Productivity (liquid)
Maximum performance of the sprayer when working with liquid; Please note that in pump (see "Type of pumping") and battery (see "Type") models, the actual performance may decrease as the air supply or battery charge is exhausted.
High performance allows you to quickly process large areas; moreover, it is often combined with a good spraying distance (see below). On the other hand, such models require fairly large tanks — or they often have to be refilled; neither one nor the other contributes to the convenience of work. In addition, over-capacity is even more undesirable than under-capacity: a low-capacity sprayer will just take longer to process, and a too-capacity sprayer can ruin the job by “overdosing” the chemical. Therefore, it makes sense to use high-performance devices only for specific tasks.
Detailed data on optimal performance values for different situations can be found in special sources.
Max. spraying distance
The longest distance a sprayer can effectively spray a liquid or powder. Usually, the horizontal range is implied, however, for “long-range” models, values bare also given for vertical spraying — in such units, the difference between horizontal and vertical ranges can be very noticeable.
A “long-range” sprayer (for
10–15 m or
more) is convenient in that it allows you to process a large area without moving, and also to reach high branches without using ladders. On the other hand, a long range requires appropriate power, which affects the price, weight and dimensions of the unit — despite the fact that such capabilities are not always required: for example, for a cramped greenhouse, an atomizer with a short range (
5 – 10 m, and often and
less) So it is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account the features of the planned work.
Max. pressure
The maximum operating pressure of the sprayer.
High pressure allows to achieve good spraying performance and range, however, actual performance can vary with units with the same pressure. Therefore, in general, the indicator is for reference (the lion's share of models has a
pressure of 3 bar and
4 bar, and it is only possible to compare different models by it approximately. When choosing, it makes sense to focus on more practical characteristics — performance, range, etc.
Max. fluid temperature
The maximum fluid temperature that the sprayer can safely handle.
The preparation process of some formulations requires heating; therefore, data on the temperature to which the liquid must cool can be very important for safe operation. However, even in the most heat-resistant sprayers, this figure does not exceed 40 °C; such a liquid feels warm to the touch.
It is worth remembering the temperature limits when the unit is in the sun: if the tank has had time to get very hot in the sun, you should let it cool down before starting work.
Wand material
The material from which the complete spray tube of the sprayer is made.
— Plastic. The key advantage of plastic over other materials used for spray wands is its low cost. In addition, this material is chemically inert and does not corrode, and also has a low weight. On the other hand, the rigidity of the plastic is not very high, which is why such tubes tend to bend, sometimes even under their own weight.
— Aluminium. Aluminium alloys combine good strength and lightness, such a tube is easy to work with, and it takes quite a strong blow or pressure to bend it. On the other hand, aluminium is expensive.
— Brass. In addition to strength and reliability (including resistance to bending), brass is notable for its excellent resistance to corrosion. The disadvantages of such tubes are the high price, as well as the rather large weight.
- Stainless steel. "Stainless steel" is notable primarily for its high strength and rigidity, which is superior to other materials, despite the fact that this material is relatively inexpensive. However, such tubes weigh much more than aluminium or plastic ones.
- Copper. According to the main operational properties, copper pipes are similar to brass ones: they are strong, reliable and durable. On the other hand, such tubes are relatively expensive and do not have fundamental advantages over the same "stainless steel". Therefore, this option is rarely found.
Weight
The total weight of the sprayer. Specified without taking into account the liquid or powder in the working tank; at the same time, for battery models (see “Type”), usually, the weight is given with a complete battery, and for gasoline models, on the contrary, “dry” weight, without fuel in the tank.
