Having used several cheap lawn and garden sprayers over the last few years that constantly broke down, it was time to get something a bit more reliable and hopefully put an end to the frustration.
Since I use all types of Stihl power equipment, from chainsaws to weed trimmers and more, when I noticed the Stihl SG31 sitting on the shelf, I immediately grabbed it and took it home.
My hopes were that if it could even come close to the quality of their other tools it should be a winner. However, it turns out that this may not be the case with the SG31.
What Are The Key Features The Stihl SG31 Sprayer?
-
5 Liter Spray Tank
One of the biggest issues with many garden sprayers are their small sizes.
Most are only a half or one gallon, which is fine for most residential homeowners, but not for those living on more than an acre of land.
The SG31 features a bigger 5-liter tank (1.32 Gal) that allows you the added capacity to get more done on a single tank.
Having to constantly stop and walk back to the work shed to refill the tank is a pain in the rear after a while.
This sprayer reduces the number of refills dramatically.
-
Easy To Use Pump Handle
The handle on this Stihl sprayer is one of the easier pump handles I’ve ever used.
It’s easy to screw it on and off the tank, and it locks in place when carrying it around.
Something you’ll notice with this model is that it holds its pressure better than many similar sprayers.
Pump the handle 7 or 8 times and you’ll get approximately a minute of constant use.
-
Lightweight Design
An added plus with the SG-31 is the lightweight design. (It’s only 4 lbs when empty)
Stihl uses materials that are lighter in weight to make it easier on your arms and back when using this sprayer.
The included shoulder strap allows you to carry the tank on your shoulder, while still being able to pump the handle at the same time.
What It Will Not Do
Despite the fact this is a Stihl model, it is far from perfect. A big problem with this model is the lack of an adjustable spray tip. It has one constant spray pattern and that’s it. Though not a big problem for spraying weed killer, it may be a downside for those looking for more precise spray patterns.
Another area that may be of concern for some is the fact that this sprayer is not built to spray bleach. It will spray other types of cleaners, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to run bleach through it.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Bigger tank eliminates constant refills
- Tank holds its pressure and delivers longer spray times
Cons
- No adjustable spray nozzle
- Sprayer nut on bottom of tank is prone to coming loose
Bottom Line – Does It Live Up To Its Promises?
All in all, the SG31 is an average lawn and garden sprayer in my opinion.
It does some things quite well, while falling down in other areas at the same time.
On the positive side this model is one of the easier to use sprayers I’ve found over the years.
It holds a good amount of liquid and it holds its pressure very well.
It’s lightweight and the shoulder strap does help to limit fatigue.
On the negative side this sprayer does not have an adjustable tip.
It’s hard to believe that a Stihl product would be missing something so important.
While not a big issue for my use, it is for many others.
The other bugaboo for me is the plastic nut on the bottom of the sprayer that connects the spray tube.
Be sure to check and tighten it EVERY time you go to use this sprayer.
It has a way of easily coming loose and I learned that the hard way.
I didn’t know it was loose and weed killer came out all over my shoes and pants.
Since then, I always check it and in many cases I’ve had to retighten it. Not a good design for a Stihl product.
For the money spent I was honestly expecting a bit more than this sprayer delivers.
While not a terrible piece of equipment… it could be much improved.