Garden / Lawn Sprinklers....not buried systems

[Dennis Peacock]

I'm looking for the ultimate in sprinklers. I've gone through about 4 sprinklers over the past 2 years and I've wore out 2 fan sprinklers just this year. I want to buy one more good sprinkler and be done with buying sprinklers for a good long while.

Does anybody make a good high quality portable sprinkler any more?

[Matt Meiser]

Good luck. Bosch bought Nelson and a few others and moved all production to China. Nelson doesn't even guarantee anything anything as far as I can tell from their web site. I called them about a bunch of failed nozzles I had and they did send me more "as a courtesy." They never gave me a straight answer on warranty. I've just taken to buying store brand sprinklers and nozzles at my local Do It Best. I think they are made by Bosch based on appearance, but at least they have an in-store lifetime replacement guarantee. I talked to the store owner and he said he can't find anything decent.

You might try Lee Valley. I didn't find anything I liked in nozzles but I know they do carry sprinkers. And at least you know they'll stand behind it.

[Gary Max]

Small thought----- instead of homeowner units---- look at something more in the ag line.

[Matt Meiser]

Gary, is this what you have in mind?

irrigation.jpg

[Larry Browning]

I've got one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Ra...ctor+sprinkler
There are several brands of this style. I'm sure the more expensive ones have more brass parts and will be more durable. The body is made of cast iron and works pretty well. I have had it for over 20 years and it still works. However, I haven't actually used it for the last 8-10 years though. I made a discovery a few years back. If you don't water your lawn, you don't have to mow it as often, and your water bill goes down! I'm jus sayin!

When I was using it, I used it most every day in the hottest months fro several years and never had any trouble out of it. You have to kinda keep an eye on it though, it can run into trouble by jumping the hose or getting bogged down in mud if the grass isn't very thick.

[Art Mulder]

I'll second the LVT suggestions. They have an impulse sprinkler that looks good. (But I confess I haven't tried it, but I have a huge trust for the company)

But another suggestion --- have you considered a misting hose? I used to just use a misting-hose. Lasted for years. No moving parts. Cheap and easy to find; I probably picked it up at the local BORG. Probably coves a smaller area than a sprinkler, though.

[Rick Potter]

The best luck with sprinklers I have had is with the ones that look like the one Larry recommends, but with no wheels. Make sure you get a metal one, and it will last much longer than the plastic junk. I particularly like it because the rotating arms make a spray that is no where near as susceptible to the wind, as the fan type.

I got mine frome Lowes for about $12. I always leave one, along with a hose, when I rent a house.

Rick Potter

[Andrew Pitonyak]

The Ray Padula The Pulse Brass Pulsating Sprinkler has a lifetime warranty and has a “heavy-duty” solid brass head. Available in a few models. Found these two versions at Sears


http://www.sears.com/ray-padula-the-...5000P?prdNo=17
http://www.sears.com/ray-padula-the-...17000P?prdNo=6


I have a couple of Nelson's that are a previous version to the one at the link below. The reviews state that this one is not as good as the previous....
http://www.amazon.com/Nelson-Multi-P.../dp/B000UJW66C


Here are two similar products with mixed reviews:
http://www.sears.com/ray-padula-rain...36000P?prdNo=7
http://www.amazon.com/Ray-Padula-RP-...ef=pd_sbs_lg_9


None of them have universally good reviews. Purchase from a retailer that will take a return.

[Larry Frank]

I gave up buying sprinklers due to the cost and not able to get what I want. In addition, I want to water certain areas but not he entire lawn. I have made a number of sprinklers from 3/4" PVC and they have worked well. I use various sprinkler heats on them depending upon what I am using them such as full circle, half circle, shrubs, etc. I also have one with a pop up head for an inground system which is adjustable. One also has an impact type sprinkler head on it. The total cost of each is around $5. The most expensive part is the piece used to go from the pvc or pipe thread to the thread used on garden hoses.

One of the problems with sprinklers is also the water. My well water has a lot of minerals in it and can cause issues with buildup after a couple of years. I also use a screen type washer going into the sprinkler to keep junk from clogging the sprinkler.

Sprinklers.jpg

[Don Morris]

I just got this yesterday! Haven't even had a chance to try it. My yard is uneven and I am tired of getting half the water on the driveway or areas that don't need water. Also, it has a timer and I constantly forget I had it on and the area I put it on when I finally remembered was swamped. So this should be the answer. I'll let you know in a week or so. It allows uneven coverage and has a timer. Just what I needed.

http://www.amazon.com/Gilmour-996D-P.../dp/B0002YV80A

[Dick Adair]

The Sunbeam Rain King K2, sold about 30-40 years ago is one I've had forever. There is one on Ebay now for $49.95. Thast's about twice what they cost new. Best I have ever used.

[Myk Rian]

Soaker hoses. Not the misting type, but the water seeps out of them

[Matt Meiser]

Unless you've got a lot of iron in your water. Then not so much after a short time.