For situations where weeds grow taller than surrounding crops or pastures, a Wick Wiper is often a better option than traditional spraying. While sprayers can cover a large area quickly, they apply herbicide indiscriminately, which can damage desirable plants, lead to chemical waste, and increase the risk of spray drift. A wick wiper offers a targeted, efficient, and more environmentally friendly solution. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, features, and functionality of this essential equipment and why it’s becoming a go-to tool for farmers.

How a Wick Wiper Compares to a Sprayer?

  • Sprayers: Traditional broadcast sprayers use nozzles to apply a mist of herbicide over an entire area. This is fast and effective for clearing fields before planting or for non-selective herbicide applications. However, this method is prone to off-target drift, especially on windy days, which can damage nearby crops or contaminate waterways.
  • Wick Wipers: A weed wiper uses direct contact to apply herbicide. The machine’s wicks or rollers are saturated with chemical, and as it passes over the taller weeds, it coats them directly without affecting the shorter pasture grasses . This targeted approach is ideal for selective weed control.

Redback Weedwiper Feature (2)

How Does a Weed Wiper Work?

A weed wiper operates by delivering herbicide through direct contact. Mounted on a tractor or ATV, the machine uses a tank to hold the herbicide. This chemical is then pumped to the applicator—in the case of the Redback Weedwiper, it is fed directly into the carpet wicks. As the wiper passes over the taller weeds, it transfers the chemical directly to the foliage. Because weeds typically grow higher than pasture grass, the wiper selectively coats the target plants without harming the surrounding vegetation.

Wicks and frictionless wheels_Redback Vineyard Weedwipeer

Benefits of Using a Wick Wiper

Using a weed wiper offers distinct advantages that make it a smarter choice for long-term pasture management 

  • Cost Efficiency: By targeting only the weeds, you use significantly less chemical compared to a traditional broadcast sprayer, leading to substantial cost savings  over time.

  • Precision: The key benefit is its precise application. The wiper applies herbicide only where it’s needed, eliminating over-spraying and minimizing chemical waste. This is particularly advantageous in sensitive areas or where crops and weeds are in close proximity.

  • Environmental Sustainability: A weed wiper’s no-drift application reduces the risk of chemical runoff into nearby water systems, making it a more environmentally conscious choice for farmers.

See the Redback Weedwiper in Action. 

Now that you know what to look for in a quality weed wiper, see how the Redback Weedwiper meets those exact standards. Our robust design and superior wick system are proven to deliver precise, cost-effective weed control.

👉 Watch our videos to see the Redback Weedwiper on the job and find the perfect model for your farm.

 

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