How to choose a garden sprayer
Unfortunately, today it is impossible for owners of household plots, dachas and vegetable gardens to grow a good crop without effective protection of plants from various pests and diseases. One of the most effective methods of protection is spraying green spaces with special preparations. And if for the treatment of vegetable crops or low shrubs and flowers you can get by with a small sprayer, then you need a full-fledged garden sprayer. Foreign and domestic manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of products, but it can be difficult to make the right choice. In order to facilitate this task, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the types of sprayers, the features of their application and, ultimately, find the answer to the question - which sprayer is better?
The principle of operation of this category of devices is the same - liquid from a closed container enters the spray nozzle due to the created excess air pressure. The difference in design features is manifested only in the method of creating excess air pressure, the capacity of the liquid tank and the method of carrying the product itself.
Therefore, if you are thinking about which sprayer to buy, first of all, decide on the specific purpose of its use (what exactly and in what quantity is supposed to be processed). The initial specification of the goal will significantly reduce the range of choice and will allow you to focus on the necessary fundamental indicators of the device - reliability, efficiency and ease of use.
Overview of garden sprayers
Most of the sprayer models on the market are made according to a similar design solution - inside the liquid tank there is a mechanism for creating excess pressure. On the body of the tank there is a fitting for connecting a plastic hose with an extension (telescopic) rod. A mechanical liquid atomizer with a filter is fixed at the end of the rod. In addition, a good sprayer is necessarily equipped with a safety valve to relieve excess air pressure when pumping. We offer a detailed overview of the existing types of garden sprayers and their design features.
Manual garden sprayer
The simplest model, but at the same time quite effective when processing greenhouse seedlings or small flower beds.
The manufacturer offers two versions of the model: complete with a container for liquid (0.3-2 l) or only a spray gun (any plastic bottle of the required volume will replace the reservoir). Spraying of liquid occurs at periodic manual pressing the lever.
The advantages include: low cost, ease of use, reliability.
There is only one drawback, but the defining one is the limited scope of use (not suitable for processing trees);
Sprayer garden knapsack
The model already belongs to the professional category and is represented by two options for constructive solutions for creating air pressure: pump-action and lever. In the first version, the pump-pump is built into the cover of the liquid reservoir (volume 3-12 l), during operation it is necessary to periodically pump air in order to maintain the required pressure. The sprayer boom is a telescopic extension, typically 1.5 m long, with a handle and a liquid supply lever. For ease of use, a shoulder strap is provided.
The advantages of the model are reliability, efficiency, durability (of high-quality samples).
There is only one drawback - the need to periodically remove the sprayer from the shoulder to pump air. This shortcoming is eliminated in the model with lever air injection. The pump itself is located at the base of the case, and the pumping lever is attached to the left hand. Such a constructive solution ensures non-stop operation until the liquid in the tank is completely used up (volume up to 20 l). It is carried on the back with two straps like a school bag. The advantages of the model are the possibility of continuous operation, spraying efficiency. The disadvantage is the significant weight of the equipped device;
Battery garden sprayer
The air pump is driven by an electric drive powered by a battery. Battery capacity affects the final price of the product, the cheapest models work without recharging for about 3 hours. The charger is included with the sprayer and is designed for mains voltage of 220 volts. The volume of the tank varies from 5 to 20 liters. The disadvantage of this category is one - the price.
The knowledge gained from familiarizing yourself with the existing types and design features of the operation of various models will help you decide on the main question - which sprayer to choose. But besides this, there are a number of important points that you need to pay attention to before purchasing a product.
- Tank volume. When making a choice, many amateur gardeners make a common mistake, focusing only on the number and size of plants that need to be processed. This factor must be taken into account, but it is not decisive. First of all, you need to focus on ease of use - the weight of the device when carrying and instructions for diluting the drugs that are used for spraying. Most preparations are designed for 5 or 10 liters of water. Think about what is more convenient for you - to carry on your back a one-time prepared solution weighing more than 20 kg (20 l tank + sprayer weight) or to prepare a preparation of 10 l twice?
- The rod is regular or telescopic. The second option is preferable - it is possible to adjust the length. Don't be afraid of the standard length of 1.5 m, if necessary, you can always purchase a longer one separately - the mounts are usually the same.
- Spray nozzle. Depending on the material used in the manufacture, there are two types - brass and plastic. The first is considered to be more durable, but much more expensive. Plastic, if necessary, you can always replace it - it is sold as a consumable. It is desirable to be able to adjust the type of spray jet.
- Maintainability. When choosing a specific model, ask the seller about the availability of spare parts and consumables for it (seal rings for the pump, replaceable nozzles, filters, rods).
- Material quality and build quality. Such trifles as the material from which the shoulder straps are made or the elasticity of the plastic hose "speak" about the manufacturer's approach to the quality of products. There is no need to focus on the most famous brands when choosing, but buying products from a dubious manufacturer is also not recommended.
Finally. Now you know what makes a good sprayer - the choice is yours. The article did not consider the categories of industrial sprayers (gasoline models and mounted ones), so the main goal in preparing the publication material is to help the amateur gardener to make the right choice of product for individual use in the backyard or cottage.