How do you pick a Skid Sprayer that will deliver exactly what you need? Some customers say "Give me the Kappa 55 with a 9 horse with a 200-gallon tank." Others may say, "I want the little roller pump with a 5 horse and a 50-gallon tank." Often, customers are either buying more than they need, or they buy conservatively and out-grow their new Skid Sprayer in a short period of time. It's important to find the right balance between too much and too little.
A customer in the landscaping business named Lee, (not his real name) was looking to add a Skid Sprayer to his fleet. He had just picked up three new large accounts that require him to spray ornamentals, all of which can easily be reached from the parking lot. He would not need to go to the back or the side of each building.
Lee considered two Skid Sprayers:
Skid Sprayer #1: 200-Gallon Skid Sprayer w/ 10 gpm Diaphragm:
This model is equipped with 5.5 HP Honda engine, Diaphragm Pump (10.5 gpm, 560 psi), Manual Hose Reel with 150' of 3/8" ID Spray Hose and 200-gallon tank. It is a little over Lee's budget and the gpm and tank size are more than Lee required. However, he thought he could "grow into it".
Skid Sprayer #2:
This model is equipped with 5 HP GC Series Honda engine and Diaphragm Pump (5 gpm, 275 psi) and 50-gallon tank. This Skid fulfills Lee's current needs but he is concerned that he will outgrow it within a year or two.
It's important to note that Lee determined that he would not pursue new accounts that would require tree or lawn spraying. Rather, he would target new accounts similar to the three he just acquired.
Which Skid Sprayer did Lee choose? He decided to go with Skid Sprayer #2, but upgraded to a 100-gallon tank. With this Skid Sprayer, he can add a hose reel with up to 300 feet of hose. Now, he has the capacity to take on more work without having to run around and refill all day. Plus, it fit within his budget.