Comparison Forte CL-12A vs Iron Angel SPR 16 E

The nominal volume of the sprayer tank. Usually, in this case, the working volume is indicated, and not the full capacity (“for the cork”).

The more capacious the sprayer is, the more work can be done with it without refueling. On the other hand, a large volume accordingly affects the price, dimensions, and most importantly, the weight of the unit (and not only in a filled, but also in a “dry” state). Therefore, even with large volumes of work, it is sometimes more rational to use a relatively small unit, refueling it several times.

Detailed recommendations on the optimal volume of the tank for a particular situation can be found in special sources. With regard to specific values, in the most compact manual sprayers (see above), the capacity does not exceed 2 liters. Tanks for 2.1 – 5 liters can be found both in hand-held devices, and in pump-action and battery models (see "Type") with a shoulder carry. Sprayers for 5.1 – 10 liters are almost all made shoulder-mounted, the capacity of gasoline units actually starts from 10 liters, and the most capacious modern sprayers have tanks of more than 15 liters.

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.

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.

The length of the hose supplied with the sprayer.

The longer the hose, the farther the spray tube can be reached without moving the sprayer itself. However, this is true mainly for wheeled and universal sprayers (see "Carrying type"). In shoulder-mounted units, the hose is usually selected in such a way that it is enough to comfortably hold the tube in your hand, and this parameter in such models most often does not exceed 150 cm.

It is also worth considering that long hoses can be quite bulky; however, this disadvantage is often eliminated by the use of spiral hoses, which are stretched to their full length only when necessary.

The length of the spray tube supplied with the sprayer.

A long tube, on the one hand, allows you to reach far without leaving your seat and without using stools, ladders, etc.; on the other hand, it is not very manoeuvrable and can be inconvenient when working in tight spaces. When choosing, it is worth proceeding from the optimal compromise between these characteristics. For example, a large tube length (up to 2 m in some models) is useful when processing fruit trees, but for a greenhouse it is better to choose a shorter sprayer. It is also worth considering that some sprayers use telescopic (sliding) tubes, the length of which can be adjusted as needed; in such cases, the unfolded size of the atomizer is usually indicated.

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.

Time of continuous operation of the battery sprayer (see "Type") on one battery charge. The actual operating time may differ slightly from the claimed one due to the specifics of a particular situation, however, these differences are usually not very large, and this indicator can be used to evaluate not only theoretical, but also practical indicators of battery life.

Indicator showing the battery level in the battery sprayer (see "Type"). Usually, it is used both during the operation of the unit and when charging the battery. Most often, the role of the indicator is played by the simplest voltmeter, which allows you to assess the state of the battery by changing its voltage.

The presence of a tube clamp in the design of the sprayer.

Such a latch is a set of special clips, usually installed directly on the tank. It greatly simplifies the storage and transportation of the device: the handset, usually, is placed as compactly as possible and at the same time securely. Yes, and during breaks in work, this feature can come in handy — fixing the tube in the retainer is more convenient and safer than putting it on the ground, holding it in your hands, etc.