How to Select the Best Rotor-type Sprinkler:
Click here for an in-depth discussion of rotor-type sprinklers and what facts you should consider when selecting one. You should read this before reading the reviews or deciding on a make or model to use.
List of Rotors & Reviews:
Click here for a list of minimum standards for a good rotor.
Click here for a description of the feature codes used in the list below.
Rotor-Type Sprinkler Heads
Features in red are optional. They cost extra and may require a special order from the factory.
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckner | PI11 | Pop-up Impact | WS, SR, Arc:20-340° | |
| Buckner | PI25 | Pop-up Impact | WS, SR, Arc:20-340° | |
| Buckner | Same as K-Rain K2 | G7X | 5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, LA, CV, RC, SS, Arc:30-360° |
| Buckner | GP103 | 5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, SS, Arc:30-360° | |
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
| Champion | IP-1 | Pop-up Impact | WS, SR, Arc:20-340° | |
| Champion | 6182 | Pop-up Impact | WS, SR, Arc:20-340° | |
| Champion | Same as K-Rain K2 | RO series | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, Arc:30-360° |
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
| Hunter | Click here for Review | PGJ series | Small Radius Rotors w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, NP Arc:40-360° |
| Hunter | Click here for Review | PGP series | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzlePGP-ATR 2 1/4″ Pop-Up | WS, SR, FS, CC, RC, CV, NP, LA Arc:40-360° |
| Hunter | Click here for Review | PGH series | Same as PGP but 12″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, RC, CV, NP, LA Arc:40-360° |
| Hunter | Click here for Review | I-20 series | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, LA, RC, NP, SS, SO, Arc:40-360° |
| Hunter | Click here for Review | I-20-HP series | 12″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, LA, RC, NP, SS, SO, Arc:40-360° |
| Hunter | Click here for Review | MP Rotator MP?000 90-210 | Stream Rotor (Nozzle Only) | FS, CC, Arc:90-210° |
| Hunter | Click here for Review | MP Rotator MP?000 210-270 | Stream Rotor (Nozzle Only) | FS, CC, Arc:90-210° |
| Hunter | Click here for Review | MP Rotator MP?000 360 | Stream Rotor (Nozzle Only) | FS, CC, Arc:360° |
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
| K-Rain | 12003 series Dial-A-Nozzle | 5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, LA, Arc:40-360° | |
| K-Rain | 11003 series ProPlus | 5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, LA, Arc:40-360° | |
| K-Rain | K2 9000 series | 5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, LA, CV, RC, SS, Arc:30-360° | |
| K-Rain | K3 10000 series 15000 series | 5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, SS, Arc:30-360° | |
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
| Nelson (L.R. Nelson Corp.) | Pro 5500series | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, SS, Arc:40-310° | |
| Nelson (L.R. Nelson Corp.) | Pro 5512series | 12″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, Arc:40-310° | |
| Nelson (L.R. Nelson Corp.) | Pro 6000 | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, NP, RC, LA, SS, Arc:40-310° | |
| Nelson (L.R. Nelson Corp.) | Pro 6012 | 12″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, NP, RC, LA, Arc:40-310° | |
| Nelson (L.R. Nelson Corp.) | Pro 6500 series | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, NP, RC, Arc:40-310° | |
| Nelson (L.R. Nelson Corp.) | Pro 7000 series | 4.5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, Arc:40-310° | |
| Nelson (L.R. Nelson Corp.) | Pro 7500 series | 4.5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, Arc:40-310° | |
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
| Orbit | “Saturn III” 5300 PMR | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, Arc:40-360° | |
| Orbit | See Hunter PGP review. | “Voyager II” 5500 PR | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, RC, LA Arc:40-360° |
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
| Rainbird | Click here for Review | LG-3, MG-4 Mini-Paw | Pop-up Impact | WS, SR Arc:20-340° |
| Rainbird | Click here for Review | AG-5 2045A Maxi-Paw | Pop-up Impact | WS, SR, LA,CV,NP Arc:20-340° |
| Rainbird | Click here for Review | R-50 series | 3 5/8″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, LA, NP, Arc:25-350° |
| Rainbird | TDR-2 series | 3 5/8″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, Arc:25-350° | |
| Rainbird | 3500 series | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, NP, Arc:40-360° | |
| Rainbird | stripped-down version of the 3500 series | 32SA | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, Arc:40-360° |
| Rainbird | 5000 series | 4″, 6″ & 12″ Pop-Up Rotors w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, RC, LA, CV, NP, Arc:40-360° | |
| Rainbird | stripped-down version of the 5000 series | 42SA | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, RC, Arc:40-360° |
| Rainbird | Click here for Review | T-Bird series | 4 1/2″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, LA, NP, Arc:30-350° |
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
| Toro Irrigation | Click here for Review | 53757, 53758, 53759 | Multi-Stream Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, Arc Plates: 90-360° |
| Toro Irrigation | Click here for Review | 300 series | 300 Multi-Stream Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, NP, Arc Plates: 90-360° |
| Toro Irrigation | Click here for Review | 340 series | 340 Multi-Stream Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, NP, Arc Plates: 90-360° |
| Toro Irrigation | Click here for Review | XP300 series | XP-300 Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, NP, Arc Plates: 90-360° |
| Toro Irrigation | Same as K-Rain K2 | S800 series | 5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, LA, CV, RC, SS, Arc:30-360° |
| Toro Irrigation | Click here for Review | S700P series | 3″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, LA, RC, NP, SS, Arc:40-330° |
| Toro Irrigation | Click here for Review | S700HP series | 10.5″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, LA, RC, NP, SS, Arc:40-330° |
| Toro Irrigation | Click here for Review | V-1550-6 series | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, LA, RC,NP, Arc:40-360° |
| Toro Irrigation | Click here for Review | V-1550-12 series | 10″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, LA, RC,NP, Arc:40-360° |
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
| Manufacturer | Reviews | Part No. | Description | Features |
| Weather-Matic | Click here for Review | T3 | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, NP, Arc:40-360° |
| Weather-Matic | Click here for Review | CT70 | 4″ Pop-Up Rotor w/ nozzle | WS, SR, FS, CC, CV, RC, NP, SS, Arc:40-360° |
*Caution: Part numbers for some models don’t follow in a logical order that clearly identifies the body style. Check the description to assure it is the correct sprinkler head.
Other Products related to Rotor Heads:
- Mammoth Grip Sprinkler Spacers. Mammoth Grip Sprinkler Spacers are used to stabilize and accurately install sprinkler heads.
- Sprinkler Buddy Sprinkler Head Indicator. The Sprinkler Buddy keeps grass from growing next to or over the sprinkler head, thus making the sprinkler location obvious in the lawn.
Minimum standards:
I think any that any rotor sprinkler worth spending money on should have the following features:
- Must pop-up at least 3 inches (stream height above top of case).
- Must not be a discontinued or test-run product (generally that means at least one year on the market).
- Must have positive spring retraction for the riser piston.
- Must have a wiper seal on the riser piston.
- Must have a filter screen.
- Must have a closed-case (drive unit not exposed).
- If installed in a play area it should have a rubber cover (a rubber cover is so cheap and such an obvious safety item, I can’t think of a good excuse why all rotors shouldn’t have one!)
Feature key:
The following abbreviations are used in the reference chart below for various features of the rotor models:
- WS = Wiper seal. A wiper seal around the pop-up riser keeps dirt out of the sprinkler and reduces water waste.
- SR = Spring retraction. A spring pulls the pop-up riser back into the body after irrigation.
- FS = Filter screen. A screen installed inside the sprinkler helps protect the nozzle from debris in the water which might get caught in the nozzle. This is not a substitute for cleaning out the pipe when installing! I’ve found that most of these screens are only partially effective. A lot of stuff still gets though. The junk will not clog the nozzle but on water lubricated rotor drive mechanisms it can jam in the gears.
- CV = Check valve. The check valve keeps water from draining out of the pipes through the sprinkler head when the system stops running. A “must have” feature if your irrigation is installed on a sloped area. In general, if the elevation changes more than a foot within the valve zone, I recommend you use rotors with built-in check valves. Without this feature the water in the pipes will empty out through the lowest sprinkler head every time the valve is closed. This creates puddles and mud around the lowest heads and also cause excessive air discharge the next time the sprinklers are turned on. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra). Most check valves can be easily added as a retrofit item after the sprinkler is installed. You just unscrew the top, pull out the guts, snap in the check valve, then reassemble. No need to dig up the sprinkler. Check valve conversion kits can be difficult to obtain, and may require special ordering. If you even remotely think you may need them, it is best to just buy a model with a check valve already installed.
- NP = Non-potable water markings. Purple-colored markings are available for the sprinkler, generally with the label “Do Not Drink” on them. In most cases this is a replacement cap for the sprinkler, some are snap on covers that snap over the standard cap. Purple is the universal color for identifying a water source that is unsafe for human contact. In many places treated sewage and “gray water” (water from canals or untreated waste water from sinks or showers) are used for irrigation water, thus these warning labels are needed. This item may be optional, that is, you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
- VR = Vandal Resistant. Has a feature that makes the sprinkler more vandal resistant. In most cases this is a lock screw that prevents easy disassembly or removal of the sprinkler without a special tool, probably an Allen wrench. Sometimes a metal cap is also part of the package. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
- CC = Closed-Case. This means the drive mechanism that operates the sprinkler is not exposed at any time. An exposed drive unit can get stuff caught in it and jam. Bermuda and St. Augustine grass are particularly tough on open-case rotors as the grass grows into the drive mechanism. An example of an open-case rotor is a impact sprinkler head (the type with the arm that splashes into the water stream to move the stream back and forth.) A pop-up impact head is considered open-case because the mechanism is exposed while it is operating and grass easily gets into the cases. (Professional landscape maintenance people often refer to them as “rat traps”.)
- Arc:40-360° = Adjustable Arc. The first number is the minimum arc, the second is the maximum. If the maximum is not 360°, there is a separate non-adjustable full-circle model you must use for full circles.
- Arcs plates: Means that multiple arcs are available, but only at fixed intervals (not adjustable). A set of plates comes with the head, or is purchased separately, and you install the plate for the arc that best fits the shape of the area watered.
- LA = Low Angle Nozzles. Low angle nozzles are available. These are useful in windy areas. The lower angle means a shorter radius, so the heads will need to be installed closer together. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
- SS = Stainless Steel Riser. The riser (the part that pops up) has a stainless steel sleeve around it. The stainless steel wears better in sandy soils where the sand can scratch the plastic riser and cause the wiper seal to leak. The stainless steel sleeve may also reduce damage from other sources (like mowers), although I have not found that it really helps that much. Typically the stainless steel sleeve is made from very thin metal. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
- SO = Shut Off Valve. A small valve inside the sprinkler allows you to shut off the water to the nozzle in order to change nozzles. This is a big convenience on large sprinkler systems where it would be a pain to go shut off the valve so you can replace a nozzle in a sprinkler head. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
- RC = Rubber Cover. The top of the sprinkler has a rubber cover over it to lessen the chance of injuries should someone fall on it. Highly recommended if you have kids. This feature may be optional, that is, it is available but you will only get it with the sprinkler if you request it (and probably pay extra).
- Robot. Sometimes called robot sprinklers, these sprinklers direct a stream of water to fall on specific spots. This works something like when you use a hose to water the yard, and you move the no