For companies that treat large areas, bigger options are economical ones. In one test run, the 4,000-gallon Apex tankers covered close to 48 acres in a 24-hour period, Richardson said. Many users report results of around 30 acres a day, she added.

To make an operation profitable, tank size needs to be tailored to the type of work your company plans to do. Experts say that choosing the right machine is the single most important decision you?EUR??,,????'?????<

Mountable in trailers, utility vehicles and pickup trucks, Turbo Technologies of Beaver Falls, Penn., makes a variety of poly-tank sprayers designed for hydroseeding. This model has a 500 lb. tank. The manufacturer makes similar tanks with 50 to 2,000-lb. capacities. Photo courtesy of Turbo Technologies

With its close to 4,000-gallon tank, this Finn Corporation HydroSeeder is one of the biggest units out there. The water cannon comes with two each of narrow fan, wide fan and long-distance nozzles. Photo courtesy of Finn Corp.

Quebec-based MS Sprayer makes this 500-gallon tank that can be mounted on a trailer and pulled behind a pickup truck. The trailer-mount is available with a platform and cannon that is attached at the opposite end of this view. This design also comes in a 300-gallon model. Photo courtesy of MS Sprayer

There are many tank options on the market of 1,000 gallons or less that can be mounted on trailers, pickup trucks or utility vehicles. Contractors who plan to use their tanks mostly for hydroseeding have different requirements than those planning to apply heavy-duty mulch mixtures. Another factor is access. Work in backyards will need much smaller machines than projects measuring an acre or more.

And consider a vehicle?EUR??,,????'?????<

This 1,200-gallon towed tank made by Kincaid Equipment Manufacturing has heavy-duty features that make it suitable for thicker, wood-mulch mixtures. Like bigger, truck-mounted units, this model features an enclosed deck where bags of fiber mulch can be stored and transported. Photo courtesy of Kincaid Equipment Manufacturing

Research Pays

The bottom line, experts say, is that anyone planning to go into hydro work for themselves should have some experience using the equipment. Barring that, do substantial research before you buy. Manufacturer web sites are one place to start.