The new pop-up rotors have a much broader range than spray heads. As a result it would take, for example, placement of 14 spray heads to effectively irrigate a lawn, yet only six pop up rotors would provide effective coverage for that same lawn.

The New Rotors: Better Than Sprays for Small and Medium-sized Zones

By Amy Conrad for Hydro-Scape Products, Inc.

The need for less trenching and piping are 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 contractors 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.

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 the 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.

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, all available at wholesale suppliers.

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 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.

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.

?EUR??,,????'??When you are looking to irrigate with an all-rotor job, trained staff can point you toward products that will work with different sized zones in order to keep all possibilities open,?EUR??,,????'?? Hydro-Scape Products?EUR??,,????'??? Head Irrigation Technician said. ?EUR??,,????'??The rotor should deliver increased durability?EUR??,,????'??+whatever brand you are installing.?EUR??,,????'??

This Weathermatic T3 Rotor is seen here working with identical rotors to cover a large turfgrass area. The main advantage rotors offer is their ability to cover larger zones per unit than spray heads (which do not rotate). Rotors use water flow to drive a gear system that drives in a 360 degree (or less) circular course.

Feature Checklist

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

?EUR??,,????'???? Extra large filter screen: a bigger screen means more debris can be trapped without clogging.

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. However, deluxe units provide for stationary watering by the use of a locking collar.

Irrigation Insights

50: Percent. A Clemson University study found that irrigated trees grew 50 percent more than non-irrigated trees in the first two years.

100: Percent higher yields were produced by the irrigated trees over the non-irrigated trees in the first year, according to the above study. In the second year, the yield was 50 percent higher for the irrigated trees. Source: Clemson University