Features of choosing garden sprayers
The correct choice of tools and equipment is impossible without studying the issue.
The following steps will help you determine the type:
Spraying the garden
Estimate the area of the site. For large farm properties, you need an industrial sprayer that is powered by a gasoline engine with a capacity of 2-5 horsepower. A country estate or just a summer cottage with an area of 10 to 30 acres is treated with a small sprayer with a capacity of 12-16 liters.
Determine the volume of plantings that require spraying. The volume of the container into which the solution is poured depends on this. For a dacha plot of 6 acres with plantings, 12 liters of liquid is enough.
Consider physical activity. For a woman or an elderly person, it is better to choose a tool with a weight of 5 kg along with liquid. Backpack sprayers can be chosen to be heavier, since the load in this case is distributed evenly along the spine.
Set priorities. If savings are important, then a manual sprayer from a reliable company will perform the necessary function in the fight against pests and plant diseases.
Assess material possibilities. Having decided on the amount that the gardener is willing to spend on purchasing this equipment, you can begin to make a choice. You should not overpay for the name of the manufacturer. It is important to check the workmanship of all visible parts.
Explore the range of plants. If you only need to work on short plants, then long additional tubes are not needed. On the contrary, if trees are being processed, then such an addition will be timely. The more powerful the sprayer and the greater the pressure, the further the liquid jet is thrown.
Consider the issue of safety. The tank must be equipped with a valve that protects the equipment from excessive pressure build-up.
Secret #3:
When a fine filter is unnecessary If you decide to use your sprayer to treat plants with colloidal compounds with large particles, then you will have to use a coarser filter (for example, the standard one from the sprayer). At the same time, it is also advisable to have a sprayer with a larger hole and wash the sprayer more thoroughly after use. Colloidal solutions have the property of sticking to the walls, hoses and parts of the sprayer, valve, and sprayer. Particles often settle in various internal cavities of the system and accumulate, and then suddenly break loose and cause “thrombosis.”
Happy spring and labor holiday, dear seven-dacha residents! Let work on the earth bring you only joy, and my May Day secret will save you from some of the annoying hindrances and disappointments in your gardening chores!
Types of garden sprayers
According to the principle of operation, sprayers are divided into:
Garden sprayer
Pump-action. It consists of a round or rectangular container into which the drug solution is directly poured.
There is a pump in the lid that manually pumps air into the container. The liquid is then conveyed under pressure through a thin hose to the spray nozzle.
The button on the handle opens and closes the flow of liquid. The kit includes a telescopic nozzle for long-distance spraying. It is made of durable plastic.
Rechargeable. In such a sprayer, an electric pump running on a battery is responsible for constant pressure in the tank. When working with it, the gardener is freed from pumping air. This speeds up the processing of plants and reduces physical stress.
Before purchasing an electric backpack sprayer, you need to try it on and evaluate whether it will be convenient to work with.
Gasoline. This type is represented by devices with a power of several horsepower.
They are used when growing plants on an industrial scale and deliver medicinal or nutritional mixtures within a diameter of 50 meters around them.
When choosing a garden sprayer, it is taken into account that such equipment is purchased for more than one year.
Of the ten purchased, seven are of the battery pack type.
Secret #1:
Filter in the sprayer Usually, when purchased, it is either absent or is a plastic attachment at the end of the suction tube of a rather small diameter and with a rather large mesh. As a result, this mesh quickly becomes clogged with large debris, and small debris passes through it and clogs the spray tip. I have been looking for a way out of this situation for a long time and now I found this secret filter:
It is he!
In fact, this is a coarse fuel filter for the submersible electric fuel pump of a VAZ car with an injection engine. You should use the smallest one available.
To put it on the tube, I used a rubber seal for the washer reservoir pump, also from VAZ (although on many other cars they are exactly the same).
The end of the tube must be cut slightly diagonally so that it does not rest completely against the mesh with its entire cut. This way, the filter will not become clogged with debris immediately under the tube, but will filter over its entire surface.
Bushing with tube
The tube rested its sharp end on the bottom of the filter. The result is a design like this:
Oh how!
It’s quite difficult to put it into a sprayer with a narrow neck. You’ll have to first remove the tube from the sprayer and proceed like this: Actually, it’s not very difficult. With my “Beetle” it’s even easier: I remove the cover and along with it this liquid intake tube.
Advantages: 1) This filter has a fairly large filter surface and takes a very long time to clog. 2) The mesh of this filter is very fine and does not allow particles to pass through that can clog even the finest sprayer. In practice, this filter only allows chemicals dissolved in water to pass through.
Disadvantages: 1) A very thin mesh does not allow some suspensions containing large insoluble particles to pass through. That is, spraying, for example, with colloidal sulfur will not work.
I’ll allow myself 2 more not-so-secret secrets from Captain Obvious’ repertoire:
What does a backpack electric garden sprayer consist of and how to use?
Researching a job begins with a detailed description.
Components:
Capacity. The volume varies from 10 to 18 liters. The shape is often rectangular. This sprayer fits better on the back than a cylindrical one. Some of them are equipped with a massage pad with protrusions and depressions.
Sprayer setup
Belts. The comfortable location of the equipment on the back helps to process plantings for two or more hours without signs of fatigue.
Accumulator battery. It is charged from the network and, depending on the capacity, it lasts up to six hours of continuous operation.
The operating instructions recommend that the battery be fully discharged and charged the first three times.
Pump. This is the main device in the sprayer. In 10-liter pumps, the pump runs continuously after switching on. In 12 or 16 liters only when the pressure drops. If the liquid does not come out, the pump does not work. The liquid is sprayed - the pump is working, the supply is stopped - the pump does not work.
Barbell. This element is also called a fishing rod. In the economical version, the kit is equipped with one telescopic fishing rod made of brass. Other models add a short shaft.
If desired, additional rods can be purchased, the length of which reaches 2.5 meters.
Nozzles Each model of battery sprayer is equipped with several nozzles. The number sometimes reaches 6, but more often it is 4 types of sprayers.
Pressure regulator. Expensive models are equipped with a handle to increase or decrease the pressure in the pump chamber. If a powerful jet is needed, then the maximum pressure is set. It is calculated based on the strength characteristics of the pump and tank. When spraying at close range, the pressure decreases.
The handle-shaped regulator is located so that you can use it without removing it from your back.
Charger. The equipment package must include a device for charging the battery. Recharging occurs from the mains within an hour.
One type of sprayer
Indicators. Some models are equipped with indicators for battery charging and fluid level in the tank.
Filter. A removable mesh filter is installed in the neck of the container. Solutions are poured through it to prevent solid particles from entering the sprayer.
Hose. The length of the hose connecting the tank to the fishing rod is about two meters. More often than not, gardeners make a choice in favor of a soft hose. But such a hose is more likely to bend.
Exploitation:
- Charge the battery
- Attach the fishing rod to the hose using a thread
- Pour the prepared solution
- Close the lid
- Place a sprayer of the required configuration on the fishing rod
- Put it on your back and fasten the straps
- Press the start button on the container body
- Press the lever located on the hose
- Get the job done
- Switch off the pump using the start button
- Wash the tank and boom thoroughly
The benefits of an electric backpack sprayer include:
- Ease of use
- Convenient location
- Efficiency
- Durability
- Reliability
Among the disadvantages is the price. Other shortcomings, such as a leaking connection between the fishing rod and the hose or a hose that is too rigid, apply only to some isolated specimens.
Expert opinion
Yulia Yurievna
I have a large garden and vegetable garden, several greenhouses. I love modern methods of cultivating plants and mulching the soil, and I share my experience.
Ask a Question
Secret #2:
Washing Wash the sprayer after use with plain water. And in 3 steps: 1) Take some water, rinse the tank, drain the water. 2) Take some water, close the sprayer, pump up, remove the spray head and rinse the entire system without the spray head. 3) Put on the spray head and rinse again.
Washing without a spray head is necessary so that any deposits of chemicals deposited in the cavities and on the internal surfaces of the equipment are washed away with a fast stream of water. With a sprayer the flow is much weaker.
Kinds
By type of drive, products are divided into:
- manual
- human muscular strength is used, for example, a home spray bottle for cologne or perfume; - mechanical
– electric, pneumatic, hydraulic and other types of drive are used, example: spray gun.
By purpose:
- household
– intended for use at home; - garden
- used for work in garden plots; - professional
- used in various industries, for example, medicine or when carrying out painting work in construction.
Pneumatic
- devices with manual carrying during operation;
- sprayers that need to be placed on the ground during operation;
- devices with a shoulder strap;
- sprayers with a backpack principle of transportation (2 belts).
Based on their operating principle, they differ in:
- pneumatic. “Beetles” that have a pneumatic operating principle are designated by the letters OP;
OP-205M
Manual, with 1.5 liter or 2.5 liter reservoir. The pump and spray device are located in the lid of the blow tank. The direction of the spray liquid flow can be controlled. Devices of this model do not have the ability to fix the key.
This sprayer is used where the amount of work is small: for spraying plants grown on window sills, in greenhouses, on loggias. Convenient for treating plants in small flower beds and for spraying shrubs.
OP-230
Manual, with 1.2 liter or 2 liter reservoir. Spray as a stream or as a mist.
OP-220
Tank volume: 5 liters or 7 liters. There is no belt. To operate, the device must be installed on the ground. The base of the sprayer of this model, compared to other Zhuk models, is wider, so it is more stable. The pressure pump handle is at the top and there is a safety valve.
The fire hose of the OP-220 is not of a telescopic type.
The device is used to spray shrubs, potatoes and other garden plants, low trees, and is used for household work.
OP-209
The model is available in three tank volumes: 4 liters, 6 liters and 10 liters. During operation, it is carried on a shoulder strap. The device has a filler funnel and tank - one whole. There is a safety valve.
The pump handle is located at the top; the button responsible for spraying can be fixed in the working position. Fire nozzle of telescopic type.
Areas of application for this type of sprayer: caring for garden plants, shrubs, small trees, and housework.
Doesn't hold pressure
Low pressure will not provide the required fluid flow. This is due to various reasons:
- The filter is clogged. It should be cleaned. It is in the handle, usually in the form of a long stick. You need to unscrew the hose from the handle, pull out the filter with tweezers and rinse it;
- Not enough power - low battery charge. Just plug it in to charge;
- Open the pump block. The gap between the ends and adjacent plates may have increased. This means that the adjusting shims have worn out. They are installed on the side opposite the drive shaft;
- One of the parts is cracked. The worn one needs to be replaced.
Read also: What salt is suitable for pickling cabbage
You are quite capable of fixing these problems yourself. But if you don’t feel like a confident master, then it’s better to put the equipment in the hands of a specialist. Because you risk breaking it completely. In principle, many of these problems can be avoided if you more or less properly care for the sprayer.
Only:
- Wash nozzles after use;
- At the end of the season, rinse thoroughly and dry;
- Spray lubricant into all rubbing areas. Gaskets always need to be lubricated with special machine oil or even Vaseline - then they do not crack or leak;
- Store in a dry place to avoid corrosion.
As you can see, the sprayer, be it gasoline or battery-powered or manual, is not very picky and does not require extra care. But timely care and proper handling prolong his life.
Spraying plants for medicinal and preventive purposes is the best way to combat dangerous diseases and pests. You can spray using a homemade spray bottle, but it is better to purchase industrial equipment. A device called “Beetle” is very popular among domestic summer residents. It is easy to use and inexpensive.
How to repair?
As mentioned above, the design of the Beetle is quite simple, so you shouldn’t be afraid of it breaking. But if suddenly this happens, then it will not be at all difficult to do the repairs yourself. Most often, the entire device suffers due to a malfunction of the pump, for example, it does not pump or inflate air, so the cause of the breakdown must be looked for in it. For example, this can happen due to a worn rubber seal, clogged special holes, lack of pressure, a faulty pump valve, or even because there is no piston.
Advantages and disadvantages
Every day, more and more people are striving to grow organic food on their own land, instead of buying vegetables and fruits in the supermarket. However, in order for the work not to be in vain, and for the grown fruits to please the family all year round, it is necessary to use a variety of fertilizing and fertilizers, as well as products that protect against garden pests. For this purpose, beginners and avid summer residents purchase a sprayer device called “Bug”.
Of course, an important advantage of the Zhuk sprayers will be their low price, which anyone who wants to take care of their garden can afford. The cost, of course, depends on the volume, but we can say with confidence that it will not exceed 700 rubles. Due to the uncomplicated and simple design, the risk of breakdown of Zhuk sprayers is extremely low. Even if something suddenly happens to the device, you can always purchase individual parts, replacing which will restore the mechanism of action.
Many gardeners note the ease of use of the Beetle. First of all, they talk about comfortable straps. They are made of durable nylon thread, so they can withstand a weight greater than the sprayer itself and the liquid in it. However, not everyone likes the distribution of the load, that is, they note that it is not possible to distribute the weight of the sprayer over the entire spine.
People respond well to the ease of adjusting the pressure. The U-shaped handle is so practical that the hand does not get tired at all while working. And to create the pressure you need, you will spend a few minutes.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with Ammonia in household applications
If there is pressure in the sprayer container exceeding atmospheric pressure, then the device is working. Because of this very pressure difference, the liquid can be sprayed in several ways: a stream of water, fine dust and a narrow or wide torch. It is also possible to choose, so to speak, an intermediate mode, trying to switch between existing options.
Manufacturers have created the handle taking into account many features of the human palm, so it is convenient to use. Nearby there is a small lever, when pressed, the end of the hose releases liquid. A special thumb located under the lever regulates the force of pressing the lever. You can also notice a raised tip on the hose. Thanks to it, you can easily adjust the liquid supply mode.
Zhuk sprayers are easy to use. Adapting to their design will not cause any difficulties for a beginner and will serve faithfully for more than one season.
