kept buying new versions, hoping that some manufacturer would discover The moving parts and necessary adjustments required to produce this effect make the sprinkler susceptible to damage from without and within. Some oscillating sprinkler models offer side-to-side adjustment in addition to length of pattern. Is it more efficient to mow the yard in a spiral or up and back? If the water is too strong, it may force the gears to operate outside their design specifications. Order inquiries, shipment tracking, returns, and more. Enjoy gardening tips, how-to's new product launches, exclusive promotions and more. (Yes, there is a difference between high pressure and high volume, but functionally in this case the result is the same. Just hold the sprinkler up-side down (and away from you!) In theory, you could create a little water-turbine electrical generator and attach it to your hose to create several watts of power -- you could power a flashlight bulb while you water your lawn at night! Read the reviews on ANY model and they ALL seem doomed to failure. Everything you need to know about the GARDENA products in your tool shed. Level-spray sprinklers raise water conservation to an art form. What's The Problem With Oscillating Sprinklers? The jets shooting away from you will display the position. Its natural to assume that the problem is internal when that happens. Why does it have a heart-shaped cam instead of a simple little crankshaft? An oscillating sprinkler efficiently throws large drops of water. This warranty does not affect your legal warranty claims. stepping on the bar, swinging the hose like a lariat, whacking it with whatever can be picked up Why take a chance on premature disability for your vital lawn irrigation tool? Many of them will not continue to cycle properly, either immediately or eventually. Is an Oscillating Sprinkler the best portable sprinkler for lawn and garden watering? The uniform watering also prevents puddles from forming. (This requires moving the oscillator more times, but conserves water and covers more thoroughly.). If no alternative, water smaller areas with lower height streams. Features & Benefits The Aqua S is designed for areas of 90 to 220 m and can be set up in the blink of an eye. Ray Padula Holdings is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Solution:Make a framework that matches the degree of slope, on which the sprinkler can sit level, if you constantly will be watering a sloping area. TIP: When you turn off the sprinkler, wait for the spray to come back to a near vertical position, instead of out to the side. Grab the nozzle bar and spin it ahead to get it where we want so we can push the adjustment ring to the right place. Some situations may have abnormally high water pressure which can only be reduced by installing a pressure regulator. Gardeners can get the full value from this investment by treating the sprinkler as a tool and taking care as they handle it, and watching where they place it. Please contact customer service or have a look on our FAQs. Would you like to know where to find GARDENA products? Once I made that initial observation, I was amazed at how easily the sprinkler succumbed to interference just by placing it down on anything other than a compact, level surface. Kids are curious critters. Turn down the faucet until misting stops. The water is distributed in a single fan-shaped line that constantly moves back and forth across the lawn. Here. Whether its freezing or the sun is shining, the durable material of the Aqua S protects the oscillating sprinkler against frost and UV radiation. FTC Disclosure:If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Most domestic supplies have household regulators, normally set at 50-60 PSI, which should work fine. The TripleSpray can water wide expanses, narrow strips, and those in-between sections with equal efficiency. They may rub against each other or the body housing, or move out of alignment, causing the bar to move erratically or not at all. Product Dimensions How do they create patterns in a baseball field? Features & Benefits When shopping, if you know you have low water pressure, notice if the package mentions: "Good with Low & High Pressure" ). This is NOT wasting water because you are covering more area but not all at once, as the water stream moves along. It sprays out a fan-shaped curtain of water, and the metal arm oscillates back and forth to cover a rectangular area perhaps 20 feet by 30 feet (6 meters by 9 meters) in size. DIY Network: The Right Way to Water Your Lawn. Hand tight should be good enough to prevent leaks here, which can diminish the volume going through the unit if it is turned on low for a small area. Here
Who can blame them for wanting to explore a moving device, especially with water coming out!
Mess with it until you understand how to change the pattern from left to right to center to full. Get tips and tricks how to clever water with GARDENA. You can see in the video that the turbine spins at several hundred rpm. Is that true? My disappointment level with oscillators has been quite high, yet I Take Note: An oscillating sprinkler sits with a very low profile, in almost all models. Available low & high priced, get a cheap one for play. A 20% slower oscillation speed improves absorption and reduces puddling while PrecisionFlow jets enhance distribution and coverage. 
We're always standing by and ready to help! Inside there is a small turbine, or water wheel: If you look down the tube where you attach the hose, you can see a small restrictor that allows some water to flow straight ahead and forces some water to shoot to the left. Just replacing an oscillating sprinkler that you liked, with the same model, may not give you the same performance. When picked up, it immediately continued its rotation. There is often a knob that lets you adjust the spray pattern (full, center, left or right): Connected to the knob there is small arm that gets pushed and pulled by a heart-shaped cam. Not absolutely, but I favor it for most applications. Here you can find everything. (Some units may have permanent damage if the interference continued too long and caused the gears to strip or skip.). There is a wide range of styles and prices of oscillators at all retail stores and online. * Some items may not be eligible for free shipping and will be specifically marked as ineligible for free shipping. Specifications Avoid frustration by taking the time to get familiar with adjustment options. Contact the Garden Counselor with your comments about particular models, both good and bad. Find dealers:
Does not include shipping surcharges or flat rates. 
Oscillators have a wide price range, from $10 to $60 or more. Prevent breakage by avoiding common practices that compromise the vulnerable traits of this moving sprinkler. And some problems may be disregarded by the skeptical, but trust me, these are all common issues with oscillators. If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. It allows you to water just one side (left or right) instead of watering both at the same time. Who can blame them for wanting to explore a moving device, especially with water coming out! (I know some of you mechanically minded types are going to think, How stupid is that!). "How Oscillating Sprinklers Work" And then there are the "accidents" stepping on the bar, swinging the hose like a lariat, whacking it with whatever can be picked up Why take a chance on premature disability for your vital lawn irrigation tool? Dont try to force the nozzle bar of an oscillating sprinkler when you need to change the pattern of rotation. We need a gear train that can reduce the speed down to 1 rpm. Would a family summer be complete, without kids running through the sprinkler? One oscillating sprinkler with three dramatically different coverage options. The spray arm would have that same problem. :18700-20.
DONT DO THAT! It is the water shooting to the left that spins the turbine: To see the turbine in action, take a look at this video. FB Think about a piston going up and down in an internal-combustion engine -- it is traveling slowest at each end of its travel, and fastest when it is in the center of the cylinder. Its a great plan. But lets consider several factors that can affect performance on some models. Weve all done it. (Product reviews will be offered in another article.). Now it is ready for a general adjustment when you use it next in a different area and find that you only want a half or reduced cycle. The width of the spray always remains max. Some are jet-powered rather than turbine-powered, but they are all using the force of moving water to create linear or rotational motion. One oscillator may function fine with the water stream only 18 high, yet another gets stuck unless the water flows above 36 high. Explore Ray's favorite items, and some of our most popular solutions for your yard. The water connection of the Aqua S has a rust-free metal filter that prevents dirt particles from entering the oscillating sprinkler. These items go perfectly with the brand new you're about to purchase. If it is, check to see if a hose gasket is installed. Trying to flip and go the other way while under high pressure may be like you trying to open a door against a wind storm. Adjust as the new edge boundary arrives, and let it cycle a couple of times to fine tune the oscillator. File a warranty claim right online, 24/7! So lets learn a few tricks. By constantly moving the water across the lawn or garden area, you allow the soil to soak it in completely and avoid run-off. You can see that this is an incredibly simple device at its core. But I like to cover all the basics for those new to a gardening environment. Unfortunately, even a lot of the middle price ones, in the $20 & $30+ range, get a lot of bad reviews for having breakage of the adjuster tabs, or leaking badly, or failing to work after a short while. Use the needle located in the sprinklers screw cap to remove any lime deposits from the nozzles. A simple twist of the spray tube lets you spray with 20 jets, 12 jets or only 6 jets to cover areas ranging from 56 feet down to 8 feet in width. * For detailed warranty conditions, please refer to the enclosed operating manual or online at www.gardena.com/warranty. FB Don't feel stupid and settle for a compromise method of watering. Sadly, the negative reviews on this product suggest that frustration with oscillators is unavoidable. If the sprinkler itself is prone to damage by its own nature, why take a chance? Use the slider to set the range (717 metres) as well as the type of watering. The negative side of those is the high water flow they dispense. Things change, materials get substituted, even your water pressure fluctuates. 23 May 2000. as it rotates, then make the adjustment as it passes the boundary for the pattern you want. Or place a fat block under one side and a thin block under the other side. How does the pesticide Dursban work? It's because a circular crankshaft would cause both ends of the spray pattern to get a lot more water than the center of the spray pattern. Gardening tips, product promotions, and much more, delivered right to you! Are they? The heart-shaped cam evens things out. I have ordered several new models to put to the test and will write reviews on this site as soon as I can. Also very durable, the kids can stop the spinning arms and even try to dis-arm it, without hurting it or your wallet. Solution:Set a flat board or a couple of sticks under the frame of the sprinkler to raise it up and ensure proper clearance. So be observant, evaluate thoroughly, and be smart to take the correct action as your situation warrants. The cam pushes the spray arm back and forth. 18700-20, Article No. FB ), Even when not misting, water streams can be thrown off course by strong wind. Water flows into the spray arm -- the aluminum tube -- and it sprays out through the holes or nozzles. Besides, you have a built-in power source: the running water that flows right through the sprinkler. These jets are capable of shooting streams of water a great distance, which enables this sprinkler type to cover very large surface areas. 
Use the adjustments,to confine the spray pattern or spread it out wider, while keeping the length of throw at the distance you need. If you've thought about it for more than five seconds, you've probably wondered about the "oscillating" part of an oscillating sprinkler: What makes the arm go back and forth? ), Solution: Increase or decrease the water flow at the faucet and watch for any change in response. The newer designs with extra adjustment options have a fat cylinder that is especially prone to rubbing against tall grass or weeds or thick mulch. GARDENA products made in Germany stand for quality, reliable performance and durability. In built-in lawn sprinkling systems there is a device called an anti-siphon valve. How does that work? Only if we are giving a device the best chance to perform can we realistically evaluate one model against another. If you set your oscillating sprinkler on a substantial slope, you are asking for trouble. The sprinkler ensures that your lawn and plants are evenly and precisely watered without forming puddles in the process. Many different types of sprinklers use water power in the same way. It sprays 3 or 4 streams of water in a swirling fashion that elicits whoops of delight, and is a low-flow unit. In this edition of HowStuffWorks, you'll learn exactly how it happens!. BRING ON SPRING!A Stronger, Greener Lawn Starts Nowwith help from DoMyOwn, An Information Resource for Lawn Care & Garden Questions, garden-counselor-lawn-care.com and Garden-Counselor.com, are both and 2007 - 2021 / / Copyright and All Rights Reserved. Bad design? Product Dimensions Taxes, shipping, discounts, promotions, and gift card charges do not count toward the minimum qualifying purchase. Solution:Get an inexpensive plastic watering ring at a local discounter for a few bucks. If you have a lawn, then at some point during the summer, when it gets really hot and dry, you end up pulling out the sprinkler An oscillating sprinkler like the one shown above is one of the most common sprinklers around. (You dont need a contractors gauge,justmake it as level as possible.). Try using PVC fittings & pipe to make a square with legs on just one side. Find manuals and downloads:
(This varies a lot between models. Misting vapors do not place water on your lawn or garden plot. (If not possible, your water pressure requires an adjustment at the regulator. Product Height (in.) Product registration / Warranty extension, Article No. Product Width (in.) This gear train provides a 512-to-1 reduction in speed, so the cam spins at about 1 rpm. Product Height (in.) Product Dimensions Use a board or bucket to hold above one-half of the water jets to keep from being sprayed. We'll compile a resource page to enlighten other gardeners and improve the gardening experience for all of us! Higher expense doesn't guarantee more satisfaction. You wont be tempted to wrench the bar around to get it started right. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Marshall Brain Enjoy every inch of summer with the Aqua S oscillating sprinkler from GARDENA. Have a blast! efficient watering from most oscillators. How do we explain Five Star and One Star Ratings on the same unit?Is that lousy craftsmanship by the manufacturer? Solution: Be Patient. Getting the best service and the most life from these irrigation tools is partially a factor of buying a quality model with appropriate features, but also requires a bit of smart thinking on our part. All orders totaling $29 or more receive FREE standard ground shipping at checkout. If old or missing, replace it. Find the perfect product for your exact yard. In need of spare parts? Some of these may be obvious difficulties that people could decipher on their own. You have to expect that the cheapest ones at $10-20 are going to be very suspect and unlikely to work well or last very long. But if you did that, you would need to replace the batteries all the time, and that's no fun. Here is a typical oscillating sprinkler that you might buy at any discount or home improvement store for a few dollars: You attach the hose to a connector on the right-hand side (not shown).
DuoCyll motor technology and a tri-channel spray tube reduce the height of the spray in the middle of the oscillation so the water is less exposed to wind and less likely to end up where it shouldnt. Allow water flow to move the sprinkler bar to the correct position without rotating the cylinder or bar by hand to get it there. You are here: Home Products Sprinklers Oscillating Sprinklers. Would you like a few tips to keep this gentle watering device on your Must-Have List? Adjustment mechanisms can be difficult to interpret. There is also the spray arm itself, which is a hollow aluminum tube with holes in it (on some sprinklers there are nozzles on this tube): The spray arm has a ferrule and an O-ring seal on it, and it screws into the body of the sprinkler. 2. Just do it with a cheapo unit, instead of your temperamental oscillating sprinkler. The gear assembly will not function well, maybe not at all, when it encounters an extra load from just a bit of external rubbing. How can the grass on the greens at a golf course be so perfect? They can make an area of lawn soggy in a short time, leading to compaction from all the jumping and sliding. Specifications Here, Find product FAQ:
So the big question comes down to rotating the cam. Explore the uniqueness of the Original GARDENA System. 
This article will address the use and care of oscillating sprinklers so you do not accentuate any inherent design flaws. Whether you're a gardening expert, a new homeowner, or someone just starting to develop a green thumb, look no further than the Ray Padula brand of lawn and garden products.
Your garden at your fingertips: GARDENA smart App. Depending on the quality of parts and the design, it may just freeze temporarily, or may try to force itself to the point of stripping the gears or dislocating their positions. When the sprinkler is running, the cam rotates slowly -- at roughly 1 revolution per minute (rpm) -- this is what causes the arm to oscillate back and forth. But this method of irrigation is so beneficial that every gardener needs one. If you notice anything that I overlooked, please contact me to share it! Cheap materials? Oscillators dispense the water through a row of nozzles or jets spread evenly along a hollow tube. ], [Distraction Option: If you are curious how an oscillating sprinkler works, you can see one cut open to show the moving parts with pictures and a video at this site: How Stuff Works: Sprinkler]. Specifications But no matter how much we want or expect it to perform in an altered state, it is not happy. Prices, promotional offers, and product availability subject to change at any time, without notice. An Oscillating Sprinkler is a very efficient irrigation device. But it does seem crazy that oscillators cost so much with no guarantee of satisfactory performance.
This sprinkler uses a three-stage planetary gear system! We invite you to come garden with us, and join the gardeners around the world who rely on our exciting, innovative products to help with growing the yard of their dreams. Assembling the oscillating sprinkler by hand and connecting a hose takes just a few steps. 4.60 Call the manufacturer if you need to. If it will not operate at the low level you need for a particular small garden area, then an oscillating sprinkler may not be the best choice, or you might try a different brand. 13 metres. Features & Benefits A follow-up article will evaluate different models with performance reviews, plus tips for adjusting them. For every minute an oscillating sprinkler operates, any particular spot of ground is only being watered for about 5-10 seconds, depending on how you set the pattern. An alternate approach for hillside watering: set the oscillator only at the top and bottom of the slope, on level ground, and set the pattern accordingly to get the proper coverage. process of trial & error that may help you get longer life and more 5.20 Everything fits together perfectly and remains watertight. How many times do you get to be a Bully, before the gears give up? 
Unlike other common type sprinklers, portable or in-ground, an oscillating sprinkler (and rotors) must run longer to provide sufficient irrigation. Check out the selection of these oscillating sprinklers at Amazon, read the reviews, and keep in mind some of the issues we addressed above. This makes the expensive ones seem like the wiser purchase, better than buying 2 cheaper ones. [Side Note: be sure that the sprinkler is not gushing water from the hose connection point. I suspect that the problem again is having such low tolerance on the gear specifications. Support is just an email or phone call away. It can be removed so that you can clean it off easily under a tap. Additional oversized freight charges may apply to some items. Every time you reject this advice, remind yourself that the shortcut is costing you money. Moving parts within these sprinklers are problematic. Product Width (in.) Fitting the spray to each garden area is not really a bother, it's smart! Submit a warranty claim quickly and easily - right online, 24/7! The Original GARDENA System is the basis for garden irrigation with over 50 years of experience.
For more information, check out the links on the next page. 
This affects the consistency of the water. This offer applies to the 48 contiguous U.S. states only. One way to do it would be to use a small electric motor. Regardless of the brand or the price, they quit oscillating soon or sooner. Copyright 2022 Ray Padula Holdings, LLC. Submit a warranty claim right online, 24/7! When the sprinkler sank down in dense grass or was on bulky ground cover or uneven mulch, it did not rotate. Yet many gardeners complain that these sprinklers are unreliable and bothersome. If you cut open the body of the sprinkler, you can see that this is exactly how the sprinkler works. Move only the adjusting levers. In addition to performance issues, some of them are difficult to adjust to the pattern needed. You might as well use it in the same way that a hydro-electric dam uses water to spin its turbines. Rain Makers: How to choose the best sprinkler for your yard, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. International customers will incur additional charges. In any mechanical gizmo, moving parts will break, get stuck or fail to remain in proper alignment. Lost your manual? And an innovative drive design ensures that no gears will be stripped when the tube is twisted. 
Does it have the same effect on humans that it has on insects? Anything higher will need corrective measures. Any thing that has contact with the rotating bar or cylinder, or with the adjusting mechanism, is going to cause friction or outright interference. The nozzles of the Aqua S oscillating sprinkler continuously ensure even and highly precise lawn watering on areas of 90 to 220 m. Oscillating sprinklers look to be a rather simple device on the outside, but must be quite vulnerable inside. I learned a few things through my Two suggestions to work around this without getting wet while you fine-tune the settings: 1. Keep in mind as we go through this list, each model may vary, and so should your expectations. This design excels in reducing erosion or water run-off, since the ground has a chance to let the water soak in before the line returns to that spot. The old-fashioned rotating arm sprinkler is a good alternative. Product Height (in.) or create the perfect mechanism. A minor tilt should be ok, but more than 15-20 degrees off vertical is pushing it. 8.58 Were thrilled youre here. If the water level is too low, the distribution bar on an oscillating sprinkler may be unable to move at all, or it may move very slowly to the end of the cycle, then be unable to move past the pivot that sends it back in the opposite direction. PRO Thumb Control Ultra Heavy-Duty Metal 10-Pattern Hose Nozzle, 8-Pattern, 2-in-1 Turret and Spinning Sprinkler on Metal Decorative Base, Classic Metal Pulsating Sprinkler on Deluxe In-Series Metal Step Spike (2-Pack).
We're always standing by and ready to help! Inside there is a small turbine, or water wheel: If you look down the tube where you attach the hose, you can see a small restrictor that allows some water to flow straight ahead and forces some water to shoot to the left. Just replacing an oscillating sprinkler that you liked, with the same model, may not give you the same performance. When picked up, it immediately continued its rotation. There is often a knob that lets you adjust the spray pattern (full, center, left or right): Connected to the knob there is small arm that gets pushed and pulled by a heart-shaped cam. Not absolutely, but I favor it for most applications. Here you can find everything. (Some units may have permanent damage if the interference continued too long and caused the gears to strip or skip.). There is a wide range of styles and prices of oscillators at all retail stores and online. * Some items may not be eligible for free shipping and will be specifically marked as ineligible for free shipping. Specifications Avoid frustration by taking the time to get familiar with adjustment options. Contact the Garden Counselor with your comments about particular models, both good and bad. Find dealers:
Does not include shipping surcharges or flat rates. Oscillators have a wide price range, from $10 to $60 or more. Prevent breakage by avoiding common practices that compromise the vulnerable traits of this moving sprinkler. And some problems may be disregarded by the skeptical, but trust me, these are all common issues with oscillators. If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. It allows you to water just one side (left or right) instead of watering both at the same time. Who can blame them for wanting to explore a moving device, especially with water coming out! (I know some of you mechanically minded types are going to think, How stupid is that!). "How Oscillating Sprinklers Work" And then there are the "accidents" stepping on the bar, swinging the hose like a lariat, whacking it with whatever can be picked up Why take a chance on premature disability for your vital lawn irrigation tool? Dont try to force the nozzle bar of an oscillating sprinkler when you need to change the pattern of rotation. We need a gear train that can reduce the speed down to 1 rpm. Would a family summer be complete, without kids running through the sprinkler? One oscillating sprinkler with three dramatically different coverage options. The spray arm would have that same problem. :18700-20.
DONT DO THAT! It is the water shooting to the left that spins the turbine: To see the turbine in action, take a look at this video. FB Think about a piston going up and down in an internal-combustion engine -- it is traveling slowest at each end of its travel, and fastest when it is in the center of the cylinder. Its a great plan. But lets consider several factors that can affect performance on some models. Weve all done it. (Product reviews will be offered in another article.). Now it is ready for a general adjustment when you use it next in a different area and find that you only want a half or reduced cycle. The width of the spray always remains max. Some are jet-powered rather than turbine-powered, but they are all using the force of moving water to create linear or rotational motion. One oscillator may function fine with the water stream only 18 high, yet another gets stuck unless the water flows above 36 high. Explore Ray's favorite items, and some of our most popular solutions for your yard. The water connection of the Aqua S has a rust-free metal filter that prevents dirt particles from entering the oscillating sprinkler. These items go perfectly with the brand new you're about to purchase. If it is, check to see if a hose gasket is installed. Trying to flip and go the other way while under high pressure may be like you trying to open a door against a wind storm. Adjust as the new edge boundary arrives, and let it cycle a couple of times to fine tune the oscillator. File a warranty claim right online, 24/7! So lets learn a few tricks. By constantly moving the water across the lawn or garden area, you allow the soil to soak it in completely and avoid run-off. You can see that this is an incredibly simple device at its core. But I like to cover all the basics for those new to a gardening environment. Unfortunately, even a lot of the middle price ones, in the $20 & $30+ range, get a lot of bad reviews for having breakage of the adjuster tabs, or leaking badly, or failing to work after a short while. Use the needle located in the sprinklers screw cap to remove any lime deposits from the nozzles. A simple twist of the spray tube lets you spray with 20 jets, 12 jets or only 6 jets to cover areas ranging from 56 feet down to 8 feet in width. * For detailed warranty conditions, please refer to the enclosed operating manual or online at www.gardena.com/warranty. FB Don't feel stupid and settle for a compromise method of watering. Sadly, the negative reviews on this product suggest that frustration with oscillators is unavoidable. If the sprinkler itself is prone to damage by its own nature, why take a chance? Use the slider to set the range (717 metres) as well as the type of watering. The negative side of those is the high water flow they dispense. Things change, materials get substituted, even your water pressure fluctuates. 23 May 2000. as it rotates, then make the adjustment as it passes the boundary for the pattern you want. Or place a fat block under one side and a thin block under the other side. How does the pesticide Dursban work? It's because a circular crankshaft would cause both ends of the spray pattern to get a lot more water than the center of the spray pattern. Gardening tips, product promotions, and much more, delivered right to you! Are they? The heart-shaped cam evens things out. I have ordered several new models to put to the test and will write reviews on this site as soon as I can. Also very durable, the kids can stop the spinning arms and even try to dis-arm it, without hurting it or your wallet. Solution:Set a flat board or a couple of sticks under the frame of the sprinkler to raise it up and ensure proper clearance. So be observant, evaluate thoroughly, and be smart to take the correct action as your situation warrants. The cam pushes the spray arm back and forth. 18700-20, Article No. FB ), Even when not misting, water streams can be thrown off course by strong wind. Water flows into the spray arm -- the aluminum tube -- and it sprays out through the holes or nozzles. Besides, you have a built-in power source: the running water that flows right through the sprinkler. These jets are capable of shooting streams of water a great distance, which enables this sprinkler type to cover very large surface areas. Use the adjustments,to confine the spray pattern or spread it out wider, while keeping the length of throw at the distance you need. If you've thought about it for more than five seconds, you've probably wondered about the "oscillating" part of an oscillating sprinkler: What makes the arm go back and forth? ), Solution: Increase or decrease the water flow at the faucet and watch for any change in response. The newer designs with extra adjustment options have a fat cylinder that is especially prone to rubbing against tall grass or weeds or thick mulch. GARDENA products made in Germany stand for quality, reliable performance and durability. In built-in lawn sprinkling systems there is a device called an anti-siphon valve. How does that work? Only if we are giving a device the best chance to perform can we realistically evaluate one model against another. If you set your oscillating sprinkler on a substantial slope, you are asking for trouble. The sprinkler ensures that your lawn and plants are evenly and precisely watered without forming puddles in the process. Many different types of sprinklers use water power in the same way. It sprays 3 or 4 streams of water in a swirling fashion that elicits whoops of delight, and is a low-flow unit. In this edition of HowStuffWorks, you'll learn exactly how it happens!. BRING ON SPRING!A Stronger, Greener Lawn Starts Nowwith help from DoMyOwn, An Information Resource for Lawn Care & Garden Questions, garden-counselor-lawn-care.com and Garden-Counselor.com, are both and 2007 - 2021 / / Copyright and All Rights Reserved. Bad design? Product Dimensions Taxes, shipping, discounts, promotions, and gift card charges do not count toward the minimum qualifying purchase. Solution:Get an inexpensive plastic watering ring at a local discounter for a few bucks. If you have a lawn, then at some point during the summer, when it gets really hot and dry, you end up pulling out the sprinkler An oscillating sprinkler like the one shown above is one of the most common sprinklers around. (You dont need a contractors gauge,justmake it as level as possible.). Try using PVC fittings & pipe to make a square with legs on just one side. Find manuals and downloads:
(This varies a lot between models. Misting vapors do not place water on your lawn or garden plot. (If not possible, your water pressure requires an adjustment at the regulator. Product Height (in.) Product registration / Warranty extension, Article No. Product Width (in.) This gear train provides a 512-to-1 reduction in speed, so the cam spins at about 1 rpm. Product Height (in.) Product Dimensions Use a board or bucket to hold above one-half of the water jets to keep from being sprayed. We'll compile a resource page to enlighten other gardeners and improve the gardening experience for all of us! Higher expense doesn't guarantee more satisfaction. You wont be tempted to wrench the bar around to get it started right. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Marshall Brain Enjoy every inch of summer with the Aqua S oscillating sprinkler from GARDENA. Have a blast! efficient watering from most oscillators. How do we explain Five Star and One Star Ratings on the same unit?Is that lousy craftsmanship by the manufacturer? Solution: Be Patient. Getting the best service and the most life from these irrigation tools is partially a factor of buying a quality model with appropriate features, but also requires a bit of smart thinking on our part. All orders totaling $29 or more receive FREE standard ground shipping at checkout. If old or missing, replace it. Find the perfect product for your exact yard. In need of spare parts? Some of these may be obvious difficulties that people could decipher on their own. You have to expect that the cheapest ones at $10-20 are going to be very suspect and unlikely to work well or last very long. But if you did that, you would need to replace the batteries all the time, and that's no fun. Here is a typical oscillating sprinkler that you might buy at any discount or home improvement store for a few dollars: You attach the hose to a connector on the right-hand side (not shown).
DuoCyll motor technology and a tri-channel spray tube reduce the height of the spray in the middle of the oscillation so the water is less exposed to wind and less likely to end up where it shouldnt. Allow water flow to move the sprinkler bar to the correct position without rotating the cylinder or bar by hand to get it there. You are here: Home Products Sprinklers Oscillating Sprinklers. Would you like a few tips to keep this gentle watering device on your Must-Have List? Adjustment mechanisms can be difficult to interpret. There is also the spray arm itself, which is a hollow aluminum tube with holes in it (on some sprinklers there are nozzles on this tube): The spray arm has a ferrule and an O-ring seal on it, and it screws into the body of the sprinkler. 2. Just do it with a cheapo unit, instead of your temperamental oscillating sprinkler. The gear assembly will not function well, maybe not at all, when it encounters an extra load from just a bit of external rubbing. How can the grass on the greens at a golf course be so perfect? They can make an area of lawn soggy in a short time, leading to compaction from all the jumping and sliding. Specifications Here, Find product FAQ:
So the big question comes down to rotating the cam. Explore the uniqueness of the Original GARDENA System. This article will address the use and care of oscillating sprinklers so you do not accentuate any inherent design flaws. Whether you're a gardening expert, a new homeowner, or someone just starting to develop a green thumb, look no further than the Ray Padula brand of lawn and garden products.
Your garden at your fingertips: GARDENA smart App. Depending on the quality of parts and the design, it may just freeze temporarily, or may try to force itself to the point of stripping the gears or dislocating their positions. When the sprinkler is running, the cam rotates slowly -- at roughly 1 revolution per minute (rpm) -- this is what causes the arm to oscillate back and forth. But this method of irrigation is so beneficial that every gardener needs one. If you notice anything that I overlooked, please contact me to share it! Cheap materials? Oscillators dispense the water through a row of nozzles or jets spread evenly along a hollow tube. ], [Distraction Option: If you are curious how an oscillating sprinkler works, you can see one cut open to show the moving parts with pictures and a video at this site: How Stuff Works: Sprinkler]. Specifications But no matter how much we want or expect it to perform in an altered state, it is not happy. Prices, promotional offers, and product availability subject to change at any time, without notice. An Oscillating Sprinkler is a very efficient irrigation device. But it does seem crazy that oscillators cost so much with no guarantee of satisfactory performance.
This sprinkler uses a three-stage planetary gear system! We invite you to come garden with us, and join the gardeners around the world who rely on our exciting, innovative products to help with growing the yard of their dreams. Assembling the oscillating sprinkler by hand and connecting a hose takes just a few steps. 4.60 Call the manufacturer if you need to. If it will not operate at the low level you need for a particular small garden area, then an oscillating sprinkler may not be the best choice, or you might try a different brand. 13 metres. Features & Benefits A follow-up article will evaluate different models with performance reviews, plus tips for adjusting them. For every minute an oscillating sprinkler operates, any particular spot of ground is only being watered for about 5-10 seconds, depending on how you set the pattern. An alternate approach for hillside watering: set the oscillator only at the top and bottom of the slope, on level ground, and set the pattern accordingly to get the proper coverage. process of trial & error that may help you get longer life and more 5.20 Everything fits together perfectly and remains watertight. How many times do you get to be a Bully, before the gears give up? Unlike other common type sprinklers, portable or in-ground, an oscillating sprinkler (and rotors) must run longer to provide sufficient irrigation. Check out the selection of these oscillating sprinklers at Amazon, read the reviews, and keep in mind some of the issues we addressed above. This makes the expensive ones seem like the wiser purchase, better than buying 2 cheaper ones. [Side Note: be sure that the sprinkler is not gushing water from the hose connection point. I suspect that the problem again is having such low tolerance on the gear specifications. Support is just an email or phone call away. It can be removed so that you can clean it off easily under a tap. Additional oversized freight charges may apply to some items. Every time you reject this advice, remind yourself that the shortcut is costing you money. Moving parts within these sprinklers are problematic. Product Width (in.) Fitting the spray to each garden area is not really a bother, it's smart! Submit a warranty claim quickly and easily - right online, 24/7! The Original GARDENA System is the basis for garden irrigation with over 50 years of experience.
For more information, check out the links on the next page. This affects the consistency of the water. This offer applies to the 48 contiguous U.S. states only. One way to do it would be to use a small electric motor. Regardless of the brand or the price, they quit oscillating soon or sooner. Copyright 2022 Ray Padula Holdings, LLC. Submit a warranty claim right online, 24/7! When the sprinkler sank down in dense grass or was on bulky ground cover or uneven mulch, it did not rotate. Yet many gardeners complain that these sprinklers are unreliable and bothersome. If you cut open the body of the sprinkler, you can see that this is exactly how the sprinkler works. Move only the adjusting levers. In addition to performance issues, some of them are difficult to adjust to the pattern needed. You might as well use it in the same way that a hydro-electric dam uses water to spin its turbines. Rain Makers: How to choose the best sprinkler for your yard, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. International customers will incur additional charges. In any mechanical gizmo, moving parts will break, get stuck or fail to remain in proper alignment. Lost your manual? And an innovative drive design ensures that no gears will be stripped when the tube is twisted. Does it have the same effect on humans that it has on insects? Anything higher will need corrective measures. Any thing that has contact with the rotating bar or cylinder, or with the adjusting mechanism, is going to cause friction or outright interference. The nozzles of the Aqua S oscillating sprinkler continuously ensure even and highly precise lawn watering on areas of 90 to 220 m. Oscillating sprinklers look to be a rather simple device on the outside, but must be quite vulnerable inside. I learned a few things through my Two suggestions to work around this without getting wet while you fine-tune the settings: 1. Keep in mind as we go through this list, each model may vary, and so should your expectations. This design excels in reducing erosion or water run-off, since the ground has a chance to let the water soak in before the line returns to that spot. The old-fashioned rotating arm sprinkler is a good alternative. Product Height (in.) or create the perfect mechanism. A minor tilt should be ok, but more than 15-20 degrees off vertical is pushing it. 8.58 Were thrilled youre here. If the water level is too low, the distribution bar on an oscillating sprinkler may be unable to move at all, or it may move very slowly to the end of the cycle, then be unable to move past the pivot that sends it back in the opposite direction. PRO Thumb Control Ultra Heavy-Duty Metal 10-Pattern Hose Nozzle, 8-Pattern, 2-in-1 Turret and Spinning Sprinkler on Metal Decorative Base, Classic Metal Pulsating Sprinkler on Deluxe In-Series Metal Step Spike (2-Pack).