[Market-farming] Backpack sprayers

Road's End Farm organic87 at frontiernet.net
Fri Mar 28 16:05:08 EDT 2008


On Mar 27, 2008, at 11:38 AM, <clearviewfarm at bluefrog.com> wrote:

>   My understanding is that piston pump sprayers are not conducive to 
> use with wettable powders.  But, it would seem to me that if the 
> piston is external, it may not be affected by particle wear, although 
> I don't know that for sure.  Can anyone confirm or dispute that?  Does 
> anyone else have comments re the virtues of piston pump units vs. 
> diaphragm units?

Solo at least used to (maybe still does) give you a choice of piston or 
diaphragm pumps in the same sprayer. That's how I wound up with two; I 
used to spray rotenone as a wettable powder (no longer allowable for 
certified organic use, at least in any available formulation) and 
ruined a pump. They said I could get the sprayer repaired with the 
other type of pump, but that pressure wouldn't be quite as good; so I 
got it repaired with the same type and bought a second unit with the 
other type.

I don't know whether they've changed the pumps to relocate the piston 
or otherwise reduce the problem. I think you could just ask Solo (or 
whichever manufacturer) which if any of their pumps would work with the 
material(s) you intend to use.

-- Rivka; Finger Lakes NY, Zone 5 mostly
Fresh-market organic produce, small scale
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