If you’re comparing remote-control spray systems for the first time, the range of options across farm sizes, terrain, and power sources can be confusing. This guide breaks down the main factors that matter for operators across the USA and Canada, so you can narrow down the right system for your property before you ever call a distributor.
Start With How You’ll Move the Sprayer
The single biggest factor is how the unit gets around your property. Broadly, there are four mounting styles:
- UTV-mounted — bolts onto a side-by-side like a Polaris, Can-Am, or John Deere Gator. Best for rough terrain, rotational grazing paddocks, and properties without good truck access. See the UTV Systems range.
- Tractor 3-point linkage — mounts directly to a tractor’s 3PL hitch. Makes sense if a tractor is already your primary farm vehicle and you want to avoid buying dedicated spraying equipment. See the Tractor System – 3PL.
- Trailer-mounted — a good fit for larger acreages or contractors who move between properties, since the unit can be towed behind almost any vehicle. See Custom Spray Trailers.
- Flatbed or ute tray — a self-contained, lockable unit for pickup trucks, useful where the vehicle is shared with other jobs. See the FTB Locker System.
Match the Power Source to How Often You’ll Use It
Remote-control spray systems come in 12-volt, electric, and small petrol or diesel motor configurations. As a rough guide: 12-volt systems (like the 12 Volt Range – 12VS) suit light, occasional spraying off your vehicle’s existing electrical system. Electric twin-reel units (see the 9TBE Twin Reel Electric) suit frequent, moderate-volume spraying. Diesel-powered units (see the 9TDE Twin Reel Diesel) suit heavy daily use, larger tank volumes, and dual-operator setups.
Size the Tank to Your Property, Not Just Your Budget
Undersizing a tank is one of the most common mistakes we see. A smaller tank means more refill trips, which adds up quickly on larger properties or when treating dense woody weeds that need higher application rates. Contractors and municipalities covering multiple sites in a day generally do better with the larger end of a given range, even if it costs more upfront, simply because refill downtime is the real cost driver.
Don’t Overlook Remote Range and Chemical Compatibility
Confirm the radio range suits your typical spraying distance — most 915 MHz remotes operate up to around 150 meters (492 feet) in open conditions, less in dense vegetation or near buildings. Also check the reel and pump materials against the chemicals you use most: stainless steel reel drums hold up well against common herbicides and fungicides, but always check the product’s SDS for compatibility with hose and seal materials.
Talk to Your Local Distributor
Stock levels, lead times, and pricing vary by region. In the USA, B&J Trading LLC can advise on what’s available near you; in Canada, Veseris covers the same role. Both can also help size a system correctly for your specific acreage and use case — see the full Distributors page for contact details, or check our FAQ for answers to common questions on pricing, delivery, and warranty.