A number of growers have turned to backpack or tractor-drawn flamers to perform weed management tasks on the farm. Flamers are propane fueled and are used to pass heat quickly over small weeds.
Weeds begin to wilt and die within a few minutes after flaming.
Backpack flamers consist of a propane tank which is carried in a backpack, a wand and hose to carry the fuel, and a shielded torch. Weight of the entire unit, including a full tank of propane, is around 45 lbs. These units are best for small jobs around the farm killing weeds in drive rows, wheel marks, or in small areas missed with herbicides or cultivators. The advantage of this type of unit is that it is quick and easy to use. Propane companies will occasionally give assistance to growers assembling flamers.