The avid gardener must control plant diseases, weeds, and harmful insects. We highly recommend investing in a good backpack sprayer to assist you in this constant battle.
Backpack sprayers are convenient for applying herbicides and insecticides. They are great for smaller application jobs like spot spraying individual plants, treating smaller areas, or terrain where tractors or other larger equipment can’t go.
Controlling pests and diseases in confined places or places where you have to take extra precautions of your surroundings make the backpack sprayer an invaluable piece of equipment to have on hand.
Table of Contents
Factors to Consider When Picking the Best Backpack Sprayers
1. Types of Backpack sprayer
There are different types of backpack sprayers. Consider your individual gardening needs when choosing one for purchasing.
- A manual sprayer is best for the treatment of new infestations. We recommended choosing one with an applicator that allows you to switch from left hand to right hand when operating. Motorized sprayers are more convenient for treating larger areas. With the motorized type of backpack sprayer, you don’t have to manually pump it to maintain pressure.
- Some disadvantages to consider with motorized sprayers is that they are generally more expensive than the manual sprayers, heavier, and require more maintenance. Of course, the motorized backpack sprayer carries the advantage of eliminating fatigue from spraying, and that is important to many of us. Also, the motorized types are more consistent in maintaining pressure.
2. Pump Type
Most sprayers have either a diaphragm pump or a piston type pump. Diaphragm pumps are a little more expensive than the piston type. Some types of motorized sprayers may use a rotary-type pump instead of the piston or diaphragm pumps that are common on manual sprayers.
I have found that the piston types aren’t suitable for all herbicides. The piston pump will wear out more quickly if you are using dry herbicide formulas, and it will have to be replaced for you to continue using your sprayer.
You can also purchase small sprayers available as pull-behind units. These hold more spray but then your access to some areas you need to treat may be limited. The handheld units are the smallest but of course, hold the least spray. You will find that the portable sprayers require both hands to maintain pressure for operation. You can’t pump and spray at the same time.
The bottom line is, the bigger the operation, the more spray power you will need. Small home operations do fine with the smaller, portable sprayers.
3. Battery
If you decide to go with the conveniences of a motorized sprayer, the first thing to consider is the battery. Make sure it has one that is able to handle high and low-pressure output and will run for at least 3 hours without having to be recharged.
4. Weight
Weight is the next factor to consider. Backpack sprayers are obviously designed to be light in weight, so the weight of your sprayer will depend on the size of its tank. Most backpack sprayers will weigh between 15 and 45 pounds when fully loaded.
It is a good thing to have more capacity but balance this with how heavy the sprayer is. Some people will find 40 or 50 pounds of total weight to be too strenuous to operate.
5. Type of nozzle
It is important to consider the type of nozzle on a sprayer. They affect the uniformity of application, coverage, and flow rate. Most backpack sprayers on the market have tips that are designed to let you interchange nozzles and use the one that is best for your application needs.
We recommend having several nozzles for different needs rather than relying on the same nozzle for everything. We think the extra money for good quality nozzles is worth it.
6. Comfort and Safety
Comfort and safety are really important factors when choosing a backpack sprayer for your garden. The best backpack sprayers come with a full-sized handle. The best options also feature a spray wand with a gentle grip. You want to choose a sprayer with nicely padded straps especially if you will be using them for longer periods.
Any feature that increases comfort and reduces your fatigue while using the sprayer is worth looking into. You also want to look for features that limit your risk of exposure to the chemical formulations held within the sprayer. Bottom line is that you should always pay attention to the comfort and safety features of a backpack sprayer before you commit to purchasing it.
7. Maintenance and Repair
You want a unit that is easy to use. You also want to know that you are choosing something that will last you for a while. Durability and ease of maintenance are things you must consider when choosing a backpack sprayer for your garden.
The best garden sprayers will be easy to maintain and will be made of high quality and durable materials.
8. Chemical Rating
To determine which chemical rating is best for you, you should consider what your main use of the backpack sprayer will be. Some chemicals used in gardening can be very corrosive. As such you want to ensure that your sprayer is made to withstand the effects of any chemicals which you plan to use.
Not only should the sprayer have the right chemical rating but the seals, hoses, and other accessories need to have specific ratings for herbicides based on what you are going to be using.
The Best Backpack Sprayers Reviews
1. Field King Pump Backpack Sprayer
This backpack sprayer is the best option for your garden and lawn to keep your weeds at bay. The sprayer is designed with a no-leak pump so it is safer to use. This pump ensures that no chemical inside the sprayer will drip down onto your skin.
It is built with a 21-inch durable wand made with Viton seals. The components are made from brass and it features a premium inline filter. This sprayer is budget-friendly, featuring an internal agitator with the ability to build up pressure up to 150 psi. It is compatible with TeeJet nozzles and the other parts are easy to find, maintain, and replace.
2. Chapin International 61500 Backpack Sprayer
This backpack sprayer from Chapin International has a 4-gallon capacity. The mouth has a 4-inch wide mouth and the tank itself is translucent. This makes filling and cleaning quite easy. The tank features a 2 stage filtration system with one filter on top and another at the shut-off location. The shut off is made of poly and it has two nozzles. The fan tip and poly cone are both adjustable.
3. Roundup 190314 Backpack Sprayer
This backpack sprayer is ideal for all your yard use including spraying insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. It has a 4-gallon capacity and is built complete with a heavy-duty poly wand. It features a shut off along with a comfort grip as well as a lock that allows for continuous spraying.
It also features an inline filter with gaskets and Viton seals to ensure durable chemical resistance. The straps are padded and adjustable and it features built-in lumbar support with a waist belt. Included with your purchase of this backpack sprayer are 3 different nozzles to allow for versatility and multipurpose use.
4. M4 MY4SONS Battery Powered Backpack Sprayer
This is the best backpack sprayer if you want the convenience and comfort of never having to pump. This sprayer allows for up to 8 hours of spraying on a full battery. There is the variable pressure switch that allows for the control of flow between 20 to 60 psi. It comes complete with the included battery and is built with heavy-duty straps for your added comfort.
Your purchase includes both an acid bleach wand and a stainless steel wand. There are organizer pockets for the wands and other accessories and there is also a quick change battery compartment.
5. Chapin 61900 Tree and Turf Pro Commercial Backpack Sprayer
The Chapin 61900 backpack sprayer is a budget-friendly commercial quality backpack sprayer. It comes with a stainless steel wand and features a triple filtration system. The pump is made in a way that it can be used by both left or right-handed individuals.
The sprayer features a cushion grip as well as a built-in pressure gauge along with a shut off assembly. It is designed to offer the best in lumbar support. The tank itself has a capacity of 4 gallons and has a 4-inch opening so it can be cleaned and filled easily. Your purchase of this backpack sprayer includes three nozzles to be used for different applications.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using a Backpack Sprayer
If you have chosen to purchase a manually powered backpack sprayer, become familiar with these parts: the liquid-holding tank, pressure-holding chamber, pump, pumping lever, hose, and wand with controlling valve. The liquid holding tank isn’t pressurized, but rather there is a smaller, pressuring chamber. The pump forces liquid into the chamber. Seals and valves hold the liquid and keep it under pressure until the valve on the wand is squeezed.
Backpack sprayers commonly have a tank capacity of around 4 gallons. For every gallon of extra capacity, add 8 pounds to the backpack sprayer’s total weight. Purchasing an extra tank is an option to consider.This can save time, and also help you avoid cross contamination of chemicals.
We have found that some chemicals are harder to rinse from the tanks than others. They like to stick to the plastic used for tanks. We would suggest having one tank for herbicides and another tank for insecticides.
When using your sprayer, keep in mind that a lot of pressure is reached. Also, on some units, as the tank empties, pressure is gradually decreased. If you don’t purchase a backpack sprayer that features a built-in pressure regulator, we suggest installing a pressure regulating valve to regulate pressure. Another good feature to have is a pressure gauge if one is compatible with your sprayer. When installed on the tank’s side, you can easily read the pressure.
Conclusion
No matter which type of backpack sprayer you choose, you will find the job of spraying your vegetation for protection against all those unwanted pests and diseases much easier. This will give you time to take care of all those other gardening chores and add to your enjoyment of gardening.
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Backpack Sprayers FAQs
Will the material last?
Most garden sprayers are made with high-density polyethylene, this material is very strong and highly resilient against stress and a variety of chemicals.
Is a backpack sprayer comfortable to carry?
This depends on a number of factors. It is important to take a look at the comfort features of the model you are considering. Also, read reviews for specific models to determine the level of comfort it will offer.
Can You use different chemicals in the same sprayer?
While we do not recommend this, it can be done, you MUST ensure that you throughout clean the sprayer between chemicals. You can use a solution made of ammonia and water at a 1:25 ratio.
Which spray nozzle should You use?
Flat spray nozzles are good for spraying general areas. Cone nozzles are ideal for treatment and spot spraying. You can also find adjustable nozzles, nozzles that can offer a stream or a fine spray and nozzles made from a variety of materials. The best choice comes down to what you will be using the sprayer to do.
How do You prevent drift spraying?
Always consult the packaging for anything you are spraying. You can further minimize drift by spraying when there is less air movement. This may be at dusk or dawn but pretty much whenever it is not windy.
Can the spray tank withstand the pressure?
The spray tank itself will not maintain pressure. The pressure is maintained in a separate chamber designed for that. This chamber is typically made from injection-molded materials and is built to withstand the garden sprayers’ operating pressure.
How do You know how much I’m spraying?
You can know this by spraying, collecting, and measuring the amount of liquid that comes out for a particular time frame. You can do this for a minute. When doing this you want to maintain a steady pumping of the handle.
