Description

Protection of the operator and critical tractor parts are vital to the successful use of tractors in the brush control phase of revegetation. Hand-operated and backpack sprayers, tree injectors, rope-wick applicators, protective clothing, safety equipment, and chemical supplies are available through websites and catalogs, local farm and ranch stores, and chemical dealers.

Application

Operation of hand-operated and backpack sprayers and tree injectors is very labor intensive and best suited for individual plant treatment on limited areas. Hand-operated units consist of a metal or plastic pressurized tank with a plunger pump, a handgun, and a strap or handle. Tank capacities vary from 1 to 3 gallons and are used on very small areas. Backpack sprayers use a 3- to 5-gallon-plastic tank and a piston or diaphragm pump which is hand operated while spraying with a handgun. These sprayers are used for leaf sprays on shrubs or basal sprays on trees and shrubs, and they can be operated for extended periods. Tree injectors apply a dose of herbicide into the tree as the sharp point of the injector is thrust into the tree. Because of small tank capacities, all above sprayers may require frequent re-filling.

Images

Accu-Nozzle with 3 sizes of restrictors
Accu-Nozzle with 3 sizes of restrictors. Photo courtesy of Bishop Equipment Mfg.
Lifestyle Backpack Sprayer
Lifestyle Backpack Sprayer. Photo courtesy of Chapin Mfg.
Accu-Flo Nozzle under a strobe light
Accu-Flo Nozzle under a strobe light. Photo courtesy of Bishop Equipment Mfg.
Ground and Air Drift Control application products
Ground and Air Drift Control application products. Photo courtesy of Bishop Equipment Mfg.
Various sized needles from Accu-Flo
Various sized needles from Accu-Flo. Photo courtesy of Bishop Equipment Mfg.

References / Additional Information

Fitch, K. 2025. Shrub-steppe and grassland restoration 6 common mistakes. In: 2025 Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, 2025 February 9-13; Spokane, Washington.

Gebhardt, M.R. 1984. Foam marking systems for rangeland sprayers. In: 38th Annual Report of the Vegetative Rehabilitation and Equipment Workshop (VREW); 1984 February 14-15; Rapid City, SD. Missoula, MT: USDA Forest Service Equipment Development Center: 33-35.

Jacoby, P.W. 1987. Chemical control. In: 41st Annual Report of the Vegetative Rehabilitation and Equipment Workshop (VREW); 1987 February 8-9; Boise, ID: USDA Forest Service Equipment Development Center: 10.

Young, J.A. 1983. Ground sprayers for sagebrush rangelands. In: 37th Annual Report of the Vegetative Rehabilitation and Equipment Workshop (VREW); 1983 February 13-14; Albuquerque, NM. Missoula, MT: USDA Forest Service Equipment Development Center: 29-33.