Echo Vs Solo Backpack Sprayers (Differences Compared For Lawns)
Backpack sprayers are a great way to spray different liquids (fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides, etc.) effectively and give you complete control. There’s a wide variety of makes and models out there, and many of the best backpack sprayers are produced by Echo and Solo.
At first glance, it isn’t easy to tell the differences between these two brands. This article will give you the full breakdown of Echo vs. Solo backpack sprayers and help give you all the information you need to make an informed choice between the two.
Echo Backpack Sprayers (Product + Brand Overview)
Echo has been operating since the 1970s and specializes in handheld products which make jobs easier. They started out with just two products, but now they’ve developed a diverse range of useful tools like sprayers, trimmers, and pumps. Echo has built their company on the philosophy of making life easier for their customers. They have a lot of really useful, user-friendly products which are suitable for beginners or experienced users.
Echo is known for their sprayers and offers all their models as handheld or backpack. They have several nozzles, 28-inch wands, and a piston or diaphragm mechanism. This means the user has a lot of control over the sprayer and how it’s used, and the sprayer itself has a lot of power. Echo backpack sprayers are often chosen by users who are willing to spend a bit more to get more functionality.
Echo backpack sprayers are really multi-functional and work well for a range of different jobs. They have a lot of different custom accessories and are generally favored by those who use sprayers for a variety of tasks.
Echo Backpack Sprayer Pros & Cons
Benefits
Drawbacks
Solo Backpack Sprayers (Product + Brand Overview)
Solo has been operating since 1948 and are sprayer specialists. They’ve won awards for their impressive range of sprayers, and they’ve got a lot of brand loyalty from professionals all over the world. Since the company was first founded, they’ve diversified their product selection and now have a lot of good quality equipment used by outdoor workers.
At the heart of Solo sprayers is durability. They have put a strong focus on making solid, long lasting sprayers that are built to last. They’re well suited for bigger jobs and tend to be used by farmers and landscapers with a lot of ground to cover. Generally, Solo backpack sprayers are used by professionals rather than DIYers.
Solo Backpack Sprayer Pros & Cons
Benefits
Drawbacks
Echo Vs Solo Backpack Sprayers (Key Differences & Which Is Best?)
Echo and Solo backpack sprayers are quite similar, and they’re both affordable sprayers that do the job well. Echo sprayers are slightly easier to use than Solo backpacks, but Solo models are definitely more durable. Solo products are slightly larger and have a higher fuel capacity, but Echo is more comfortable and lighter. Echos do cost slightly more but are protected by a better warranty.
There are a couple of other factors to consider when buying a backpack sprayer which you should consider:
Piston Vs Diaphragm
Both piston and diaphragm mechanisms use a pumping motion to spray the liquid in the tank. Piston mechanisms can reach up to 90 PSI which makes sprays smaller droplet sizes that can reach further. The fine droplets create a mist, which is great for spraying upwards and particularly well suited for some insecticides. Piston sprayers tend to take more strain from the mechanism and need to be replaced more often.
Diaphragm sprayers have a flat diaphragm that is pumped to create pressure. These produce larger droplets which are easier to direct and control than pistons. They can reach 60 PSI which makes them more accurate but slower. Diaphragm sprayers are longer lasting and are best used if you’re spraying down.
Both piston and diaphragm sprayers have their uses. Diaphragm sprayers are best used on weeds, but piston sprayers can be helpful if you need to cover an entire crop in insecticide. Both Echo and Solo offer most of their models with either, so you can choose the one which best suits the job.
Manual Vs Motorized
Motorized backpack sprayers are the modern option which means you don’t need to pump the sprayer manually. Same with backpack blowers, they typically use a battery that needs to be recharged quite frequently, and they’re generally a bit heavier, but they can make the spraying a bit easier. Manual sprayers are still preferred for smaller jobs over motorized, and both the majority of Echo and Solo backpack sprayers are manual.
Tank Capacity
We talked about blowers and compared backpack and push/walk behind which focuses on the weight. Now for sprayers, we have to talk about the tank capacity of a sprayer, which impacts how much you can get done without having to refill. The bigger the tank, the better suited it is for larger jobs, but you will need to consider the weight because larger tanks are heavier. Solo sprayers have larger tanks than Echo, but they are heavier and can put more strain on your back.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
Pounds per square inch (PSI) is an indicator of how much a backpack sprayer can propel through its nozzle. Every backpack sprayer is slightly different, but too little pressure, and the spray will be uneven, too much pressure, and it can be hard to manage. The average for backpack sprayers is 70 PSI, and both Echo and Solo are at about this mark, so there isn’t much to separate them.
Power & Speed
The power and speed of a sprayer will impact how long it takes to get the spraying done. Echo and Solo are quite similar in this regard, but generally, Solo sprayers offer more power. This, combined with the larger tanks, allows you to get bigger jobs done more quickly.
Ease Of Use
Sprayers are fairly simple by design, but some manufacturers still manage to make them look complex. Both Echo and Solo are pretty user-friendly, but Echo is definitely best for less experienced sprayers.
Price
You can spend a lot or a little on sprayers, but as with most things, you’ll get what you pay for. Echo and Solo are both in the mid-range and offer a decent balance of affordability and functionality, but Solo options are cheaper than Echo. Echo does back up their sprayers with an excellent warranty, though, to help protect the investment.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Are Backpack Sprayers Safe?
You typically use backpack sprayers to spray chemicals which can be hazardous if you don’t handle them correctly. Backpack sprayers are one of the safest ways to spray because you have the greatest level of control over the direction and flow of the chemicals. Make sure you have all the right safety equipment before getting started, though.
What Can You Use A Backpack Sprayer For?
Backpack sprayers are used to spray liquids on hard-to-reach places. They’re typically used to apply fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides.
Why Is It Important To Calibrate A Backpack Sprayer Before Mixing The Chemicals In It To Spray?
Calibrating your backpack sprayer will help you ensure you have enough chemical mix to cover the area you’re working on. It helps you get the right ratio of water to chemicals, taking into account the tank size, nozzle, and spray pattern of the backpack sprayer.
How Far Will A Backpack Sprayer From These Brands Spray?
Both of these sprayers will spray about 20 feet, but you may get a few more feet from Solo.
Conclusion
Solo and Echo backpack sprayers are both excellent, and there’s no real wrong choice here. Solo sprayers are preferred by professionals because they’re slightly more affordable, more durable, and better suited for larger jobs. Echo sprayers are more user-friendly and better suited for DIY sprayers. The best thing you can do is consider what you’ll use it for, and that will help you determine which brand is right for you.
