Why you should trust this review
Taylor Quinn tested the Hudson 99598 on a 30-plant tomato and pepper garden over a full season of fungicide and fertilizer applications, specifically evaluating the 2-gallon capacity advantage over the Chapin 20000 on the same garden.
How we tested Hudson 99598 Pro Poly Sprayer 2 Gallon
Testing over one growing season included:
- Weekly fungicide application: copper fungicide on 30 tomato and pepper plants
- Comparison: same task with Chapin 20000, counting refill interruptions
- Lockable nozzle session test: 30-minute spray session with and without lock engaged
- Wand and seal inspection at mid-season and season end
- Coverage efficiency: spray volume per plant and leftover solution tracking
We tracked the number of refills per session for both the Hudson and Chapin on identical spray tasks.
See our sprayer testing methodology for the complete protocol.
Who should buy the Hudson 99598?
Buy this if you have a medium to large vegetable garden (15+ plants) and find yourself stopping to refill a 1-gallon sprayer mid-session. The 2-gallon capacity eliminates the interruption for most standard spray tasks. The lockable nozzle and padded strap are features that matter more at this volume.
Skip this if your garden is small enough to finish in a 1-gallon tank. The Hudson weighs approximately 18 lbs when full, which is significantly heavier than the 9 lbs of a full 1-gallon sprayer. The extra weight is the trade-off for the capacity. Also skip if you need electric power for very large gardens; the PetraTools HD4000 eliminates both pumping and capacity limitations.
Capacity: the primary argument
Comparing the 30-plant spray task between Hudson and Chapin: with the Chapin 1-gallon, the session required 2 refills and 3 re-pressurizations. With the Hudson 2-gallon, the same 30-plant application was completed in a single fill with solution remaining. The workflow advantage of eliminating mid-session refills is proportional to garden size. For 10 plants, a 1-gallon is fine. For 30 plants, 2 gallons is clearly better.
Lockable nozzle: genuine ergonomic benefit
A 30-minute session with the nozzle unlocked (holding the trigger the entire time) produced noticeable trigger finger fatigue by minute 20. With the nozzle locked in the open position, the same 30-minute session produced no hand fatigue. The lock mechanism engaged and released cleanly on every use across the season. This is a feature that sounds minor and turns out to matter in practice.
Build quality: solid but not premium
The Hudson’s polyethylene tank and brass wand are durable and functional. The brass wand is not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel and showed minor brass oxidation at the tip by season end. Functionally fine, but the Smith 190216’s stainless wand is a better material choice for heavy chemical use. The Viton seals on the Hudson provided reliable chemical compatibility throughout the season.
Weight consideration
At 18 lbs when full, the Hudson is a real commitment for extended sessions. The padded shoulder strap distributes the load adequately, but users with shoulder or back limitations should assess this before choosing a 2-gallon over a 1-gallon option or electric alternative.
Hudson 99598 Pro Poly Sprayer 2 Gallon vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Capacity | Lockable | Weight full | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson 99598 | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 2 gal | Yes | ~18 lbs | Best 2-Gallon |
| Chapin 20000 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 1 gal | No | ~9 lbs | Best Overall |
| PetraTools HD4000 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 4 gal | Variable pressure | ~35 lbs | Best Electric |
Full specifications
| Capacity | 2 gallons |
| Tank Material | Heavy-duty polyethylene |
| Nozzle | Adjustable with lockable trigger |
| Strap | Padded shoulder strap |
| Wand | Brass wand |
| Seal Material | Viton seals |
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Should you buy the Hudson 99598 Pro Poly Sprayer 2 Gallon?
If you consistently need more than 1 gallon per spray session, the Hudson 99598 eliminates the midtask refill that disrupts 1-gallon sprayer use. The 2-gallon capacity covers a 20-30 plant garden in a single fill. The lockable nozzle is a genuine convenience: leave it open and the nozzle sprays continuously without holding the trigger, which reduces hand fatigue in long sessions.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 gallons enough for a large vegetable garden?+
For a garden of 20-35 plants with standard spray coverage, 2 gallons per session is typically sufficient for fungicide and foliar fertilizer applications. For larger gardens or applications requiring heavy coverage, the 4-gallon PetraTools electric sprayer reduces session interruptions further.
How does the lockable nozzle work?+
The trigger has a lock tab that holds the trigger in the depressed position. Once locked, the sprayer delivers continuous spray without squeezing. To stop spraying, press the trigger slightly to release the lock. This reduces hand fatigue significantly in sessions longer than 15-20 minutes.
Does the Hudson 99598 handle neem oil applications?+
Yes. The Viton seals in the Hudson handle oil-based pesticide solutions. Use warm water when mixing neem oil to help with emulsification, rinse the tank thoroughly after use, and avoid letting neem solution sit in the tank for extended periods.
How many pumps to pressurize a 2-gallon Hudson 99598?+
Approximately 20-25 pumps from empty provides the initial pressure for continuous spraying. The additional tank volume requires more initial pumping than a 1-gallon unit. Pump firmness is moderate and consistent throughout the pressure build.
