The New Rotors: Better Than Sprays for Turfgrass and Planting Beds

By Amy Conrad for Hydro-Scape Products, Inc.

An all-rotor system can be established with various types and sizes of rotors to work in tandem when irrigating zones with different sizes and shapes. This is a Hunter rotor, but systems can incorporate hardware made by different manufacturers, provided pressure specs match. Photo courtesy of Hydro-Scape Products, Inc.

The need for less trenching and piping is the main advantage when installing a rotor-based irrigation system. So are fewer valves and stations. Rotors have greater coverage per unit versus a spray-head-based system. Also, given the availability of new, compact-sized rotors, you can enjoy the same labor savings on small projects by using rotors versus the traditional spray-head approach.

There are other reasons many experts prefer rotors in place of sprays. Rotors are sturdier, easier to handle and service, and don?EUR??,,????'???t require as many zones. Most mid-range rotors on the market don?EUR??,,????'???t get the job done for small areas, however. Many mid-range rotors employ the right concept, but need to be scaled down to meet the needs of typical spray applications.

Rotors use water flow to drive a gear system that powers them in a 360 degree (or less) course. Rotors are the modern descendents of old-fashioned Rain Bird sprinklers, with their familiar exposed (and noisy!) gear systems. Photo: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

Choosing Small-format Rotors

New, scaled-down-in-size rotor heads make it possible to install two rows of rotors and do the same job as three rows of spray heads. The fewer heads yields more efficient work and a more economical price in installation and maintenance. These new rotors also, in some cases, work in tandem with larger rotors to combine big and small areas in a single zone, offering a convenience and efficiency sprays do not.

Rotary sprinklers spray water from the tips of two or three spray arms that spin as the sprinkler waters the lawn. These spray arms may have fixed or adjustable tips. Designed for watering small to medium-sized areas, rotary sprinkler prices range widely, but in most cases, are more cost-effective than spray heads. Deluxe units provide three adjustments: mist or jet spray by turning the nozzles; spray diameter by swiveling the nozzles inward or outward; stationary watering by the use of a locking collar.

With their 360-degree rotation, rotors are designed to irrigate large areas. Careful calibration is required when they?EUR??,,????'???re installed next to a hardscape or unplanted area. Failure to do so can result in fines and other penalties for failure to conserve water in some communities. Photo courtesy of Rain Bird

The fact that rotors retract when not in use protects them from mowers and feet but not from the weight of vehicles. Concrete housings like this provide simple but effective protection. Photo: IBClickin?EUR??,,????'???

Single-source Shopping

With saving time on jobs so important, finding hardware at a single source can be a great help. The likelihood of purchasing fairly specialized rotors such as the PGP and the I-25 is better at specialized irrigation supply distributors (like California-based Hydro-Scape Products, Inc.) These are ?EUR??,,????'??one-stop?EUR??,,????'?? shops that combine different size rotors that help you install an efficient all-rotor system for most size zones.

?EUR??,,????'??The rotor should deliver increased durability?EUR??,,????'??+whatever brand you are installing.?EUR??,,????'??

Feature Checklist

Here are some characteristics to look for to ensure greater first-run efficiency and service.