Need to know which one is better for a Sprinkler System...?

Question

I've had three estimates and two so far boasts about their HUNTER sprinkler heads while the last one wants to use Rainbird.

Can I get input from anyone that works on these type of brands or from your personal experience?

Thanks everyone.

Le

What about TORO? I heard they are the worst ever...

I'm living in Spring Hill, KS.

Answer 1

Hunter brand irrigation heads are versatile: Each 3/4" sprinler comes with a set of nozzles to determine the amount of water thrown per watering. You install the sprinklers, then insert the appropriate gallon-per-minute nozzlekeeping it in place with a screw which doubles as the screw to determine how far the water is thrown from the sprinkler. Also, the heads are rachet-driven, and the arc of watering (the swing from left to right and back to distribute water) are easily adjustable with an included key.

Rainbird is very serious about irrigation. You can get anything from regular heads and a conventional irrigation control timer to a fully computerized irrigation system which downloads each day's schedules to each controller/timer you have. For another $15,000, you can even get a full weather station, used to measure relative humidity, wind speed, etc., to determine whether more or less water is needed for that particular day.

Obviously, this is the extreme end of commerical irrigation, used more for Master Planned Communities' common areas.

Basically, for a typical home's irrigation needs, I would probably recommend Rainbird, based on replacement parts, how sturdy the components are, etc. In my own experience with both brands, Hunter brand valves' solenoids and diaphragms tended to fail sooner (again, I didn't make a study of this, just personal experience.

Answer 2

When you get a sprinkler system, quality is number one.

if they put in some junk that winds up leaking it can cause you a high water bill and headaches.

i work for a major irrigation company and i have seen what will last 20 years and what will not.

Rotor heads- the very best is the Hunter I-20 stainless steel
the second best is the Hunter PGP
rainbird rotors arent that great.

mister heads- Rainbird 1800s are the best
hunter misters will not last

Timers- use Hunter or Rainbird

Valves- use rainbird or irritrol
Hunters are very easy to maintain but will not last as long.

i saw a rainbird timer a few months ago that was 27 years old.

ive seen the Plastic hunter PGPs last for at least 15 years maybe even 20.

ive also seen rainbird misters last that long too. as well as some of there valves and the irritrols

avoid toro. everything they make will fail .. soon too.

they were top notch 20 years ago and have slipped a lot lately with there quality.

avoid lawngene, toro, weathermatic, nelson, orbit, and other home depot brands.'

hope this helps.

Answer 3

During summer time hours more people are using the water...which drops the pressure in your lines. The only way you can get more pressure is when they stop watering or you can hook up a pump on your side of water meter. You should only need to turn it on when you are watering the yard. I did this years ago....man the neighbors hated me. My sprinklers were full spread and they barely had any water coming out. I never told them what I did...I just said I had a better sprinkler system.

Answer 4

Hunter. Hands down.

Answer 5

******* Hello---I am a Certified Master Gardener. *******

I personally would choose RAINBIRD. These sprinkler heads give excellent coverage, are easily adjustable, and at least used to be American-made.

I sincerely hope this helps you.

PAMELA JUDGE

Answer 6

i've been working in the landscape bus. for a long time.. and in my area-WI- mostly everyone uses Rainbird...but I'd find out what works best in your area with your environmental conditions

Answer 7

just use which ever is cheaper.
I believe they're all built to standard anyways.
If they'll do the job, then it's and good system.