Backpack Sprayers

[Blessed 1]

I am sure fed up with my Echo Backpack Sprayer. The Straps suck because of no padding and the always come un hooked at the bottom. What are the best backpack sprayers out there. All I spray is Glystar (Round Up).

[Green Side Lawn Care]

you can not beat the solo sprayer

[saw man]

I have had good luck with Maryuama M-400.

[Killswitch]

you can not beat the solo sprayer


Industry standard for a reason.

I like the new models with the fold up pump arm too, but damnit if I dont strap the thing on then have forgotten to twist it and cant reach.

lol

Solos...80 bux. Done deal.

[TheLawnBarber]

I just got the new Stihl backpack sprayer much better then my Shindaiwa.

[naturescape]

I have not had an Echo, I HATE my Shin sprayers. I bought a Surflo bp sprayer (electric). Dang, this is one of the best purchases I've ever made, I love that thing! You can probably get one on ebay, I got mine from Northern Tool.

[fga]

i do minimal spraying with the BP, mostly treating crabgrass/nutsedge.

i bought this one off ebay, for $39+shipping.
its been excellent so far, but i wasn't looking for a cadillac in a junkyard... so i don't have a comparison.. just a great tool so far.

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-7-Gallon-Backpack-Pump-Home-House-Garden-Sprayer_W0QQitemZ230015185517QQihZ013QQcategoryZ20540QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Tharrell]

I had an Echo MS100 and I put straps from an Echo pb750 blower on it. It was ok but, it didn't feel right. It was stolen and I've since bought a 4 gallon commercial duty Jacto backpack sprayer. It's full length and fits great, with padded straps included. They have 3,4 and 5 gallon models. The 3 gallon feels the best but it's not enough for what I'm spraying. I think mine was around 100 bucks or so. I've posted some pictures about a month ago.

[stumper1620]

The Straps suck because of no padding and the always come un hooked at the bottom.).

My BP did the same thing, I used plastic tie straps and haven't had a loose strap since. Try it, they won't come off again.

[befnme]

i do minimal spraying with the BP, mostly treating crabgrass/nutsedge.

i bought this one off ebay, for $39+shipping.
its been excellent so far, but i wasn't looking for a cadillac in a junkyard... so i don't have a comparison.. just a great tool so far.

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-7-Gallon-Backpack-Pump-Home-House-Garden-Sprayer_W0QQitemZ230015185517QQihZ013QQcategoryZ20540QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
my first one was one like that (cheap) , it has a large " BE " on it .they are ok for a while but if used regularly they will begin losing pressure very fast and leaking in mysterious places .i totaly rebuilt it and it still leaked so i bought a " solo " best for the buck .

[seaweed]

i have several solo's. my only complaint is that the seal on the lid breaks and it will leak down your back. Other than that it is extreamly durable, use almost every day with no maintenance

[HenryB]

Birchmeier in my opinion Solos are not even in the same league. My guys plead I never buy a Solo after using the Birchmeier.

[Jason Rose]

On the topic of Solo sprayers, whats the preference: Diaphram or Piston pump?

Mine is a diaphram style, Iv'e had it for several years and had no real problems with it other than the lid not sealing and leaking... But with the diaphram style this dosn't effect the tank pressure since there is a smaller tank inside that's pressured. Nice because it only takes a few pumps to get going, but kinda annoying because it takes costant pumping if you are spraying a constant stream, left arm tires out!

I'm selling my 100 gallon lesco sprayer and going to using backpacks only for weeds. Thinking of maybe stepping into a battery powered back pack... But really may be more trouble than it would be worth?

[naturescape]

On the topic of Solo sprayers, whats the preference: Diaphram or Piston pump?

Mine is a diaphram style, Iv'e had it for several years and had no real problems with it other than the lid not sealing and leaking... But with the diaphram style this dosn't effect the tank pressure since there is a smaller tank inside that's pressured. Nice because it only takes a few pumps to get going, but kinda annoying because it takes costant pumping if you are spraying a constant stream, left arm tires out!

I'm selling my 100 gallon lesco sprayer and going to using backpacks only for weeds. Thinking of maybe stepping into a battery powered back pack... But really may be more trouble than it would be worth?

No, you'll love it, see my post above.

[B&B]

Jacto from Marks Greenhouse or Stihl from Lee Power. I have 2 jacto's no problems for 2 years. Straps will come loose but not while using it. I recommend either sprayer.

[Critical Care]

I have a couple of models of Solo BP sprayers. My opinion is that they could improve them if they wanted to. The straps do tend to come off from the bottom, apparently like so many of the sprayers, and I’ve had some problems with them leaking out of the top as well. Yeah, just don’t bend over! You would think that all of these idiots after a while would get their acts together and fix these ever-so-common problems... which they surely know about. They must figure that you’ll do as Stumper did and use tie straps to hold the straps on, and perhaps duct tape for everything else.

[Critical Care]

Just noticed that those Birchmeier sprayers have a hefty price tag on them.

[americanlawn]

Shurflo SRS 600 rules!

[Blessed 1]

Jacto from Marks Greenhouse or Stihl from Lee Power. I have 2 jacto's no problems for 2 years. Straps will come loose but not while using it. I recommend either sprayer.

Thanks B&B

Went with the Stihl from Lee Power for $99. This is 10X better than the Echo. Much more commercial in contruction. 4+ gallon capacity and very comfortable to carry. The pressure and accuracy while spraying makes me look foward to spraying. I am extremely Happy with this purchase.:cool2:

[PR Fect]

I'm with Ray and American Lawn. The SHURflo ProPack SRS 600. I do not know how I got this far with out it! We now spot spray, instead of blanket spraying the entire lawn. And no leaks!

[GregoryR]

The only thing more expensive than a Birchmeier backpack is any backpack that doesnt work well EVERYTIME you need it. 5 years on mine, had to change one gasket the whole time. If you are in for the long haul, get a Bichmeier and forget about buying any others.

[tdkx]

I fully agree!

[ArizPestWeed]

The only thing more expensive than a Birchmeier backpack is any backpack that doesnt work well EVERYTIME you need it. 5 years on mine, had to change one gasket the whole time. If you are in for the long haul, get a Bichmeier and forget about buying any others.
Geeez , geta life , buddy .
You know my position with BM

[Bo Jack]

Any more updates to the Surflo bp sprayer (electric)?
How are they holding up, are replacement parts easy to get would you buy it again?
Any other suggestions for a good bp sprayer.
Thanks,
Bill

[naturescape]

Any more updates to the Surflo bp sprayer (electric)?
How are they holding up, are replacement parts easy to get would you buy it again?
Any other suggestions for a good bp sprayer.
Thanks,
Bill

Over a year later, still loving my Shurflo bp sprayers.......... some of the best equipment out there IMO.

[americanlawn]

Shurflo SRS-600. We'll never go back to anything else. Battery stays charged a long long time.

[bugpage]

Standard backpack sprayer - SP Systems offers a line of more than 10 back pack sprayers. From low budget to professional everyday use sprayers.

Powered backpack mist blower - Solo 450. great all around back pack mist blower and under $600.

Electric back pack sprayer - HD Hudson jsut released a new one. rechargeable battery.

bugpage.com

[PR Fect]

Bill, we had to change out a pump in one. The motor/pump comes as a unit. Had one sent to us and I changed it out. It cost about 80 bucks if I remember right. The factory did ofter to fix it under warranty if I sent them the whole unit and I paid postage. Just thought it would be easier to fix myself and have less into it. That sprayer is dedicated for Speedzone Herbicide only. May be part of the reason for loss of pressure. Also changed out the wand. The valve kept sticking and not opening as soon as you squeezed the trigger. All in all still like them. PR

[americanlawn]

Bill, we had to change out a pump in one. The motor/pump comes as a unit. Had one sent to us and I changed it out. It cost about 80 bucks if I remember right. The factory did ofter to fix it under warranty if I sent them the whole unit and I paid postage. Just thought it would be easier to fix myself and have less into it. That sprayer is dedicated for Speedzone Herbicide only. May be part of the reason for loss of pressure. Also changed out the wand. The valve kept sticking and not opening as soon as you squeezed the trigger. All in all still like them. PR

Ditto. I consider the Shurflo battery-powered back packs the best, but we always end up replacing the wand with a TeeJet for the same reason. We have 10 or 12 of these, and that's all we use anymore. We replaced the pump in one of them, and 3 or 4 pc boards in others. Minor & inexpensive. The above replacement parts are easy to install yourself, but we usually take ours to Sprayer Specialties, Inc.

I have three of them in my truck, and the last time I charged them was a month ago. Not bad. 1 = Q4, 1 = ester broadleaf herbicide, 1 = Roundup.

SRS-600 has 4 pressure options. I use the two lowest pressures -- never need the 3rd or 4th pressure setting (don't need them). Lowest pressure is great for keeping drift down to a very minimum. #2 setting is great for general spraying.:waving:

We used to use Shindaiwa hand-pump backpacks, but my guys got too lazy to use them enough on properties........things are much better now. Actually, I think they're spoiled with the SRS 600, and now they take them for granted.:laugh:

[Bo Jack]

One of my guys is pretty good size 6'3" 300 + lbs.
Are the shoulder straps long enough for a big guy?


really do appreciate the all the feedback

[americanlawn]

One of my guys is pretty good size 6'3" 300 + lbs.
Are the shoulder straps long enough for a big guy?


really do appreciate the all the feedback

No prob. I'm 6'3", and the straps are adjustable. Plenty for your guys. Plus, these units come with a belly strap that we never use. Go with Shurflo SRS-600, and you will never go back.:usflag:

[lawnboyoung]

i got my from home dep. at the beginning of the season and i love it.

[ArizPestWeed]

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=166925&highlight=ele+back+pack

If you did a search , you'd find much more

[Bo Jack]

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=166925&highlight=ele+back+pack

If you did a search , you'd find much more :dizzy:

Did the search thing, didn't find the answers I was looking for.
That is why I reactived this older thread.

[AielLandscaping]

what kind of pressure are you getting from those electric motors? I use echos gas powered sprayer and think it's fantastic.

[naturescape]

what kind of pressure are you getting from those electric motors? I use echos gas powered sprayer and think it's fantastic.

The pressure's GREAT and even. I have not used the gas powered sprayers, they could offer even more pressure I'm sure. But extra weight / fuel consumption.

[AielLandscaping]

the backpack by itself isn't really all that heavy, but the gas powered engine puts out 145 psi. If I crank the throttle wide open and have a single nozzle tip on the wand, I get a recoil from the pressure which is pretty amazing. I've had my fill of back packs that you have to pump and this thing by far blows them all away. As for gas consumption I was amazed at how little fuel it actually takes.

[chops_74]

We use the SG20 from stihl. That is one cool product. We changed our whole fleet over. We were running the solo, but they didn't seem to last and the guys love the comfort of the stihl. Check them out and let me know if you like them as much as we do...

[topsites]

Yeah I paid 80 for my first one too, and sure enough that's the one with the same strap problem... Then we found one at a yard sale for 5 bucks, plus a repair kit at the store for 15, also Harbor Freight has some for a decent price (I think $40).

The biggest problem I have is coverage, they're nice but try covering an acre lot for weed control... It's still the cheapest way, and it's so efficient it hardly takes 8-12 gallons of mix to cover the whole lot, it's just the time factor kills me.

So I'm looking into a rail spray system with a tank and a 12v pump, drive around and spray that stuff like a farmer lol, still need a compact tractor or maybe a 4wd atv, the Z might work for this.

To fix the problem with the straps coming off (man I hate that) I took a tube of PVC glue and gooped them all up after they were hooked, glue everywhere and all around those hooks and the bar, then let it sit overnight.
It worked for a good while, but one started to come off again now.
Time for more goop.

[DMAN]

Americanlawn,

What wand model number did you use as a replacement for the shurflo? Do you use a fan tip with the oem wand for herbicide spraying? I can't seem to find one for that wand.

DMAN

[americanlawn]

Americanlawn,

What wand model number did you use as a replacement for the shurflo? Do you use a fan tip with the oem wand for herbicide spraying? I can't seem to find one for that wand.

DMAN

It's TeeJet's "trigger jet spray gun". Model # 38700. We use flat fan nozzels (blue ones).:usflag:

[Bo Jack]

It's TeeJet's "trigger jet spray gun". Model # 38700. We use flat fan nozzels (blue ones).:usflag:


Looks like the 38700 may of been discontinued & replaced with the 50800.
More nfo on the 50800 here (http://www.teejet.com/english/home/products/spray-products/spray-guns/triggerjet--spray-guns/model-50800.aspx) and a PDF at the bottom of that page.

Have the SHURflo SRS-600 on order, should get it in a couple of days.
Thanks for all the input. :usflag:

[PR Fect]

Ditto. I consider the Shurflo battery-powered back packs the best, but we always end up replacing the wand with a TeeJet for the same reason. We have 10 or 12 of these, and that's all we use anymore. We replaced the pump in one of them, and 3 or 4 pc boards in others. Minor & inexpensive. The above replacement parts are easy to install yourself, but we usually take ours to Sprayer Specialties, Inc.


The two that we have came with a Teejet/Trigerjet wand. Replaced one with a made in red china from the local farm & fleet. How many hours would you guess you got on the pump and/or pc boards? I was trying to estimate the time on the pump we replaced and would guess around 30 hours. PR

[naturescape]

Don't forget to add a filter if you replace the wand, as the Shurflo has a filter built into the wand. Right?

[ArizPestWeed]

I got the first 2 Shurflo ele bp in Ariz , when they came out .
Sent them both back 4 time for problems , mostly leaks .
They redesigned the hose connection thanks to me .

I thing I do not like about them , the padding makes your back sweat , a lot.



I make my own ele , gotten much better at it


His are like mine http://www.fastpac.biz/

[greenman1676]

SP systems

[bob]

I have a Shindaiwa model 415 sprayer. Its the only BP sprayer that I've ever used. And I've never had any problems with it. Most of you don't like this model. Whats wrong with it? I'm thinking of getting a second BP sprayer and if theres something better, I'd like to give it a try.

[ArizPestWeed]

I got the first 2 Shurflo ele bp in Ariz , when they came out .
Sent them both back 4 time for problems , mostly leaks .
They redesigned the hose connection thanks to me .

I thing I do not like about them , the padding makes your back sweat , a lot.



I make my own ele , gotten much better at it


His are like mine http://www.fastpac.biz/

I hate it when I do not pay attention to what I write and then read it later and see the mistakes , lol

[naturescape]

I have a Shindaiwa model 415 sprayer. Its the only BP sprayer that I've ever used. And I've never had any problems with it. Most of you don't like this model. Whats wrong with it? I'm thinking of getting a second BP sprayer and if theres something better, I'd like to give it a try.

Fit on the back, ergonomics, longevity are all terrible. The Solo/Lesco bp sprayer is many times better, although I like the Shurflo 600 best.

[bugpage]

Has anyone tried the new Never Pump BacPac 4 gallon rechargable from HD Hudson?

[Bo Jack]

Recived the new Shurflo 600...sure is nice not to pump anymore.
Guess I will have to order the the aluminum extension wand to get an extra
6" of length. The supplied plastic wand is a little short for me.

[Tadams]

We just bought a couple of the new Stihl backpack sprayers and they work great. No complaints out of them at all!

[FERT-TEK]

Ditto. I consider the Shurflo battery-powered back packs the best, but we always end up replacing the wand with a TeeJet for the same reason. We have 10 or 12 of these, and that's all we use anymore. We replaced the pump in one of them, and 3 or 4 pc boards in others. Minor & inexpensive. The above replacement parts are easy to install yourself, but we usually take ours to Sprayer Specialties, Inc.

I have three of them in my truck, and the last time I charged them was a month ago. Not bad. 1 = Q4, 1 = ester broadleaf herbicide, 1 = Roundup.

SRS-600 has 4 pressure options. I use the two lowest pressures -- never need the 3rd or 4th pressure setting (don't need them). Lowest pressure is great for keeping drift down to a very minimum. #2 setting is great for general spraying.:waving:

We used to use Shindaiwa hand-pump backpacks, but my guys got too lazy to use them enough on properties........things are much better now. Actually, I think they're spoiled with the SRS 600, and now they take them for granted.:laugh:

I am looking at the Shurflo SRS 600 and couldn't find the answer to one question......can you use wettable powders with it. ie. drive or fungicides.

[naturescape]

I am looking at the Shurflo SRS 600 and couldn't find the answer to one question......can you use wettable powders with it. ie. drive or fungicides.

I don't see why not.

[ArizPestWeed]

I am looking at the Shurflo SRS 600 and couldn't find the answer to one question......can you use wettable powders with it. ie. drive or fungicides.
I would not.
They have had problems with the pumps , poor quality , besides , WPs are the worst 'cides to can run through a pump

[FERT-TEK]

I would not.
They have had problems with the pumps , poor quality , besides , WPs are the worst 'cides to can run through a pump

Thanks for the quick reply. I will continue to use my Solo backpack diaphragm pump for those apps.

[Bo Jack]

I am looking at the Shurflo SRS 600 and couldn't find the answer to one question......can you use wettable powders with it. ie. drive or fungicides.


From the owners manual.

Do not use wettable powders with this sprayer, as it is not equipped with an agitator. :nono:
Soluble powders may be used if properly mixed. Follow the filling and mixing instructions in this manual.

[Bo Jack]

More nfo:

If using a dissolvable powder, premix solution in a separate container according to the chemical manufacturer’s instructions.
Use only the exact dilution called for in the instructions provided by the powder manufacturer. Using excessive amounts of powder may result in a high concentration of solids in the sprayer tank, which may foul the pump

Do not use wettable powders in this sprayer. Wettable powders do not dissolve to form a
solution, but are intended to require constant agitation to keep them in suspension. Your ProPack™ does not agitate the tank contents.
Solids may settle and foul the strainer. Most popular chemicals you may be accustomed to using in wettable powder form are also available in liquid form.

[FERT-TEK]

Over a year later, still loving my Shurflo bp sprayers.......... some of the best equipment out there IMO.

I realize this is an old post I am replying to but could you tell me if you have had any problems spraying wettable powders through the Shurflo SRS 600 you have ( Drive 75 etc.)? I am considering buying on and could use a little advise. I posed this question here last year and somone replied no you cant.

FYI, I called the manufacturer and asked tech support "if you could run wettable powders through them" and the girl replied as long as you dont drink it. I then tried to get her attention by asking if you understood what wettable powders were and she replied they are using viton seals etc.

[naturescape]

This is from the Shurflo 600 owners manual:

Do not use wettable powders with this sprayer, as it is not equipped with an agitator. Soluble powders may be used if properly mixed. Follow the filling and mixing instructions in this manual.

[Whitey4]

I'm admittedly a newbie, but why use wettable powders at all with back pack sprayers? They are brutal on brass nozzles, and there are other formulations available that aren't as difficult to apply that can do the same job in smaller applications. Might be more expensive in the short run, but I think WP's are best left to the big guys, not for the small jobs backpack sprayers are useful for. This is half opinion, half question....

[naturescape]

I'm admittedly a newbie, but why use wettable powders at all with back pack sprayers? They are brutal on brass nozzles, and there are other formulations available that aren't as difficult to apply that can do the same job in smaller applications. Might be more expensive in the short run, but I think WP's are best left to the big guys, not for the small jobs backpack sprayers are useful for. This is half opinion, half question....

I agree though. I use ECs, love SpeedZone, Powerzone and Surge.

[FERT-TEK]

I'm admittedly a newbie, but why use wettable powders at all with back pack sprayers? They are brutal on brass nozzles, and there are other formulations available that aren't as difficult to apply that can do the same job in smaller applications. Might be more expensive in the short run, but I think WP's are best left to the big guys, not for the small jobs backpack sprayers are useful for. This is half opinion, half question....

The reason I am looking into this is because I am going to purchase a powered Shurflo this spring and have a couple pounds of Drive left over from last year that I plan on using and I dont want to ruin an expensive backpack sprayer right out of the box.

[naturescape]

The reason I am looking into this is because I am going to purchase a powered Shurflo this spring and have a couple pounds of Drive left over from last year that I plan on using and I dont want to ruin an expensive backpack sprayer right out of the box.

I use Drive in mine. But the Drive I use is a Water Dispersable Granule, not a Wettable Powder. If yours IS a wettable powder, can you return it for the WDG? I use such a small amount in my sprayer, mixed with Speedzone or Powerzone when necessary.