Setup, Troubleshooting & Spray-Distance Testing
I walk through the sprayer, the 4 GPM pump, adjustable pressure, five-nozzle boom, hookup, troubleshooting and the spray-gun range I measured on my property.
Large-Lawn Gear Review
NorthStar 41-Gallon Tow-Behind Sprayer Review
Once you are treating a large lawn, carrying a small sprayer or stopping for constant refills gets old fast. The NorthStar 41-Gallon is the tow-behind sprayer I use when I need capacity, consistent boom coverage and a spray wand in one setup.
My take: The 41-gallon model hits a very useful middle ground. It steps up to a 4 GPM pump and wider five-nozzle boom without jumping all the way to the much larger 61-gallon rig. For my lawn work, that combination saves time and a lot of walking.
HANDS-ON VIDEOMy NorthStar 41-Gallon Sprayer Setup & Test
Why This Sprayer Earned Its Own Page
This is one of those pieces of equipment that turned out to be useful well beyond the original review. It has also become one of the products viewers buy most often through my gear links, which tells me a lot of people are trying to solve the same problem: treating a bigger lawn without spending the entire day refilling a small sprayer.
I use the 41-gallon NorthStar as a large-area application tool. The tow-behind format lets the mower do the carrying, the boom handles broad coverage, and the hand wand is there when I need more targeted spraying.
Why 41 gallons?
The smaller NorthStar models are easier to store and cost less, while the 61-gallon model gives you even more capacity and pump output. The 41 is the size that makes sense to me when you want a meaningful jump in pump and boom performance without moving to the biggest trailer sprayer in the group.
41-gallon tankEnough capacity to reduce refill stops when treating a larger lawn or property.
4.0 GPM pumpThe 12V NorthStar NSQ Series pump is rated up to 60 PSI and supplies both the boom and spray gun.
Five-nozzle boomPublished broadcast width is about 8.3 feet, giving the 41-gallon model a wider swath than the 21- and 31-gallon versions.
My Spray-Gun Range Test
One of the things I tested in the video was how far the hand wand could actually throw. I saw about 21 feet vertically and 32 feet horizontally. Those numbers also line up with the published specifications for the 41-gallon model.
That kind of reach is useful when the boom is not the right tool for the job, such as targeted applications or reaching areas where you do not want to tow the whole sprayer.
NorthStar 21 vs. 31 vs. 41 vs. 61 Gallon
If you are shopping these sprayers, tank capacity is only part of the difference. The 41-gallon model is also where the pump output and boom width take a noticeable step up.
| Model | Pump | Max Pressure | Broadcast Width | Vertical / Horizontal Spray |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Gallon | 2.2 GPM | 70 PSI | 6.6 ft | 19 ft / 30 ft |
| 31 Gallon | 2.2 GPM | 70 PSI | 6.6 ft | 19 ft / 30 ft |
| 41 Gallon | 4.0 GPM | 60 PSI | 8.3 ft | 21 ft / 32 ft |
| 61 Gallon | 5.5 GPM | 60 PSI | 11.7 ft | 22 ft / 33 ft |
Published specifications are from NorthStar / Northern Tool listings for the current tow-behind models. Specifications can change, so verify the current model before ordering.
Which Size Would I Look At?
21 Gallon
Best when storage space and a smaller footprint matter more than maximum capacity.
Check 21-Gallon →31 Gallon
More tank capacity than the 21 while keeping the same 2.2 GPM pump platform.
Check 31-Gallon →41 Gallon
My size. A 4 GPM pump, wider boom and enough capacity to make a big-lawn application feel much less repetitive.
Check Amazon Availability →61 Gallon
For buyers who want more capacity, a 5.5 GPM pump and the widest boom of these four models.
Check 61-Gallon →What I Like About the 41-Gallon Setup
What Works Well
- Fewer refills: the tank capacity is the whole point when you are treating a large area.
- Useful pump upgrade: 4 GPM is a meaningful step above the 21- and 31-gallon models.
- Boom plus wand: broad lawn coverage and targeted spraying are available on the same machine.
- Adjustable pressure: the regulator and gauge let you set up the sprayer for the application instead of relying on one fixed output.
- Tow-behind format: no backpack weight and no carrying a loaded handheld sprayer around the property.
What to Think About First
- Storage: a 41-gallon trailer sprayer needs real garage or shed space.
- Calibration matters: boom width, speed, pressure and nozzle output all affect how much product reaches the lawn.
- Cleaning matters: anything that has carried herbicide or other lawn chemicals needs to be rinsed and maintained according to the product and sprayer instructions.
- Availability changes: individual NorthStar sizes can sell out, so I keep links to several capacities on this page.
My Setup Tip: Make Hookup Easier
I use a 1/2-inch magnetic hitch with tow-behind equipment. It is a small accessory, but when you are connecting and disconnecting lawn equipment regularly, anything that makes the hitch process faster is welcome.
Watch My NorthStar 41-Gallon Sprayer Review
Where to Buy
NorthStar availability changes, especially by tank size. I keep both Amazon and Northern Tool options here so you can compare what is currently available.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Lawn & Order may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Application & Safety Note: Calibrate your sprayer for the product you are applying and always follow the current label for rates, PPE, temperature restrictions and cleanup. This page documents the equipment I use on my own property and is not a substitute for the product label or the sprayer manufacturer's instructions.