The 10 Best Powered Backpack Sprayers
Special Honors
Safer Brand Those who would prefer not to use harsh chemicals in their garden may consider using organic methods of pest and fungus control. Safer Brand are dedicated to bringing gardeners of all types the most effective organic solutions to keep their plants growing healthy and strong, without depleting the nutritional value thereof. Also, these non-toxic alternatives will preserve the life of your sprayer, as they do not corrode its internal pump and seals. saferbrand.com
Editor's Notes
October 21, 2020:
A backpack sprayer is designed to quickly and effectively spray various liquid products over a large surface area such as lawns, meadows, or orchards. The ones selected for this ranking all have electric pumps, powered by a battery similar to those used in portable power tools, thus removing the need to pressurize the tank by hand. They utilize variously sized tanks, usually ranging from two to four gallons, and either feature plastic wands with Viton seals, suitable for spraying acid and other corrosive substances, or metal wands which are good for herbicides and non-toxic products.
When choosing the most suitable sprayer there are several factors to bear in mind, namely the battery and how long you will usually use the unit for, tank size versus portability, and whether you will be using corrosive or non-corrosive chemicals. Modern batteries are now mostly lithium-ion and feature quick recharging and a high output. Most of the sprayers in this ranking use 18-21 volt batteries, with the exception of the Sprayers Plus YT25E which, due to its small tank size only comes with a 12 volt version, however, on the plus side, it is very lightweight and one of the most portable options on the market. The Petra HD4000 has a four-gallon tank and uses a lead-acid battery that is claimed will last much longer than a lithium one, but does need eight hours to recharge fully. The Petra HD4000 also comes with a plastic wand with multiple attachments, all suitable for spraying acid. The Ryobi Chemical Sprayer uses their innovative One Plus battery system, which is a highly versatile option, as the batteries can be used in all of Ryobi's power tool range. The Kimo Heavy Duty has an ergonomic strap system for comfort over extended periods of time, and boasts a rapid charging system that will keep the job moving swiftly along with its one-hour recharge time. Unfortunately, though, this one isn't recommended for oil-based substances or acids.
The amount of pressure produced is another important consideration, as it will dictate how far the stream will reach. The Jacto PJB has five speed adjustments with a maximum working pressure of 80 psi, giving a range of over 30-feet. It also features an intuitive LED panel that displays battery levels, spray type, and even has an audible walking speed indicator. The Sprayers Plus 105Ex only provides 40 psi, but thanks to its diaphragm pump, still manages to generate a 33-foot stream. The diaphragm also makes it suitable for a range of corrosive liquids, as the chemicals don't come into contact with the internal workings of the pump, just be sure to clean it thoroughly after use.