Sprayers come in all shapes and sizes and the sprayer boom is one aspect of a sprayer that varies from machine to machine. Each with its own design and features, but at the end of the day, they all serve the same purpose.
I have been selling and putting together different types of sprayers for several years, and in this post, I will go over exactly what a sprayer boom is and explain the different types and when they are used.
What is a Sprayer Boom?
A sprayer boom is a horizontal structure attached to a sprayer that holds multiple nozzles spaced at regular intervals. The boom’s purpose is to provide a uniform distribution of liquid. Typically used to disperse pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, water, etc., across a wide area in a single pass.
Sprayer booms are commonly found on agricultural, turf, and industrial sprayers and come in a variety of sizes and configurations to match the needs of different applications.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the components, configurations, and applications of sprayer booms to paint a full picture of their role in effective spraying.
Components of a Sprayer Boom
Sprayer booms are more than just a support for the sprayer nozzles—they vary from simple to advanced with various components to ensure precision and efficiency. These include:
Boom Frame
The boom frame is the main structural support. This can vary drastically depending on the type of sprayer and the width of the boom itself. The frame is necessary to keep the boom level and rigid as it passes over the field or spray target.
Small sprayers will generally have simple booms that might consist of just a single piece of plastic or metal tube that supports a few nozzles. For example, my small yard sprayer is a 3/4 inch metal tube with just two nozzle bodies mounted on it:
For many larger booms, the structural support system consists of a series of crossbars, beams, shocks, and springs. These elements act as braces that maintain the boom’s level orientation, even as it negotiates uneven terrain.
In contrast, small sprayers—like those mounted on ATVs or lawnmowers with booms ranging from 5 to 7 feet wide—often use simpler constructions. In these cases, a material such as a poly two-finger pipe can suffice. Due to the relatively low weight and slower operating speeds, these narrow booms experience less stress, and uneven ground has a minimal impact on their ability to remain level, thus ensuring even coverage from the spray nozzles.
Nozzle Bodies
Nozzle bodies are mounted along the boom at set intervals, each housing one or more nozzles. They hold the sprayer nozzle in place and are connected to the boom pipe or boom hose that carries the fluid to each nozzle. Fluid gets from the boom pipe or hose through the nozzle body.
Spray Nozzles
Sprayer nozzles are tiny but they are extremely important. They control the flow rate, spray pattern, and droplet size of liquid being applied through a sprayer. They are one of the most important parts of any spraying system because they determine how evenly and efficiently chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizers are distributed. Choosing the right nozzle is crucial for effective application, minimizing drift, and ensuring proper coverage.
Hose/Pipe
The boom relies on either hose or pipe to carry the liquid from the sprayer pump to the nozzles. Hoses must be made of durable, chemical-resistant materials to handle various liquids and pressures.
A simple boom might consist of one piece of hollow pipe. The pipe carries the liquid and holds the nozzles. On larger, wider booms, a single pipe cannot support the weight so it will have hoses or pipe attached to the boom frame that carries the liquid. For a detailed explanation, read this article on different boom styles.
Height Adjustment
Spray height is a very important factor—if the boom is set too high, the liquid may drift and fail to reach its intended target, resulting in uneven application. For this reason, sprayers used by farmers are equipped with adjustable booms allowing the operator to tailor the height based on weather conditions, sprayer speed, and drift tolerance.
This issue is particularly pronounced with larger booms, which are more vulnerable to the effects of uneven ground. To address this, many large agricultural sprayers are equipped with hydraulic cylinders. They not only fold up the boom for travel and storage but also raise or lower the boom and adjust the height of individual boom sections as needed. Ensuring consistent spray height even over irregular terrain.
Breakaway Systems
To protect the boom from damage, breakaway sections allow part of the boom to flex or fold when it encounters an obstacle, like a fence post or tree. This is not standard on all booms but it is a common feature that is very practical in many applications, particularly pasture and crop spraying.
Final Thoughts
Sprayer booms may seem simple, but there is a lot more involved than might meet the eye. From simple yard sprayers to large crop care equipment, sprayer booms play a huge role in the effectiveness of a sprayer.
For more information on sprayer booms, their components, and how to choose the best one for your needs, visit Sprayer Guru. Explore our guides on nozzle selection, boom maintenance, and advanced sprayer systems to get the most out of your equipment!