Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I am currently on my second D.B. Smith Field King sprayer. My first one, purchased around 1990, was the 5-gallon model. When a neighbor offered to do some work for me in exchange for this sprayer around 2000, I took him up on the offer and immediately ordered the model offered here, the 4-gallon version. The only difference between these two models is literally the size of the tank. I had found 5-gallons of liquid somewhat heavy and definitely prefer, for extended periods of use, this 4-gallon model.
One of many things especially nice about D.B. Smith sprayers is that every part is readily available, at reasonable prices, should a part ever require replacing. I purchased both my backpack sprayers from Forestry Suppliers, but I am sure A.M. Leonard offers spare parts, too, in additional to non-standard nozzles and extension tubes should one have specialized spraying applications. I, however, find the two types of nozzles that come standard with the sprayer adequate for my needs of shrub, fruit tree, flower, lawn, and house deck spraying. The only replacement parts I have ever purchased are a wand nozzle filter and strainer basket that sits under the lid--and then only because I lost one part (filter, under $2.00) and stepped on the other (basket, under $3.00). That's in 6 years. The 16-year-old one my neighbor now has has never required a replacement part.
One thing the description for the sprayer here does not note is that there is a lumbar bar support on this sprayer. It's a heavy duty plastic thing about 3" wide that rests on the lumbar zone of one's back. This plus the heavily padded, adjustable shoulder straps make for a very comfortable sprayer. Actually, the description also does not note that it comes with a fan spray nozzle as well as the adjustable straight nozzle . I use the adjustable straight one 95% of the time.
The real advantage of a backpack over traditional sprayer is the ease of keeping pressure in the tank. One can place the pump bar on either side, depending on whether one is right or left handed. *Gentle* pumping keeps it primed. An agitator in the Field King tank assures that even powder chemicals stay in solution. Should one be careless and get any debris in the tank with one's mixture [by not using the strainer basket], the filter in the extension wand will catch it, making it easy to remove the gunk later rather than having to dig things out of a tiny sprayer nozzle hole. The location of this filter is such that it can be easily accessed while maintaining pressure in the tank.
If someone here decides to buy this or some other backpack sprayer, the one tip I have to offer before you use it for the first time is find a place to fill it, such as a picnic table or wall, so it can be put on your back, once filled, by bending your knees and sliding backwards into the shoulder straps. Getting a 4 or 5 gallon sprayer on one's back from the ground is not easy.
In closing, this is a very high quality sprayer. Many other companies are starting to use plastic wands and/or nozzles. Smith only uses brass, a far superior material, for these parts.
Edit February 2010: Just an update to let readers know everything I wrote 4 years still holds. Despite heavy use from the spring through the fall, my sprayer works great and I have not had to replace any parts [since I have not lost or stepped on anything]. The one I swapped with my neighbor is still working like a champ, too.
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Product Description:
The single most-used chemical for backpack sprayers is Roundup. Use this backpack for precise measured flow. Field King's unique design offers unmatched performance and serviceability. Providing the finest in comfort, durability, performance and ease of use this 4 gallon poly backpack sprayer, with quick pressurizing piston pump, eliminates leaks while delivering over 160 psi working pressure. Dual paddled agitator for automatic mixing with each stroke of the pump handle. In-line poly filter prevents shut-off and nozzle clogging. All gaskets and seals are chemical resistant viton. Poly wand with adjustable brass nozzle, 5651 reinforced hose. Handle mounts on either side of tank. Made in USA. Wt 12.5 lb.
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