Leonard Sprayers & Spreaders FAQ
What is the difference between a sprayer and a spreader?
A sprayer applies liquid products like herbicides, insecticides, and foliar feeds. A spreader distributes dry granular products like fertilizer, seed, and ice melt. They handle different forms of product for different applications. Most operations need both, since liquid and granular applications are both routine in landscape and turf work.
What types of sprayers are available?
Common types include handheld, backpack, and larger powered or tow-behind sprayers, scaled to the application size. Handheld units suit spot work, backpacks cover routes on foot, and powered sprayers handle large areas. Match the sprayer to the volume and reach your applications require, since an undersized sprayer slows large jobs.
Broadcast or drop spreader, which do I need?
Broadcast spreaders throw material in a wide swath for fast coverage of open areas. Drop spreaders place material precisely between the wheels for edges and tight areas. Many operations use both: broadcast for the field, drop for borders near beds, walks, and water. The choice depends on whether speed or precision leads for the job.
Why should I dedicate a sprayer to herbicides?
Herbicide residue is nearly impossible to fully remove from a tank, and trace amounts can injure ornamentals on a later insecticide or fungicide pass. Dedicating and clearly marking a herbicide-only sprayer prevents this cross-contamination. Running separate units by chemical class is standard professional practice that protects the plants you treat.
How do I calibrate a spreader?
Weigh a known amount of product, apply it over a measured test area at your normal pace, then weigh the remainder to calculate the rate. Adjust the gate until output matches the label. Recalibrate for each product, since granule size and density change flow. Calibration is what makes the application match the intended rate.
Can sprayers and spreaders be ordered for a crew?
Yes. A.M. Leonard sprayers and spreaders are stocked in quantities for outfitting a crew with volume pricing by quote, along with parts and accessories. Equipping a crew with appropriate liquid and granular application equipment, including dedicated herbicide sprayers, supports safe and consistent application across the route.
