Water tank/spray rig

[Farmhand]

I need help and idea's on the best options for a water tank/spray rig for a Mule Pro 6 passenger, used in the 3 passenger mode.  This will be for support of prescribed burns, once called controlled burns, to clear under brush and slash after logging operations and wildfire prevention.   Occasionally used to apply fertilizer, insecticide or herbicide on pasture.   Also to provide supplemental water for crops, gardens/landscaping.  Ideally it would be about 50 gal, with both a  boom and hand held sprayer,  and with a high volume pump.  It would be nice to be able to suction pump to load the  tank from surface water.

There are a lot of dealers, brands and units to choose from but I hope to hear from those that have some real world experience with this.

[Dan B]

Sounds like you have a small scale operation.  50 gallons isn't much water especially if the prescribed burn gets too large..  A high volume pump might empty your 50 gal tank in a few minutes.  If you want to call a 5 gpm pump high volume, your tank would empty in 10 minutes.  I set up a similar rig to spray weed killer.  I used a 50 gallon blue barrel and a high pressure well pump.  Sprayig for weeds isn't the same as spraying for fires or watering crops even in a garden.  Just my opinion.

[Travis]

you might think about towing a trailer with the tank etc, i believe the Pro has a stronger towing capacity than cargo bed weight.

[Farmhand]

To Dan B, Travis,

Yes, pretty small scale,  we would not likely burn more than 25 to 50 acres at a time.  I would be one of several units with tanks, but if it gets out of hand we would be totally ineffective to help.  Mostly what I am looking for is for mop-up of dead trees, logs, trash, etc that continue to burn and could cause a later problem.  Also, maybe as Travis thought, a tow rig's added capacity would likely offset any issues of maneuverability and provide a little more effectiveness.   All of these burns would be under the control and guidance of professional burn management. 

Cost will rear its ugly head and the blue barrel and drop in pump may look really good.

Guys your thoughts and reply are appreciated.

[Travis]

pretty pricey, might consider something like this, https://www.qtacfire.com/utv-atv-skids

[Farmhand]

Travis,  I have not seen one of these, but Wow they have it all, but yes pricey.  I have seen copycat units used by Forrest Service and Game Department personnel, I did not ask if they were personal equipment or owned by their departments.  I can see that the smaller more affordable (?) unit drafting from a couple of blue barrels on a trailer would be within the Mule's specs and should be highly effective.

I would like the drafting feature due to concerns about clearing/cleaning the tank and pump rig when switching from herbicide to say garden watering.  It would be easier to use a separate tank exclusively for herbicide.

Thanks it was fun to look at this and a great option if I can stand the price.