Backpack sprayers?

JAlexander · Jul 27, 2004

Does anyone have experience with any models of backpack sprayers? I've got to kill mesquites and prickly pear off of quite a few acres, so I'm looking for something reasonably comfortable to wear, and something that won't break my arm when I pump it up. I'm going to be buying two or three of them, so price is an issue, but if there's a brand or model that's head and shoulders above the rest, I could be persuaded to spend more.

James

gajinoz · Jul 27, 2004

Spraying weeds around my property is something of a never ending story for me, and most property owners I know.

Backpacks are OK for spot spraying small areas, (no more than 5 - 10 acres), but what you really want is one of those quad bikes with a rack to hold a tank and small electric pump. You'll cover a LOT more territory much faster and it's a bit easier on the back too.

LizardKing · Jul 27, 2004

the one i use at work is from Lesco, it functions well, not so great on comfort.

ErikD · Jul 27, 2004

Used to work with the things for a living doing landscaping. They all functioned well enough, but none were comfortable to use for any amount of time.

JAlexander · Jul 28, 2004

gajinoz said:
Spraying weeds around my property is something of a never ending story for me, and most property owners I know.

Backpacks are OK for spot spraying small areas, (no more than 5 - 10 acres), but what you really want is one of those quad bikes with a rack to hold a tank and small electric pump. You'll cover a LOT more territory much faster and it's a bit easier on the back too.

Gajin,

I'd dearly love to use an ATV-mounted sprayer, but unfortunately I don't have an ATV. Terrible, I know. Therefore, I'm going to buy more than one sprayer and divy up the job among a few folks. I need to lose some weight anyway.

I'm more looking forward to getting the chainsaws out in October and November and cutting down a bunch of Juniper trees. Much more fun and in cooler weather. I'm actually debating about getting a pear burner, too, so that I can get the cattle to eat some of the prickly pear back. Talk about good times...

James

anomad · Jul 28, 2004

I've used backpack sprayers at work. Don't recall the brand names, but anytime you have 5 gallons of poison on your back its no picnic. If you are actively spraying you'll be emptying it pretty quick and going back and forth to the truck for a refill pretty often. that gives your back a little breather. Its not bad work if you don't have to do it day in day out.

www.benmeadows.com has a variety of sprayers and replacement parts.

gajinoz · Jul 28, 2004

You might want to talk to your local agronomist, (or whatever your equivalent rural pastures advisor is there), and see if there is something like a broadleaf spray that you can use that will kill off the nasty stuff but leave your pasture untouched. There is a whole collection of specialised herbicides. If there is something suitable you can probably find a local sprayer with a vehicle mounted boom sprayer to cover your entire place in an hour or two while you sit on the verandah sipping beer.

JAlexander · Jul 28, 2004

gajinoz said:
You might want to talk to your local agronomist, (or whatever your equivalent rural pastures advisor is there), and see if there is something like a broadleaf spray that you can use that will kill off the nasty stuff but leave your pasture untouched. There is a whole collection of specialised herbicides.

Im in the process of playing phone tag with the local ag extension office to talk about this, among other things.
Supposedly there's some fund-matching going on for brush management that I'd like to be a part of, but tracking down the right folks is a true PITA.

gajinoz said:
If there is something suitable you can probably find a local sprayer with a vehicle mounted boom sprayer to cover your entire place in an hour or two while you sit on the verandah sipping beer.

You're a man after my own heart. If you ever find yourself in Texas, feel free to drop by and I'll stand you a beer or some Maker's Mark.

James

severtecher · Jul 28, 2004

Have you looked for a Napalm distributor nearby. I have lived in desert country 44 years and do not know of any spray stuff to get rid of prickly pear.A bulldozer will work but you will have to reapply in 4 or 5 years.
As some friends I know will tell you "Do not use a chainsaw on cactus". These guys did it in shorts...duh!... and it left marks on their legs that looked like the plague.

JAlexander · Jul 29, 2004

severtecher said:
Have you looked for a Napalm distributor nearby. I have lived in desert country 44 years and do not know of any spray stuff to get rid of prickly pear.A bulldozer will work but you will have to reapply in 4 or 5 years.
As some friends I know will tell you "Do not use a chainsaw on cactus". These guys did it in shorts...duh!... and it left marks on their legs that looked like the plague.

Well, according to the Brush Busters program, a mix of Roundup and diesel will do it. We'll see.
I'd never use a chainsaw on prickly pear, for a lot of reasons. Not least because of the chain throwing all the needles back into my legs. However, an even better reason is that if any piece of a paddle hits the ground, it can take root and in ten years you have another big patch of prickly pear. Not what we want.

James

JR42 · Jul 29, 2004

If you truly have a lot of ground to cover, you should look into renting or borrowing a large (~100 gal) sprayer to drop in the bed of your truck. Check with a local farmer to see if there is a co-op or chemical company nearby. McGregor and Wilbur Ellis were the two big names where I grew up.

As far as backpack sprayers go, they are BY FAR the most comfortable way to carry spray dope on your person. I think perhaps the folks speaking of discomfort have never spent all day walking up and down hills with a single-strap 3-gallon canister sprayer slung over one shoulder. The backpack models hold more chemical with much less back strain. It's true they're not fun to wear, but if you have to go on foot, they are the best option available. Make sure the pump handle is securely attached. I once spent 45 minutes in a garbanzo field looking for the damn handle.

Make sure to put the lid on tight, and take the sprayer off before you bend down to retie your shoe.

Jeremy

gajinoz · Jul 29, 2004

JR42 said:
Make sure to put the lid on tight, and take the sprayer off before you bend down to retie your shoe.

Jeremy

Oh how true this one is. I remember once refilling my backpack sprayer with a nice thistle killing mixture of glyphosate and water, strapping it on to my back and walking off. Jumped over a log and ended up covered in the bloody stuff. I had forgotten to put the lid back on! Stupidity is a wonderful teacher.