
Are you looking for a backpack sprayer that will will help you take care of your lawn or garden efficiently? If so, how do you know which backpack sprayer to choose? A good backpack sprayer is light, convenient, and most importantly, functions well. Here are some guidelines on how to choose the best backpack sprayer for your gardening needs.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Backpack Sprayers
How to Choose a Backpack Sprayer
Backpack sprayers are available in many different types and models, which is why it is important to know how to choose the best one for your needs.
First, you should choose a durable backpack sprayer so you know that it will last a long time. It is also important that the parts are easily available to be repaired or replaced in your area if needed.
You also want to be sure that the spray wand that is included is not prone to leaking and is able to put out an accurate amount of herbicide. It is best to have a wand that can accept various types of the nozzle, which will allow you to have a backpack to use regardless of what kind of formulation you are using.
You probably want to look for something that is easily cleaned and maintained following every application. When a backpack sprayer has a complicated cleaning process, some owners choose to not clean them, which can damage the sprayer and ultimately damage your yard.
What Are Some Advantages of a Backpack Sprayer?
Backpack sprayers have an inner tank where they pressurize the water. Most backpack sprayers have a small pocket of air inside the inner tank that compresses to helps push out the liquid. The benefits of this include:
- Great for everyday use
- Easy to carry a large amount of liquid
- You have full control over the water pressure
What to Look for in a Backpack Sprayer
There are a few things that are important to look for in a backpack sprayer. From tank capacity to ease of use and the accessories that are offered, there are many levels of quality of backpack sprayers that are produced.
Some come with many options and features that you may have a need for, while others are simple sprayers that might just be right for you. The most important thing is to find a backpack sprayer that is durable and has the correct water pressure for your garden.
What’s the Best Way to Use a Backpack Sprayer?
Backpack sprayers are used to spray small areas with one substance such as a bug repellent or a sealant. Here are several useful operating tips to use a backpack sprayer effectively.
Maintain Complete Records
Keeping records of the work you have done will help you to remember your successes and prevent you from repeating mistakes. Pay special attention to the spray tips used and their frequency, pressure, the weather, the mixture of the spray, and your plants’ stage of growth.
Clean the Nozzle
To maintain the effectiveness of your nozzle, clean it often. All you need is a toothbrush, gloves, clean water, and a pair of pliers. Make sure the screen is cleared out and just use a soft brush for the tip of the nozzle.
Thoroughly Mix Pesticides
Your pesticides need to be thoroughly mixed and agitated in the tank in order to make sure that you are getting uniform coverage on your plants. Because some products settle and others separate, it is important to keep the liquid constantly mixed up in the tank.
Clean the Tank
It is important that the tank stays clean so it does not grow mold or mildew. In order to keep the tank clean, rinse it out with a mixture of water and ammonia or commercially prepared compounds. Cleaning the tank is especially important if you are using the same sprayer for both insecticides and herbicides.
Be Safe
Always wear rubber boots, eye protection, and gloves while using a backpack sprayer. Make sure your arms and legs are covered with a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Some product labels even specify that additional protection may be needed, such as a respirator or a face shield.
Once you have picked the best backpack sprayer for your needs, it is important to get the calibration correct so the sprayer will be effective. If your backpack sprayer is maintained properly with calibration and regular cleanings, it will greatly improve the health of your yard.
Our Backpack Sprayer Reviews
#1 – Chapin 63985 4-Gallon Wide Mouth 20v Battery Backpack Sprayer
The first noteworthy feature of this backpack sprayer is the built in handle on the cap. This offers a surface to grip that makes cap removal easy and carrying the sprayer a breeze. The cap opens to reveal a six inch gap. A lot can go in easily and the sprayer fills quickly due to this. There are small cushions near to offer a comfortable filling position.
There are three nozzles included with the sprayer. Each nozzle offers a different pressure, allowing a thorough clean. The straps are padded, giving support to your shoulders as you carry the sprayer and reducing the amount of digging done by the sprayer into your shoulder. There’s also a waist or chest strap to offer even more support.
The sprayer can spray up to 50 gallons per charge, or an hour and three quarters of continuous spray. It is powered by a 20 volt Black and Decker battery. One battery is included with the sprayer.
#2 – Field King Max 190348 Backpack Sprayer
With this backpack sprayer, the pump is inside the sprayer. This means that the sprayer will not leak on you. An in-line filter also helps to prevent leaking, as does the lock and shut off grip. The pump has two settings: high and low. High pressure delivers up to 150 PSI of power, while low delivers a steady 25 PSI of power to the nozzle.
It has a four nozzle system. Two of the nozzles are flat fan nozzles. There is a foaming nozzle to allow for soap to cover every inch of the surface that is being cleaned. The teeJet nozzle tips also fit on this sprayer.
This sprayer has a built in carrying handle. The lifting and storage is made much easier with this feature. The handle can be moved to allow the nozzle to be used to the left or the right. The harness is another good feature on this sprayer. There is a full back page, a supportive chest belt and a chest strap that cinches.
#3 – Solo 425-Deluxe 4-Gallon Professional Piston Backpack Sprayer
This backpack sprayer offers four different PSI settings: 15, 30, 45 and 60. There is a regulator that allows for easy switching from setting to setting when needed. The pump itself is designed for increased pressure powers. This allows the piston nozzle (which is adjustable) to do its job with little difficulty.
Storage is a breeze with this sprayer. There is a large carrying handle that includes a retainer for the wand. A fold away handle also has a retainer for the wand, and can be used in the left and right hand, depending on personal preference. The tank is designed to hold four gallons, allowing for less fill time between start and finish.
#4 – Stanley 61804 Professional Backpack Poly 4-Gallon Sprayer
This sprayer features a four gallon tank. There is less need to fill up between the start and finish of the job with this tank. The wand includes an adjustable tip (a spray nozzle and a fan nozzle), and no solids will get stuck in the wand. There’s a strainer in the top of the tank to prevent this.
The large pump means less pumping. Getting the correct pressure takes less work with this sprayer’s large pump. There are carrying straps so that the work doesn’t tire you out completely before the job can be finished. They are meant to be incredibly comfortable as to prevent discomfort.
The spray handle includes a nifty feature: a continuous spray. Finger cramps are a thing of the past with this. The handle can be used in either the left or the right hand depending on your preference. No longer will you need to worry about an awkward fit when you don’t use the recommended hand to spray.