About battery-operated backpack sprayers
What are they?
A backpack sprayer is a tool that produces a continuous, fine mist of liquid product for pest control, weed killing or disinfection purposes. They are often used by professional pest control experts but are also very useful for regular domestic use around the home and garden.
Backpack sprayers consist of a large tank, which is often worn on the back and can be filled with a variety of liquid products (such as herbicide, insecticide or fertilizer). This liquid is put under pressure by an internal pump, which produces a fine spray. Backpack sprayers usually have an applicator wand which is used to apply the product to your greenhouse, lawn, shrubs, office or any other area you wish to treat.
Traditional sprayers are often operated manually, which means you have to pump continuously by hand while using it. This can be very tiring, especially if you have a large area of land to treat. With a battery-operated pressure sprayer, however, the pump runs on power generated by an internal battery. This eliminates any need to stop and physically pump while using the tool, saving you both time and labour.
The battery life can last anywhere from 1.5 – 8 hours per charge, depending on which model you have. Battery-operated sprayers are often more powerful than manual sprayers and can apply a lot more pressure to the liquid in the tank. This produces a more powerful spray than most manual models are capable of, which can significantly reduce the time taken to finish a big job.
Why are they better than other types of sprayer?
The main reason to choose a battery-operated sprayer over a manual model is that you don’t need to pump if the power is provided by a battery back. Having to continually stop and pump while spraying is both exhausting and time-consuming. In fact, it can double the time taken to complete a treatment! A battery-operated model is, therefore, a far more efficient tool for treating large areas.
What are they used for?
Battery-powered pump sprayers are versatile tools with a wide variety of uses.
They are compatible with almost all liquid products and can be used for:
- Applying pesticide around your home, garden, greenhouse or office;
- Applying weed killer to your shrubs and lawn;
- Disinfecting large areas or enclosed spaces;
- Applying concrete sealer;
- Spraying fence panels.
Electric backpack sprayers are often used for professional jobs, in which large spaces need to be treated at once. They are also popular for home use, however, as they can save a lot of labor when it comes to killing weeds or eliminating pests from your greenhouse.
What type of users are these type of sprayers intended for?
Battery-powered chemical sprayers are most often seen in the hands of professional cleaners or pest control technicians. There are several models that are designed especially for professional use, and these often have long battery lives and a powerful spray that allows for large jobs to be completed in a single day.
Less powerful models are also available, however, and these are ideal for home use. People may use a battery-operated garden sprayer to kill weeds, eliminate nuisance bugs or spray fence panels around their yard.
How do battery-operated backpack sprayers work?
Backpack sprayers work by converting a store of liquid solution into a fine mist, which can then be applied to your lawn, greenhouse and anywhere else you might need it. This spray is created when pressure is applied to the liquid inside the device, which is then released through the applicator wand. The nozzle, which is fixed to the end of the wand, converts this stream of pressurized liquid into a fine mist, the form of which can be altered by changing the shape of the nozzle attachment.
A common misconception is that pressure is applied to the main tank of the backpack sprayer, but this isn’t the case. Instead, the liquid is diverted from the main tank into a smaller chamber by a pump, where pressure is applied by a series of seals and valves. When the valve of the applicator wand is manually opened, the liquid escapes in a high-velocity stream that is turned into a mist and used for spraying.
If your backpack sprayer is battery-operated, these internal mechanisms are powered entirely by energy from the cell. Manual sprayers, on the other hand, need to be pumped by hand. This usually requires both hands, so you can’t pump and spray at the same time when using a manual backpack sprayer.
What other product can these electric pump sprayers replace?
The main benefit of the battery-operated backpack sprayer is that it removes any need for manual pumping. This often requires two hands, so you need to stop spraying and get pumping every time your liquid loses pressure, costing you both time and energy.
A battery-operated machine, on the other hand, can be used continuously with no need to stop and pump. The best commercial backpack sprayer batteries can provide power for up to 8 hours between charges, making them way better for treating large areas than manual sprayers.
What parts does a battery-powered backpack sprayer consist of?
The tank
The main bulk of any backpack sprayer is the tank, which is a large reservoir inside the device. This is the part that holds most of the liquid, and it’s where you pour your product during set-up. The majority of backpack sprayers can hold up to 4 gallons of product, though there are models with higher and lower tank capacities.
If you’re looking for a backpack sprayer that will last you a good long time, be sure to choose a tank that’s made with durable, heavy-duty materials.
The pressure chamber
Many people assume that pressure is applied to the liquid inside the tank, but this isn’t the case. Instead, the liquid is diverted via pump action into a separate chamber, where pressure is applied using a series of valves and seals.
The application wand
The application wand is the part of the backpack sprayer that the product is released from. When the valve is opened, the pressurized liquid escapes through the wand in a high-power jet.
The nozzles
Nozzles are (usually removable) applications that can be screwed onto the end of the applicator wand. This is the part that converts the stream of liquid into a mist and can be altered depending on the intended treatment. Many backpack sprayers come with a variety of nozzles which can be used to control the size of the droplets and the shape of the spray.
The filter
The best battery backpack sprayers will have a built-in filter in the tank that keeps dirt and debris out. This can help to preserve the functionality of the device for longer, reducing the need for repairs.
The straps and harness
Most battery-powered weed sprayers are designed to be worn on the back, so they can easily be carried around when in use. The straps and harness are the part that holds it in place and will be padded and fully adjustable on high-end models.
The pump
Battery-powered backpack sprayers come with several different types of pump, but the most common are the piston pump and the diaphragm pump.
Many people opt for a piston pump when choosing their backpack sprayer, for a variety of reasons. Piston pumps are generally cheaper and can generate more pressure than a diaphragm pump. They are also much easier to access and repair if something goes wrong.
However, diaphragm pumps are more resistant to chemicals than piston pumps, so they’re a wise choice if you plan to use anything corrosive in your sprayer.
The battery
The battery is the part that powers the machine. They are rechargeable, but the amount of power they can hold will vary significantly from model to model, so this is a key thing to consider when buying. Less powerful batteries will last from 1.5-2 hours between charges, while the more heavy-duty sprayers can go for up to 8 hours.
Other controls
Depending on which model you go for, battery-powered tank sprayers may have a variety of settings and controls that allow you to:
- Alter the pressure inside the pressure chamber;
- Alter the flow rate of the spray;
- Alter the droplet size;
- Alter the spray pattern.
How to choose the right sprayer for your needs?
With so many different models to choose from, selecting the right backpack sprayer for your needs can seem like a daunting task. There are several things you need to consider before making your purchase, including:
Tank size
How much ground are you hoping to cover with your backpack sprayer? Most models come with a 4-gallon tank capacity, which is more than enough for spraying weeds in your backyard.
If you’re after a model that can handle larger jobs, however, you may want one with a bigger tank. For example, the Petra Powered Backpack Sprayer can hold an impressive 6.5 gallons of product and may be a better pick for people with a lot of ground to cover.
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Battery life
Are you planning to spritz a few plants in your greenhouse, spray your lawn or disinfect a much larger area? The task you have to tackle is a big deciding factor when picking out a backpack sprayer.
If you have to treat a large area, you may want to choose a model that combines a large tank capacity with a long battery life. Both the Petra and MY4SONS battery-powered backpack sprayers can hold their charge for up to 8 hours, making them a perfect fit for a long day of spraying.
If you’re just looking for a battery-operated weed sprayer, however, a model with a shorter battery life (like the Field King sprayer) is probably adequate.
Type of pump
The piston is the pump of choice for most people, thanks to the lower cost, higher attainable pressure and ease of repair. However, if you plan to fill your backpack sprayer with wettable powders or corrosive chemicals (like bleach) you’ll probably want to choose one with a more chemical-resistant diaphragm pump.
Comfort
Most backpack sprayers are designed to be worn on the back and carried when in use. While pretty much all sprayers are heavy (especially when full) the comfort of the straps and harness is a big variable.
Key features to look out for when choosing a comfortable-to-wear device include:
- Padding on the straps and harness;
- Adjustable straps;
- A chest and waist belt (as this can help to ease the pressure on your back).
Durability
As with most other things, you get what you pay for in the world of battery-operated backpack sprayers. If you want your battery-powered lawn sprayer to last for more than one summer, choose a model made from durable, high-end materials and manufactured by a company with a good reputation for quality control.
Versatility
Backpack sprayers can be highly versatile tools. This is great if you’re a DIY kind of person, as it means they can be used as an electric weed killer, a pesticide applicator, or a disinfection tool. However, not all models are suitable for use with corrosive chemicals or wettable powders, so be sure to do your research first.
Nozzle attachments are also an important thing to consider when choosing your backpack sprayer. These are key for adjusting the flow rate, droplet size and reach of the spray, all of which will vary depending on whether you’re spraying your shrubs, lawn or a confined space (such as a greenhouse or office).
If you want a device that can handle any type of job, be sure to choose one that comes with a selection of spare parts.
Maintaining your battery backpack sprayer
Once you’ve bought yourself a brand-new backpack sprayer you’ll want to keep it in good shape for as long as possible. Treating your sprayer well will lengthen its lifespan and reduce any need for repairs, ensuring it works effectively over the long term.
Choose a durable device
If you want value for money, be sure to choose a backpack sprayer made from sturdy, top-quality materials. Flimsy or poorly constructed tools will crack or leak after extended periods of use, which can harm their functionality and longevity. A leaking backpack sprayer can also be a health hazard, depending on what you put inside it, as many chemicals can irritate the skin, eyes and airways (if the vapours are inhaled).
Empty it out
To preserve the functionality of your backpack sprayer and reduce the need for repair you should always empty out any remaining product after use. It’s also a good idea to rinse it through with fresh water, and you should flush it through thoroughly at least once before putting it away. Doing so after each and every use will go a long way towards improving the longevity of your device!
It is especially important to empty out your sprayer if you are storing it over winter. Otherwise, the liquid may freeze and expand inside, which can the tank to crack and will render the device useless.
Store it properly
If you’re planning to put your backpack sprayer away over winter, it’s important that you store it properly to preserve the functionality of the battery. Usually, this involves keeping your sprayer somewhere cool and dry, but you should always check the label on your model for specific storage instructions.
Only use compatible products with your sprayer
The majority of battery-powered backpack sprayers are suitable for use with a wide range of liquid insecticides and other products. Some, however, are not designed for use with wettable powders and others won’t be able to handle corrosive chemicals. Always research which products are compatible with your chosen model before dumping chemicals inside to avoid damaging the pump.
Lubricate seals and O-rings regularly
Treat the seals and O-rings of your device with lubricant at least once a year. This will keep them in good working order and can help to prevent leaks.
Conclusion
Battery-operated backpack sprayers are a must-have device for all keen gardeners and DIY enthusiasts. These versatile tools can be filled with virtually any liquid product for all your pest control, weed killing and disinfection purposes, but which one should you buy?
There are dozens of different types of backpack sprayer out there and picking the best one for your needs can be a daunting task. Tank size, battery life and pump type are all important factors to consider when picking a sprayer and the type that suits you will depend heavily on what you need it for.