Sprayers Buying Guide

If you have a large garden, you'll probably already have some kind of sprinkler system. But watering your plants may not be enough to ensure their health. They need to be protected from diseases and insects. A sprayer system is an efficient way to distribute nutrients and pesticides to your plants, shrubs, and trees. You'll also find that spraying herbicides is an effective way to cut down on unsightly or obnoxious weeds.

Spraying periodically can prevent many plant diseases and insect infestations. Spraying in the winter or early spring can kill weeds or insects before they invade your garden. Regular sprayings through the summer will discourage them from returning.

It's not a good idea to mix different chemical solutions, and it's almost impossible to make sure that you have completely cleaned out your spray tanks. For that reason, you should consider buying a separate sprayer for your different pesticides and herbicides.

There are safety considerations you should be aware of when using your sprayer. The chemicals can be hazardous if inhaled, swallowed, or if they get into your eyes. Be sure to wear safety goggles when you are spraying. You may want to wear a dust mask as well. And it's a good idea to refrain from eating or drinking while spraying any kind of chemical solution.

What kind of a system should you use? That will depend on the size of your garden. If you are working on a single or double lot, then a small compression sprayer or a backpack sprayer may be just fine. Also, if you use different types of solutions, you may want to spend your money on several simple wet sprayers, instead of a more expensive single sprayer system.

If your garden, lawn, or fields extend over several acres, then you may want to invest in a tow-behind sprayer. This type of sprayer is hooked behind a tractor or mower. It sprays material through a boom while being towed, covering large areas. If you need to spray often in the same fields, you might want to look into buying a spot sprayer.

Check the nozzle controls on any sprayer you are considering purchasing. You want something that will adjust to different pressures and spray areas. That will allow you to spray, mist, or drench areas, according to your need.

In addition, think about other uses. A compression sprayer will not only work for spreading pesticides, but can also do pressure cleaning for decks, siding, or outdoor furniture.

Compression Sprayers Compression sprayers usually hold from 1 to 3 gallons of material. Using a pump, the fluid is pressurized so that it will spray out of the hose nozzle with force. Sprayers can be used for cleaning, but they are often employed to spray herbicides or pesticides in the garden.

Backpack Sprayers A backpack sprayer is a more ergonomic type of compression sprayer. Instead of a cylindrical metal tank, which is awkward to lift and carry, the tank is square, plastic, and made to be carried like a backpack. If you need to cover a large area, you'll find this type of sprayer much easier to lift and carry.

Tow-Behind Sprayers These sprayers are designed for towing behind a tractor, mower, or other all-terrain vehicle. They have wires that attach to the vehicle's electrical system, using it to power the sprayer. These sprayers are the most convenient if you intend to spray entire field. They come in small or large tank capacities.

Spot Sprayers Spot sprayers are made to stay in one place. They are built of sturdy materials in order to withstand the outdoor weather. Spot sprayers are larger than compression sprayers. The smallest hold about 8 gallons, and the largest can hold hundreds of gallons.

Rechargeable Sprayers There are a few small portable sprayers that run on rechargeable batteries. Although they are small, they can still deliver power.

Wheel Pump Sprayers The ingenious design of this unit pressures the tank as you wheel it, sparing you from the need to pump it before spraying. Because it moves on wheels, it also saves you from the labor of carrying it.

Wet Sprayers A wet sprayer is designed to attach to your garden hose. It has a metered dial that allows you to mix a solution as it sprays. This can save time, since you don't need to pre-mix your chemicals or pesticides. It also saves money, since you only use as much solution as you need. Any unused chemicals can be saved for the next time.

Hand Sprayers Hand sprayers are powered through trigger or hand pumps. Although they don't hold more than a few cups of solution, they can create a fine mist that is fine for indoor cleaning, or spraying houseplants.

Slide Pump Sprayers This is a hand pump with an unusual design, allowing you to create pressure by sliding the pump horizontally. It can build up to 150 PSI. The best advantage to this pump is its portability. Just drop the end of the hose into your solution and begin pumping.

Repair Kits Many manufacturers make repair kits for their spraying systems. This is an excellent item to get when you purchase your sprayer, so that it will be there and handy when you need it.

Extension Wand An extension wand is good when you need to direct your spray over bushes or up into hanging planters, or to other high spots.

Nozzles Don't think that you're limited to the nozzle that come with your sprayer. Many companies make replacement nozzles in various shapes and sizes.

Remote Switch This handy device connects to your sprayer, allowing you to turn the unit on or off from the seat of your towing vehicle.

Boom Kit A boom kit extends the range of your tow-behind sprayer, adding additional nozzles to make your spraying more efficient.

The prices for sprayer range from inexpensive to very expensive, often depending on the power and capacity of the system. Most hand sprayers, including wet sprayers, can be purchased for under $20.

The newer sprayer designs are a bit more pricey. The wheel pump sprayer sells for $60-$100, with the larger sizes at the upper end of the price range. The slide pump sprayer goes for about $70.

Small powered sprayers, such as the backpack sprayers or the rechargeable sprayers, start at about $25 and go up to about $150. Small tow-behind sprayers can be purchased for $100, but the largest one (above 25 gallons) can sell for $500-$1200. Likewise, small spot sprayers sell for under $50 and large capacity ones go for over $300.

Chapin
Gilmour
Hudson
Northstar
Precision
Solo