Description

What is a Knapsack Sprayer?
Knapsack is a sprayer that sprays liquid through a hand-held nozzle connected to a pressure reservoir on the operator’s back. The knapsack sprayer can be used to dispense liquids such as fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.

LEVER OPERATED KNAPSACK SPRAYER
It is commonly known as knapsack sprayer. The sprayer is mounded on the back of operator with help of a pair of mounting straps. The pump of the sprayer is actuated by working a hand lever up and down by one hand of the operator and the other hand holds the cut off device for spraying purpose. This sprayer consists of liquid tank, hydraulic pump, operating lever, pressure chamber, agitator, delivery hose, spray lance and nozzle. A bean shaped plastic tank of 14-16 liters capacity is commonly used. It is necessary to operate the hand lever continuously at the rate of 15-20 strokes per minute. The normal working pressure is 40 psi.

What you need for a successful application using a knapsack sprayer
– Clean water
– Knapsack sprayer
– Chemical containers
– Liquid fertiliser/herbicide/fungicide
– Correct PPE (overalls, rubber boots, chemical-resistant gloves & face shield)

How to use knapsack sprayers
The most commonly used knapsack sprayer is the “lever operated knapsack sprayer”. If you are using a knapsack sprayer, follow these steps below:
Step 1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the sprayer.
Step 2. Before using herbicides, test with water to make sure the sprayer is working properly and there is no leakage.
Step 3. Select the correct nozzle. The nozzle is the part that dispenses the liquid. These nozzles have different sizes which determines the amount of spray.
Step 4. Calibrate the sprayer regularly with clean water and bucket especially when about to use.

How to spray herbicides:
There are about 4 ways you can spray your liquid fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides etc. These are Upward, Downward, Laterally and Spot spraying.

Follow the steps below to prepare and spray the sprayer:
Step 1. Fill the knapsack sprayer with water (for instance 10-L).
Step 2. Add herbicide (say, 50 or 100 ml).
Step 3. Cover the sprayer and shake vigorously.
Step 4. Fill the sprayer with more water (eg 5-L more) until it is full.
Step 5. Spray the weeds with your herbicide solution. Apply according to direction of use per hectare.
Step 6. Clearly record the time and amount of application.
Step 7. If it rains in less than 4 hours after spraying, repeat the treatment (but not if you sprayed Gramoxone).