How to Set Up and Use a Sprayer on a Four-wheeler

The purpose of this Instructable is to show how to set up and use a sprayer on a four-wheeler. 

Before using the sprayer, you must get a pesticide license. More information about how to prepare for the test, take the test, and get the license is at the local extension office or online through the Department of Agriculture.  Chemicals can't be sold to a buyer without this license.  There is also valuable safety information that you will learn during the preparation for the license test.

Setting up the sprayer should only take 7 to 14 minutes, while the actual spraying time will vary depending on size and distance between weed areas.

Materials needed:
Four-wheeler
Sprayer
Chemicals
Measuring Device
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Water
4 Rubber Tie-down Straps

After following these steps, there shouldn't be a weed that will survive the wrath of your sprayer.

Step 1: Take the Seat Off

Usually there is a handle or a button.  Press this to make the seat to come off.  Taking off the seat will allow access to the battery's wires that will power the sprayer's motor.

Step 2: Take Wires Out

Find the end connections of the black and red cables.  These will be attached to the sprayer motor later on.  There will also be a switch to find.  This will turn the sprayer motor on and off.

Step 3: Put Seat Back On

Make sure the two cables and the on/off switch are exposed when the seat is put back on.  The cables and switch should be exposed from the seat at least 4 inches.

Step 4: Set the Sprayer on the Four-wheeler

Make sure the sprayer is facing the correct way by checking the sprayer motor.  The location where the sprayer hose hooks up to the sprayer motor should be facing the back of the four wheeler as shown in the picture.

Step 5: Unravel Part of the Hose

Unravel enough hose so the sprayer wand can easily reach the front of the four-wheeler.  Don't unravel too much hose otherwise it can get caught in the four-wheeler wheels.

Step 6: Put Rubber Tie-down Straps On

The excess hose should be underneath the rubber straps to keep it from unraveling.  After the straps are put on, check to make sure the tank isn't able to move back and forth very easily on the back of the four-wheeler.

Step 7: Attach Battery Wires to Sprayer Motor Wires

Make sure the colors match up when attached; red plugs into red and black plugs into black.

Step 8: Put PPE On

PPE such as long sleeves, gloves, and goggles protect against chemical splash.  Make sure the PPE is in good working order and doesn't have any holes.

Step 9: Mix Chemicals

The amount and kind of chemicals will vary depending on the types of weeds and the location of the weeds.  Talk to the local agricultural co-op for chemical recommendations.  Make sure to read and follow the labels.

Step 10: Take Cap Off

Make sure there aren't any foreign materials in the tank.  They may clog up the sprayer if they aren't taken out.

Step 11: Pour in Chemicals

Use caution when pouring the chemicals into the tank.  Pour chemicals slowly into the tank to avoid splash back.

Step 12: Put Water In

Look on the chemical's labels to find out the proper amount of water to put into the tank.

Step 13: Put Cap On

Make sure the cap is secure so it won't pop off when driving to the destination.

Step 14: Turn on Four-wheeler and Drive to Destination

Make sure the sprayer wand is in a stable position before driving.  I would recommend putting some duct tape over the wand so it won't slide off while driving to your destination.

Step 15: Turn Sprayer On

The sprayer motor should engage when it is first turned on for a second or two before disengaging.

Step 16: Spray Weeds

Press down on the trigger to start spraying.  Make sure most of the weed's leaves are covered with the spray to have better success.  Release the trigger to stop spraying.

The sprayer motor will be running when spraying the weeds.  This keeps a constant flow of chemical coming out of the sprayer wand.  Keep the four-wheeler running when spraying to ensure adequate power is supplied to the battery.

Step 17: After Spraying

Make sure the switch is turned back into the off position.  Drive back to where the sprayer was set up.  Follow the steps in the reverse order to successfully take the sprayer off the four-wheeler.

The weeds should start to wilt 24 hours after being sprayed.  It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for the plants to wilt, turn yellow, turn brown, and die.  The actual time will vary depending on weed species, weed size, weather, and chemicals.

Congratulations! You now know how to set up and use a sprayer on a four-wheeler.  Go out there and show those weeds who's boss!

Picture source (shown above): Vail Golf Club Maintenance
The rest of the pictures and the video: Jay Petersen