Recommended Sprayers & Parts

When you work with pesticides, herbicides, or other liquid products, you know they can be hard on equipment. You also know how important it is to have safe equipment that not only works effectively but doesn’t leak. Finding the type of products that meet these requirements and don’t cost an arm and a leg takes time and a bit of trial and error.

Over the years, I have used several different types of sprayers and pumps. There are some that I would recommend and others I would not. Here are some of the sprayers and sprayer accessories that I have had success using.

Recommended Sprayer Pumps

12-Volt Sprayer Pump: Shurflo 2088 Series

A 12-volt sprayer pump is a common type of pump used on lawn, garden, and spot sprayers. They are notorious for failing pressure switches or housings cracking from stress. These issues are usually the result of how the pump is used, but some brands are affected more than others. You can read about how to use a regulating valve to keep your pressure switch from failing in this post. You should also know that overtightening your hose connectors on the inlet/outlet ports should be done carefully to avoid cracking the pump housing.

I have found Shurflo pumps to be reliable. I have used the 2088 series demand-style pumps. They offer about 3 gallons per minute flow and 40 psi. This is plenty for a boomless ATV sprayer or a high-volume spot sprayer.

Shurflo 2088 Series

Combined with a pressure regulating valve and adequate-sized spray nozzle, this pump can last many years when used occasionally (3-4 times a year) and flushed after each use. I have used mine for about 5 years to cover 4-5 acres a few times each year. It is still a good pump if you will be using it every day for commercial lawn and turf care, but you should not expect it to last more than a season.

For higher flow rates: Shurflo 5040

Recommended Lawn & Garden Sprayers

Backpack Sprayer: Solo 475 Diaphragm Pump Backpack Sprayer

Good backpack sprayers can be expensive. If you spray commercially then the cost may be worth it, but for homeowners who spray less area, infrequently, it is hard to justify. I also like to have a dedicated backpack sprayer for different uses. For example, one for Roundup, and one that can spray herbicides safe for lawns.

The Solo diaphragm-style backpack sprayer does not produce as much pressure as the piston-style, however, I find that it provides a bit more flexibility and holds up better over time. It still gives you enough pressure to spray 25 ft. You can read about a comparison test I did in the article “Are Backpack Sprayers Worth It?”.

One of the criticisms I do have about the Solo backpack sprayers is the straps. They don’t offer a lot of padding but they are ok. They seem strong enough and I have never had an issue with one breaking, but they can easily disconnect from the frame on the bottom. This does not happen when in use because the weight of the sprayer keeps the strap tight. It happens when you set the sprayer on the ground or carry it by the handle. This can be fixed with tape but it would be nice if they were secured better.

Solo 475 Diaphragm Pump Backpack Sprayer