm so glad to hear you get value from my videos! Thanks for watching!

[@victorchavez9020]

Sorry I got a big question I just purchased the same unit my question is how long it takes to empty the whole 26 gallons⁉️⁉️

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Victor! It depends on the rate at which you spray. I can usually use it all in under an hour, including stops to use the wand. Thanks for watching!

[@DavidNGoodman]

Thanks again, Martin! I'm researching these for my trail system but can't decide on whether to a get 3-point style for my B2601 or a trailer style for my wife's Cub Cadet ("Cubby"). Since the 3-point is about 3 times as expensive for some unknown reason, I'll likely go for the trailer. Oh also, could you provide an update on how the application worked on your trails?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi David! Sounds like the trailer option is the best because you could pull it behind your tractor as well. The sprayer and round up worked great on the trails. The pattern was just the right width and the round up killed just about everything in it’s path. Good luck with yours!

[@DavidNGoodman]

I just bought one from Northern Tool (Amazon's been out of stock since you posted your video). My plan is to mount it to a garden cart chassis. I liked the trailer types, but the axel is so narrow I'm afraid of tipping on my trails. The garden cart is about twice as wide and should work nicely.

[@d.a.ballou9740]

Nice video, you always explain things very well.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you kindly!

[@q-ball1484]

Your review induced me to buy one. Good presentation. Did you encounter trouble screwing and unscrewing the cap to and atop the tank?

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks! Glad to hear it. No, the cap on mine goes on and off easily. I suggest checking the cap and tank threads for any plastics burrs that may be binding it up. If so, you can probably carve them off with a pocket knife. Good luck with yours! I still really like mine. Thanks for watching!

[@ChandlerBrentLane]

How are you liking the sprayer after a year of use? I’m thinking about getting one.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Chandler! I still like it a lot. It is working well and I’ll soon be taking it on the trails again to kill off the vegetation. Thanks for watching!

[@ChandlerBrentLane]

@@DIYMyWay I got this sprayer & I have had a lot of issues. I have already returned 2 units. & I am going to be returning the 3rd one I have now. The top lid is cross threaded. & the pump will not shut off it runs continuously. It should turn off when it builds up pressure correct? I am having northern tool mechanic call me about the problem tomorrow. To make sure that the pump must be defective. The first 2 that I returned had the same problem but they were leaking in multiple areas. But this one I have now isn’t leaking anywhere, unless the cross threaded lid on the tank is causing the pump to run all the time. Hopefully they get this fixed.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Chandler! Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble with yours. The lid cross thread won’t affect pressure build up because the tank itself isn’t pressurized, but you should be able to un screw the lid and thread it on correctly. The pump will only build up pressure and cut off when the spray gun is being used. If there are no leaks and the pressure regulator is working right, when you move the valve to the spray gun position, and turn on power, the pump will run for a few seconds until it reaches the set pressure. When you pull the trigger on the spray gun, the pump will start running until you release the trigger. If the pump is running all the time and there are no leaks, open that tank lid and see if the bypass is returning the fluid to the tank. If that’s not happening then the pump is is probably dead heading and is under strain because your pressure cut off switch isn’t working. That means you’ll need to get pressure switch replaced. Of course I assume you know that the pump does run continuously while in broadcast spray mode. I hope the NT technician can help you fix the problem.

[@earlyriser8998]

i have been looking for a sprayer and this looks quite good

[@DIYMyWay]

It seems to be. I’ll be running another full tank of RoundUp through it in the next couple of days, so if I see any issues, I’ll let you know. Thanks for watching!

[@mikeleinback7689]

One more question regarding the 26 gal NorthStar ATV Broadcast & Spot Sprayer. If I remember correctly, the literature claims a 40-ft wide spray swath. I've never been able to get much more than an 8-ft wide spray even when the unit was brand new. I've checked for blockage and find the system to be clear. Is it possible that my Kawasaki Mule isn't providing sufficient electrical power to the pump motor? Thoughts? I've also noticed that the pressure regulator and gauge have little to no effect on the broadcast mode of the sprayer. I generally run the unit with the pressure knob open 100%. Closing it, of course, only makes the performance worse. The knob and gauge do, however, seem to regulate the pressure/flow when in the spot sprayer mode. Is this intentional or should the knob also regulate the pressure when in broadcast mode? And, DIY My Way, thanks so much for your insight and for the very helpful & informative videos.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi MIke! You must have the wide boom model if it claims 40ft. Perhaps they are referring to the spot sprayer, which can shoot a LONG way if set to a stream. Make sure you clean the tiny filters in the nozzles. They can easily get gunked up even after a single use of RoundUp. The fact that you spot sprayer works right suggests it’s the nozzle filters. It’s also possible that your Mule isn’t producing the juice you need but you can measure the voltage at the alligator clips to see. Good luck!

[@kdsberman]

I'm looking into doing food plots and am trying to learn about sprayers. Do you feel the 16-gal sprayer would be big enough for two 1/2 acre plots? Thank you and great video!

[@DIYMyWay]

My guess is that it would be, but it depends the recommended rate of application and whether you are spot spraying or broadcast spraying. Thanks for watching!

[@kdsberman]

@@DIYMyWay Appreciate it!

[@kdsberman]

Hey actually, one more question. I just ordered the 16-gal sprayer, basically same as yours but the step down. I was wondering, how does the agitation feature work on this? Is there a valve you have to open for it to continuously circulate/mix? Thanks!

[@DIYMyWay]

There is no valve that I know of. I would guess that the pressure regulator bypass feeds back into the tank to stir things up as it regulates the pressure.

[@kdsberman]

@@DIYMyWay Sounds great, thank you.

[@braedonphillips2617]

Great video, very impressed with the quality of your video and editing as well. Is it still holding up ok? Im looking into one for my ATV, looking at the small 16 gallon sprayer but cant seem to find videos on the particular one (fairly certain it the exact same as yours just 10gallon smaller but same pump and everything) Only concern im seeing is one the exhaust on my quad is right about where the boom would be and somone else reported it melted the lines so thats a concer as well as it keeping a prime, we dont have a ton to spray and usually always be smaller batches im doing, mainly just 2 longer driveways and thats it.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Braedon! Yes, I have used it a few times since making the video and it still operates fine. You are probably right that the only difference is the size of the tank. The exhaust could certainly be a problem. Perhaps you could redirect the exhaust on it. The pump is self-priming so that shouldn’t be a concern. Thanks for watching!

[@HEAVENGLAMOUR]

Beautiful video

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you very much!

[@ProjectsWithPaul]

Good video

[@nickg2366]

Just bought the 16gal version because of this video. Ordered the piranha tooth bar for my L series because of you too. Your a bad influence😣

[@Post_Oak_]

What kind of anchors did you say that was?

[@DIYMyWay]

Grip Pro ATV Anchors for Polaris Ranger: amzn.to/3nOpD7V Thanks for watching!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good morning Sir !!! What you are using the NUCLEAR OPTION 😮🥴🤣👍 Ho boy, the Quality Control on packing and assembly should be better,,, 🤔 Keep up your great sence of humor Sir 🤣👍 Great field testing Sir 😊👍 Keep up the great work Sir Cheers 👍😊

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Dave! Yes, it was time for nuclear war! LOL! Yes, jut an inch of styrofoam on that side would be all that is need to protect the gauge and regulator. Thanks for watching!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@DIYMyWay 👍😊🍻

[@shroudedunity]

You need ppe my friend

[@GMfan746]

Is this made in US or China?

[@DIYMyWay]

I don’t remember if it’s made in the US, China or elsewhere, but you can follow the link in the video description and probably find out on the product page. Thanks for watching!

[@hlhunter4481]

You sound very informative and intelligent until you got to the “roundup” part. 😳 keep breathing in that rainbow… i hear DDT works well on those horrific weeds

[@mikeleinback7689]

No, I have the boomless sprayer........same one that you demo'd on a previous video. See this link for note (bottom left corner of image) that states: "40-ft W spray swath": www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200727350_200727350 What spray path width SHOULD I expect to get with this broadcast sprayer? If it turns out that the voltage is insufficient, do you have any suggestions..........other than adding a second standalone battery? Regarding the spot sprayer, I would say that this comes down to a pressure issue. In other words, If I turn off ONE of the broadcast nozzles, then I can gett a pretty good throw with the remaining one. The problem is............well, you know!! One last thing. I wasn't aware of there being tiny filters INSIDE the broadcast nozzles. Am I reading your response correctly? Sounds as though I need to DISASSEMBLE the nozzles and clean thoroughly, right? Is this addressed in the manual? Thanks again for your feedback!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Sorry for the delayed response. You include a link in your comment which automatically through it in the Held for Review bin. I didn’t buy it for a 40-ft W spray swath and I can’t imagine it coming even close to that with the nozzles it came with. They would have to shoot out horizontally instead of vertically to have any chance of getting to 40 ft. Maybe it can cover 12 to 15 ft at best which is all I would ever need. As for the power issue, if there is one, either install a more powerful alternator or add a second battery, but you’d need a way to charge a second battery - like a more powerful alternator. Yep, there are tiny super-fine filters in each nozzle that can get clogged. Mine get gunked up with RoundUp after I’ve run a tank or two through them. But they clean up pretty easily with hot water from the faucet. I don’t remember if it was in the manual or not. I discovered them just by taking a nozzle apart to see how it was built. Good luck!

[@mikeleinback7689]

@@DIYMyWay Thanks for the response, DIYMW!! If you read the info in the link that I sent, did it suggest to you that I should be getting a 40-ft wide spray pattern, or did I completely misunderstand the text? At BEST, I get something on the order of a 6-ft spray swath, sometimes less. By the way, all of my recent testing has with clear water, no chemicals. Over the past couple of seasons, I have used Round-Up, but have cleaned the sprayer after each use. Since my last message to you, I too have disassembled both of the spray nozzles, but I'm not finding any sort of filter inside. Oddly enough, upon reassembly, the flow/spray is even worse now than before. I've also connected the power leads to my truck battery as a test to see if a more powerful electrical system might improve the flow. No luck there either!! Would you maybe suggest a completely different pair of nozzles? Maybe something similar to the nozzle on the spray wand? I'm also considering adding a boom attachment in lieu of the current (crummy) spray nozzles. Any thoughts or recommendations on this? One last question (a repeat from my original message): Am I correct in thinking that the knob that regulates pressure ONLY affects the wand and has no impact on the broadcast function whatsoever? The gauge shows zero pressure when set to broadcast mode. That strikes me as a bit odd. Thanks again, Mike