Sprinkler Head Brands?

[TKO_PUNCH]

I'm going to be putting an irrigation system in this year and was wondering what brands of sprinkler heads are good and bad? I've had quotes already done but different installers use different brands. I have it down to 2 installers but now need to choose what brand of sprinkler system I want. Any info would be great.

[DRH1175]

Hunters are best but also most expensive. My old neighbor was an installer and really liked the Orbits and Rain Birds. I would definitly stay away from Toro. Everyone I know that has had them had many problems.

[TKO_PUNCH]

Thanks, that is what I needed. One quote was with Toro and the other is Hunter. Now I'm sure I'll go with Hunter.

[Genofish]

I put in Hunter PGP series last year and have had no problems. Look on the internet for volume discounts

[Powerstroke]

I'm not sure where you're located, but I hope you got an estimate from Rain Man Irrigation. They are a sponser for our Lawn and Garden section and I believe off a discount to FM.com members. They have a banner add on the forum page right under lawn and garden.

[Dave]

No problems with my Hunter system for three years so far. My neighbor's Toro system has had problem, however.

[setterguy]

I have been in the industry for almost 20 years so I have seen a thing or two but again this is only one mans opinion.

Hunter - Good head, readily available. A little more difficult to adjust if you're not familiar with them...3 year warranty. 13 moving parts inside each head

Nelson - Good head, inside almost identical to Hunter. Easier to adjust but takes a little longer. Seperate cap so top of head can be replaced. 5 year warranty. 14 moving parts inside each head

Toro - I won't use them, very weak springs that will cause heads to stick up over time.

Rain Bird - Anything they sell at Menards is not commercial grade.

Mp Rotator - New head on the market within the last 3 years. Matched precipitation head, meaning you can save up to 30% on your water bill. I am offering a lifetime warranty on these heads, one moving part per head. In my opinion the best head on the market.

All the heads out there will do the job, its small things like warranty, ease of adjustment, and availability that would make the decision for me.

[SomethingFishy*]

How about the rainbird systems that are not sold at menards? Rainbird 5000 Series Rotors and 1800 series spray heads.

I have 2 sprinkler system quotes one using hunter the other using rainbird. The hunter quote is $800 higher. Both systems have a 5 year warranty on heads,valves, and controller. The Rainbird installer has a 3 year parts and labor and the Hunter installer has a 2 year parts and labor. Both quotes include a 1st year blowout.

[setterguy]

Well, 800 bucks is a big difference. You can buy a lot of sprinklers that go bad for 800 dollars. I would also be very careful of someone coming in so much cheaper than someone else. Are they licensed for low voltage wiring? Are the permits for plumbing going to be pulled? A couple hundred bucks here or there is expected, but 800? How big is the system? # of zones ect? I'm not super familiar with the Rain Bird brand anymore as I just don't see it out there as much as I used to. Like I said before, they are all basically the same inside and will throw water just as good as anything else. I guess I was making my comparisons based on same price comparing. All things being equal on your system 800 is a lot of money.

[SomethingFishy*]

In the city I live permits are not needed for an irrigation system. The less expensive installer worked for the more expensive installer for a large length of time. The more expensive installer is a "big name corporate" company. There is a variance in the number of sprays and rotors rainbird installer having 16 rotors and 12 sprays and Hunter installer having 20 Rotors and 6 sprays. Both quotes have 2 rectangle zone boxes. Rainbird has 5 zone valves and Hunter has 6 zone valves. Both installers are liscensed.

I have had several people recommend the less expensive installer. I was also reffered by my uncle to the less expensive installer, as he just finished his yard (3 full acres) and is happy with the work. My uncle had the same 2 places quote him and the rainbird installer was much less expensive.

Lastly, the less expensive installer also will install Hunter.

Thanks for the help.