Walk-Behind Sprayer: Earthway S25 Spray-Pro Mark III?

miguelkc0716 · by **miguelkc0716** » July 23rd, 2011, 7:54 pm

Hi everyone! I am new but I have followed Jedi lawn masters here for a couple of months. I am inspired by you, admire you, and get huge laughs quite often from your correspondences :rotfl:

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I would like to introduce myself but let me ask you a question first:

I found a walk-behind liquid sprayer: Earthway S25 Spray-Pro Mark III ($379 at Forestry Supplies, $499.99 at amazon.com) I cannot find any review on the web. No wonder, it is a new equipment. I am wondering if anybody has used this sprayer. I am a small woman using a battery powered backpack sprayer (NeverPump 4 gal) which has worked pretty well for 3 years but it is getting tough to carry out yard work (16,000 sq.ft. yard) that is needed to be done all by myself. I would very much appreciate your opinion on this sprayer.

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OK now please allow me to introduce myself. I apologize in advance for being long here.

I have practiced organic methods in growing all vegetation in my yard (except for fungicide on roses; I can’t help it) since we moved in Richmond, VA 4 years ago. I have even applied GCM twice a year (as recommended by gardensalive.com) for 2 years but local lawn care companies were very successful to scare me off (saying “Hah, you want to do organic care. Good luck with that!”) converting to organic lawn care completely. Meanwhile, I have kept looking for information about lawn for years. I don’t know how I could not find your forum until recently but I was so ecstatic (seriously) when I encountered BL Info website -- your information all made perfect sense!

So, after we dealt with several lawn care companies in four years, shedding a lot of money, 4K a year, on our unhappy fescue/Bermuda/other weeds, we finally decided to terminate their service and convert to the dark side following the Jedi lawn masters here. FEEL SOOOOOO GOOD!

Owing to the previous/ongoing discussions on BL, especially related to renovations and overseedings which try to use KBG in transition to warm-season grass areas and/or under shades, I “think” our September overseeding plan is under control (I think…). We are going to overseed KBG (Brilliant, Bedazzled, Midnight Star, Bewitched, Midnight) on our tall fescue mixture lawn (Dynamic, Olympic Gold, Silverstar). It is quite challenging, KBG in Richmond, VA, I understand; so if it would not work this fall, we will engage in a total renovation (RU completely!) next year but definitely we will stick with growing KBG (fine fescue varieties in the shade) on our yard. Oh, yes!

I am awaiting for the soil test results from V Tech. Please let me post my questions in a different thread when I encounter problems. I deeply appreciate your help in such case. (This is WAY toooo long, sorry!!!)

MorpheusPA · by **MorpheusPA** » July 23rd, 2011, 8:14 pm

I've looked at that myself and I'm also very curious to hear anybody's opinion on it. It looked like a good system for when I need or would prefer a dense solution (like iron) that I'd really rather not put in the Chapin if I can avoid it...but can't use the backpack because I really like Mr. Shoulder Joint intact.

Other than that, welcome!

Fungicide for roses is something you may never get away from. Although over time I seem to be using far less.

(saying “Hah, you want to do organic care. Good luck with that!”)

Ours went from saying that to offering an organic option. :-)

Other than that, I can't help too much with Bermuda/KBG mixes other than general care of the KBG. And we'll be more than happy to read (or try, I'm unfamiliar with V. Tech's tests) the soil data when it comes back.

miguelkc0716 · by **miguelkc0716** » July 23rd, 2011, 8:53 pm

Thank you for your reply, Great Mopheus :wave:

Yes, I hope someone tells us his/her opinion. I have read about your shoulder problem and I thought you may be interested in.

MorpheusPA wrote:Fungicide for roses is something you may never get away from. Although over time I seem to be using far less.

That’s true. Once fungicide rotation worked at the beginning of spring and spread corn meal under the rose bushes, I just have to follow bi-weekly (or less) spray schedule.

I also notice that there is few post written by people from Virginia. I sent to VT five samples from our front yard and backyard for comparison. It will be entertaining. I hope V Tech’s result would not look like Rutgers since you mentioned that you hate Rutgers’.

Michael Wise · by **Michael Wise** » July 23rd, 2011, 9:04 pm

Now that's funny! I have been researching that sprayer today. Couldn't decide on it or the smaller, less expensive model.

I would like to use it for Barricade and iron specifically. And obviously any other broadcast spray apps I might do in the future.

Maybe I'll have a review for you soon. Who knows.

[ Post made via iPhone ]

MorpheusPA · by **MorpheusPA** » July 23rd, 2011, 9:13 pm

Now that's funny! I have been researching that sprayer today. Couldn't decide on it or the smaller, less expensive model.

There's a smaller, less expensive model? :-)

Oh, do tell. I was also wondering about how to get the Barricade down, but thought I'd simply suck it up and deal with the pain once a year.

Great Mopheus

That sound you hear is my head swelling and displacing much of the air from the state of Pennsylvania. Don't do that. Millions of Pennsylvanians will be upset and the surrounding states won't be happy with the compression wave.

That’s true. Once fungicide rotation worked at the beginning of spring and spread corn meal under the rose bushes, I just have to follow bi-weekly (or less) spray schedule.

Have you tried alfalfa on the roses yet? I use Mazuri Chincilla food (nothing magic, it's just cheap and available to me, and has alfalfa as the #1 ingredient). Over time, I vow that the fungal problems are seriously disappearing from the zinnias and roses, and alfalfa isn't supposed to have that effect. Maybe they just like the perfect feeding, since roses absolutely thrive on alfalfa.

I also notice that there is few post written by people from Virginia. I sent to VT five samples from our front yard and backyard for comparison. It will be entertaining. I hope V Tech’s result would not look like Rutgers since you mentioned that you hate Rutgers’.

There are a few, but proportionately probably not as many as we have clear-cut northerners and southerners. Really, many of the transition zone people will be able to help you out.

I do hate Rutgers', but we'll have to see about V. Tech's. They might be great, might be awful. At the very least, Andy can probably puzzle it out if I can't.

Michael Wise · by **Michael Wise** » July 23rd, 2011, 9:24 pm

Only real drawback I see is capacity.

Click here for more information

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Michael Wise · by **Michael Wise** » July 23rd, 2011, 9:28 pm

I just checked forestry suppliers and they didn't have the s15.

But that price they have on the s25 makes this decision even harder now. How much do I want to pay for an extra gallon?

I'll have to check shipping later to see if that price cut is worth it.

[ Post made via iPhone ]

MorpheusPA · by **MorpheusPA** » July 23rd, 2011, 9:36 pm

5.0 gallon's fine for me, the backpack is 4. 35 pounds plus sprayer weight is the most I want to be pushing around anyway, although at least it lightens as you go. :-)

jason · by **jason** » July 23rd, 2011, 9:49 pm

I am fairly certain I will be buying the s15 this year. Been watching it for a couple months now. Would love to find some reviews...

Mightyquinn · by **Mightyquinn** » July 23rd, 2011, 10:11 pm

I have been looking at this HERE. It is a drop in sprayer for Lesco, Spyker and Earthway Spreaders. A little pricey but a little more robust. May have to wait a little bit before I invest in one of these!

miguelkc0716 · by **miguelkc0716** » July 23rd, 2011, 10:24 pm

The shipping cost for S25 from Forestry Supplies is $47.25; so the total is $426.25.

I just found Northern Tool, which offers Free Store Delivery, has S15 model at $249.99. If you live near Northern Tool, then no shipping cost.

Michael Wise wrote: How much do I want to pay for an extra gallon?

I would not mind with 5 gallons, too. Especially extra one gallon costs (as far as I was able to dig in the websites for now) $176.26. That’s a huge leap for just one gallon. 6.6 gallon capacity self-agitating tank is very attractive though.

Spreader-Mate looks awesome – it’s pricy but the spray nozzle seems much more useful comparing to the one attached to Earthway Spray-Pro. But wow it's $520... I will try to find a better price.

Michael Wise · by **Michael Wise** » July 23rd, 2011, 10:47 pm

miguelkc0716, what initially drew you towards the the s25 vs. the s15?

MQ, I looked long and hard at that one, too. I REALLY like the model with the boom, but could never get permission for that.

[ Post made via iPhone ]

miguelkc0716 · by **miguelkc0716** » July 23rd, 2011, 10:50 pm

Don't do that. Millions of Pennsylvanians will be upset and the surrounding states won't be happy with the compression wave.

Oh I am so sorry, did I make you embarrassed? But I'm very honored to meet you! :hello:

Have you tried alfalfa on the roses yet? I use Mazuri Chincilla food (nothing magic, it's just cheap and available to me, and has alfalfa as the #1 ingredient). Over time, I vow that the fungal problems are seriously disappearing from the zinnias and roses, and alfalfa isn't supposed to have that effect. Maybe they just like the perfect feeding, since roses absolutely thrive on alfalfa.

Wow, it's very surprising. I never read or saw any articles about it in rose magazines, forums, blogs, etc. I have been using shredded alfalfa as mulch on my vegetables as mulch (actually I want to use Kudzu though I cannot find any bale in VA; it may be TX thing) but I have never thought it prevents fungus on roses. I have alfalfa meal and shredded alfalfa in hand and I will apply them on roses tomorrow! Oh by the way, do you apply them as mulch or as amendment? Thanks a lot!!

MorpheusPA · by **MorpheusPA** » July 23rd, 2011, 11:12 pm

miguelkc0716 wrote:Oh I am so sorry, did I make you embarrassed? But I'm very honored to meet you!

Thank you, I'm honored to meet you too. My detractors have said I should be called "Your Majesty." However, that doesn't appeal either.

Baron of Bluegrass I could live with. Gentleman of Gardening. That works. :-)

Wow, it's very surprising. I never read or saw any articles about it in rose magazines, forums, blogs, etc. I have been using shredded alfalfa as mulch on my vegetables as mulch (actually I want to use Kudzu though I cannot find any bale in VA; it may be TX thing) but I have never thought it prevents fungus on roses. I have alfalfa meal and shredded alfalfa in hand and I will apply them on roses tomorrow! Oh by the way, do you apply them as mulch or as amendment? Thanks a lot!!

Edit: Mulch; I mistyped. Just a double handful per month per bush is more than enough to get them to flourish, but it takes time to take effect. You might see a change this year. Between boosting potassium levels and using a LOT of organic feeding (I also toss soy and Milorganite on them when I feed the lawn), the last blooms last year were in November--and it wasn't a half-hearted effort on the part of the bush, either.

There's a more advanced technique of making anaerobic alfalfa liquid semi-compost that apparently does even better. I tried it once and couldn't tolerate the...smell is too mild a word. Reek. Foul, intolerable reek that hangs on your skin and hair and you can smell in the yard for quite a while.

miguelkc0716 · by **miguelkc0716** » July 24th, 2011, 5:38 pm

Michael wrote:what initially drew you towards the s25 vs. the s15?

Hi, Michael. When I first saw the push sprayer, I was so excited about its 6.6 gallon capacity, no pumping, no cause of shoulder pain, no charging batteries, and the price, which is much cheaper than I had seen in the commercial equipment like Grounds Wheelie II WS-485
(6 gal, around $750) and Greens Wheelie Model WS-490 (10 gal, around $800).

After you mentioned S15 model, I am still leaning toward S25 mainly due to the capacity, 6.6 gal. vs 5 gal. So you are like :confused:

me saying “I would not mind with 5 gallons, too.” Oh, yes, I’d love to have an S25 but I have been considering which model would more make sense to my needs. Instead of capacity, none of them is crucially important such as S25 needs to be assembled, has the height adjustable handle, has a visible scale on the tank, has the heavy-duty coated chassis, and has larger wheels (13” vs 10”). Well, larger wheels would be nice since our back yard is a little bumpy but probably I can get used to it.

So, the additional cost for the additional 1.6 gallons is the biggest factor of my decision in the end. For now, the best price I have found is $398.05 incl. S/H from gardenharvestsupply.com. The gap btw two models is $148.06. Munnnnn. :scratch:

Well, either way, it will be my yard “toy,” and I need a permission from my hubbie. I am in the similar situation as most of the people here who get :roll:

faces from other significances. My hus is always like :shock:

“what are you thinking? Don’t you have any deadlines or more important things to do??” So, I may end up with no new sprayer and keep using my 4 gal. NeverPump backpack sprayer and hose-end sprayer…

Michael wrote:I would like to use it for Barricade and iron specifically. And obviously any other broadcast spray apps I might do in the future.

Do you plan to use it for soil conditioner, liquid kelp, liquid aerator, biological dethatcher, etc.? Actually these are my initial purposes to buy the push sprayer. Do you think it is necessary to water lawn (run irrigation) after applications to let the solution penetrate into the soil? Or is it better to use hose-end sprayers? Thanks a million for your help!

miguelkc0716 · by **miguelkc0716** » July 24th, 2011, 5:54 pm

G_MorpheusPA wrote:Just a double handful per month per bush is more than enough to get them to flourish, but it takes time to take effect. You might see a change this year. Between boosting potassium levels and using a LOT of organic feeding (I also toss soy and Milorganite on them when I feed the lawn), the last blooms last year were in November--and it wasn't a half-hearted effort on the part of the bush, either.

(Sorry, this is not relevant to this thread) I have done mulching shredded alfalfa under the layers of coco shell mulch and pine needle mulch for my roses this morning. I don’t mind that it takes time to see the alfalfa effect – I can be patient with anything related to my roses.

G_MorpheusPA wrote:There's a more advanced technique of making anaerobic alfalfa liquid semi-compost that apparently does even better.

I looked for the info about the usage of alfalfa tea for roses. Although rosarians/rose manias mention its loathsome smell, most of them do not seem to mind it. I always use fish emersion on everything in my yard which most people do not tolerate, so I should try making alfalfa tea for myself but I don’t think it is the same thing as anaerobic digestion of alfalfa you mentioned, though. I got a recipe of alfalfa tea from the Dirt Doctor’s book: "Put one cup alfalfa meal in a 5 gallon bucket. Fill bucket with water, let it sit from 1 to 4 days. The result will be a thick tea. Apply generously to the root area of shrubs and flowers or use as a foliar spray after straining the solids out. The longer it brews, the better it is but the worse it will smell." Great! :yahoo:

MorpheusPA · by **MorpheusPA** » July 24th, 2011, 8:04 pm

miguelkc0716 wrote:Do you plan to use it for soil conditioner, liquid kelp, liquid aerator, biological dethatcher, etc.? Actually these are my initial purposes to buy the push sprayer. Do you think it is necessary to water lawn (run irrigation) after applications to let the solution penetrate into the soil? Or is it better to use hose-end sprayers? Thanks a million for your help!

You can if you wish, but I use a hose-end sprayer to move it into the soil so I don't have to irrigate afterward. If you spray, a bit of washing in is a good idea if the weather is hot, although kelp, aerator, and humates don't have much capacity to burn. Still, over 85 degrees I wouldn't push things.

The bucket method is anaerobic--the bacteria can chew oxygen a lot faster than it can diffuse in through the limited water surface. Hence the stench. The extreme stench. Well, try it out and you'll see. :-)

If it's the sort of thing you can tolerate, great, but I likened it to a bucket of vomit after cooking a week in hot sun. Like, totally yuck.

snachs · by **snachs** » July 24th, 2011, 9:37 pm

If main products to be applied are all organic where precise application is less important and you are already irrigating, then this seems to be a popular (and more affordable) option

Click here for more information

If not mistaken, Morph has one and can tell you more about it. I only have 2500 sq ft so I've stuck to hose end for conditioners/milk/teas and manual pumps for chemicals but i'm always revisiting the idea of getting one of these EZ-Flo's

Just a thought....

Michael Wise · by **Michael Wise** » July 24th, 2011, 9:42 pm

Like Morph, with the conditioner, etc., I use a hose end.

I appreciate your input on why you are leaning towards the s25. Now I really don't know which to get.

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miguelkc0716 · by **miguelkc0716** » July 25th, 2011, 2:30 am

snachs wrote:If main products to be applied are all organic where precise application is less important and you are already irrigating, then this seems to be a popular (and more affordable) option

Hi snachs, oh my, it is embarrassing but actually I have both drip line model for potting plants, rose bushes, and veggie garden, and main line model for lawn. I used them for a while but there are some reasons why I stopped using them.

Drip line model (EZ 2013-HB)
(1) I had to move the tank from one drip watering system to another because I have 2 drip watering systems (with digital timer, 4 zones each system). I did not want to buy two units, that’s why I had to move EZ-FLO around. (Not so biggie.)
(2) I really had to pay attention to the tank while feeding plants through EZ-FLO. Since the system has 4 zones, I had to install the 4 way faucet valve manifold after EZ-FLO although the manual cautioned “Do not install under constant pressure” and “timers, filters, and pressure regulators should not be installed after the hose bib adapter.” (Not biggie as far as I had time watching it nearby for 2 hours.)
(3) As per the same reason, I had to detach EZ-FLO after used it. (Again, not so biggie if I do not forget.)
(4) One day, I forgot (finally!) and left EZ-FLO attached to the faucet for an hour. It looked like a balloon! :doh:

It would have exploded (exaggerated? Who knows…) Anyway, this was the end of the relationship with EZ 2013-HB.

Entirely my fault, no doubt. If you install it as the manual suggests, there shouldn’t be any problem, of course.

Main line model (EZ001 2007 model)
Reason why I stopped using EZ001 is that probably my character is not suited to automatic liquid fertilizer or supplement supplying systems. Also, our irrigation system is divided into 11 zones. I was always wondering if all zones received fertilizer or supplement. I would not mind to water streets but I am not particularly fond of fertilizing streets. So, I would prefer to spray good liquid stuff manually using equipment so that I exactly know where and how much I feed vegetation.

Michael wrote:I appreciate your input on why you are leaning towards the s25. Now I really don't know which to get.

I’M SO SORRY! Did I confused you? I hope we can hear more opinions and preferably reviews soon!

Walk-Behind Sprayer: Earthway S25 Spray-Pro Mark III?

Walk-Behind Sprayer: Earthway S25 Spray-Pro Mark III?

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