Hi Jill
@critterologisf
We only buy Solo brand sprayers because that is the brand I've seen professionals using most often.
Ours are all backpack style, 3 gallon size. We've had some of them for 20 years. Nothing has ever broken.
We recently replaced the handle assembly on one. The trigger spring eventually weakens and then it doesn't shut off completely when released, and so dribbles a little. I was always able to force it closed by pushing up on the handle but that was a nuisance after awhile so we replaced it. The handle assembly is available separately for less than $20. The entire wand with nozzle can also be purchased for less than $30. I've never replaced an O-ring!
We have 5 now. For me, it was too much of a nuisance to have to clean one to change to a different type of product. So, one is for Roundup (glyphosate), one for broadleaf herbicides, one for grass-only killers such as Ornamec, one for Lontrel only (which we use over-the-top in our daylily field), and one for insecticides & fungicides (rarely used),
They're not used very often, at most 4-5 times a year each. The fan nozzle of the one we use most often needs replacing now after all these years.
I usually don't use more than 2 gallons at a time now because I'm small and not getting younger.
Even if I only need to mix and use 1/2 gallon I prefer the backpack. It's not that heavy. Being able to pump with one hand while using the spray wand with the other is so much more efficient that a carried tank with a pump top.
Plus, the pressure is almost instantly adjustable by changing how much the handle is pumped. It's easy to go from trickle to wide and heavy in a few pumps.
Pat
Edited to correct a grammatical error.
