Are you one of those people who love gardening and enjoy the sight of a well-maintained lawn? Well, achieving such standards will require some effort on your part. However, since we are living in the 21st century, technology has made things easier for us.
Creative inventions such as a traveling sprinkler ensure that any work can be made easier. What exactly is a traveling sprinkler? This device stays in motion as it dissipates water from its overhead spray arms in a rotation motion. With this equipment, you do not have to move around watering every section of your lawn.
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5 Traveling Lawn Sprinklers Reviewed
- Nelson Raintrain Traveling Sprinkler – Top Pick
- Orbit 58322 Traveling Lawn Sprinkler – Runner-Up
- Watering Equipment Rain Train Traveling Sprinkler – Premium Option
- Watex WX44 Traveling Sprinkler
- John Deere Traveling Sprinkler
To this point, we have understood the concept of traveling sprinklers. In the next section, I will analyze some of the brands you can choose from.
1. Nelson Raintrain Traveling Sprinkler – Best Traveling Lawn Sprinkler
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Nelson Traveling Sprinkler is a brand that does not require much of an introduction to most people. It was among the first brands to introduce a traveling sprinkler into the market. The early entry has offered a considerable advantage of this brand. It has enabled it to produce one of the best traveling sprinklers characterized by innovative design features.
As the name suggests, it has been designed to water your lawn similarly to the rain. This is mainly due to the shape of its arms. One unique element of this sprinkler’s arms is that they can be adjusted to your preferred curve or even aligned to the water’s angle. These adjustments effectively enable it to throw water up to 50 feet. They also make it possible for the sprinkler to spray water-varying patterns depending on your preference. Based on other reviews I have read online, accuracy in terms of irrigation patterns should not be an issue when using this sprinkler. Its 3-speed setting enables it to control the intensity and distance of its sprays.
- It is made of strong iron that is powder-coated with chip-resistant yellow paint. This helps increase its lifespan while also making it aesthetically appealing
- It has a three-speed setting that helps you control the amount of water and distance of spraying
- The arms of this sprinkler are adjustable to the curve and angle of preference, depending on the pattern you want them to spray water
- With it being one of the oldest sprinkler models, you can easily access its spare parts
- Some customers consider them as very expensive
2. Orbit 58322 Traveling Sprinkler
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The whole idea of a traveling lawn sprinkler will fascinate with the continued inventions and improvement of gardening tools and equipment. Thanks to these innovations, you can now have your lawn effectively watered without the hassle of having to move your sprinkler around. While there are other brands of best traveling lawn sprinklers, Orbit 58322 is in a class of its own. Its added innovative features make it a popular choice among most gardeners.
The self-propelled Orbit traveling sprinkler is dependent on water pressure to propel itself along a predetermined path of a hose that the user has set to develop their customized watering system. For an optimum result, you are advised to always use a 5/8 inch hosepipe with this sprinkler. This diameter of the pipe facilitates enough pressure build-up to push water through the sprinkler while also propelling it along the set path.
While operating in the right conditions, the Orbit 58322 can move across a hose distance extending to 200 feet, which implies that it can irrigate an area of up to 13,500 square feet. The rotary spray system also facilitates the even distribution of water in the watered area. The essential things are that you can even change the distance your sprinkler sprays water by twisting each of the spray’s arm.
This adjustment can effectively change its range from 15 feet to about 50 feet. Another aspect worth mentioning is the fact that it features three-speed controls: high, neutral, and low-speed gears. These gears determine the speed the sprinkler travels per hour and the amount of water it sprays.
Another factor that contributes to the Orbit 58322 efficiency is the quality of materials used in making it. Cast iron is utilized in making this sprinkler. Among its main advantages is that it provides the right weight to maintain the sprinkler stable on the ground while also ensuring that it maintains the path of the hose without stopping. The Cast-iron has a strong coat of dark green color paint that makes it look attractive. Also, it enables it to remain resistant to all weather conditions while also preventing the cast iron from rusting.
- It is made from cast iron that helps increase its stability on the ground and facilitate its movement
- The sprinkler features a three-speed control with the high-speed setting enabling it to travel at 37 feet per hour
- You can use the ramp stop to facilitate its automatic shutoff
- You can twist the spray arms to enable it to spray water to a longer distance
- It is not ideal for smaller lawns
3. Watering Equipment Rain Train Traveling Sprinkler
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This is one of the simplest models of a traveling sprinkler. All that is required of you is to lay your hose in the pattern you want to water the lawn. This product from Raintrain traveling sprinkler reviews will effortlessly travel through that path while watering your lawn. Professionals suggest that this product is capable of watering an area extending to 13,500 square feet. However, they are keen to note that for more improved performance, it is advisable to use it at a distance of 11,900 square feet. They also advise on using a hose with a diameter of about 5/8 inches. The idea is to ensure that the sprinkler has enough pressure to propel it and spray water to desirable distances.
Similar to Nelson 1865, this sprinkler has adjustable sprinkler arms. This enables the user to tune them to different angles with a view of regulating the pattern of water spraying. These adjustments also make them efficient as they can throw water for a radius ranging from 15 to 56 feet. This range is also influenced by the speed it is operating on. The two-speed control setting enables you to alternate between high and low speeds. This adjustment depends on the distance and accuracy of the water spray you intend to achieve.
- It is made of quality long-lasting cast iron that has been powder coated to protect it from poor weather conditions and rust
- The sprinkler arms can be adjusted to regulate their spray patterns
- It has been fitted with an automatic shut-off ramp system
- It only seems to work efficiently with a hosepipe that has a diameter of 5/8 inches
4. Watex WX44 Traveling Sprinkler – Affordable Traveling Irrigation Sprinkler
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Watex WX44 is also among the best traveling sprinklers that you can rely on for watering, even the extra-large lawns such as golf fields. Similar to the Orbit 58322, its body is made using heavy-duty cast iron. The reason behind the use of this material is to ensure that it can last longer. It also guarantees that the remains firmly held to the ground to avoid toppling off. The sprinkle is also self-propelled. It mainly relies on the water pressure to stimulate the internal transmissions that will, in turn, make the wheels turn. It has also been made using a lightweight design. Its feature ensures that the sprinkler can negate corners at ease.
Another notable feature in the Watex WX44 sprinkler is the fact that it has a two-speed gear control. This helps you regulate the amount of water it sprays, and the distance sprayed. On average, the sprinkler is capable of pushing water up to a distance of 11,900 square feet. Adjusting the arms of this sprinkler will enable it to spray water to a radius of up to 45 feet. It has also been fitted with the innovative shut-off ramps. This feature will help in automatically cutting off the water supply while also shutting off the sprinkler when the need arises.
- It is reliable for watering extra-large lawns
- It has been made with a lightweight design for efficient movement around corners
- It has also been fitted with an automatic shut off feature
- It can be bought as a complete set, including the hose
- It has great innovative features, yet it’s affordable
- It includes many plastic components that make it less durable
5. John Deere Traveling Sprinkler Review (Currently Unavailable)
Try this instead:
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I have to admit I love how the brand imitates a toy model tractor. Everything from its shape to exhaust pipe, and even the engine compartment. For one, you can be sure that your kids will find the fun in helping you set it up. Another aspect they have imitated a model tractor is the large rear wheels. While the wheels look aesthetically appealing with their yellow color, they do more than being beautiful. They are responsible for maintaining the stability of the sprinkler, especially when moving on wet surfaces.
Another aspect that makes it rank among the best traveling sprinklers is the shutoff ramp. In certain instances, you may be using this sprinkler while performing other functions, such as restoring your lawn. Therefore, you will need the sprinkler to water the soil and then plant the grass so that you can water again. In such a scenario, the shutoff ramp will be useful because it will help the sprinkler to stop at your preferred point and also automatically end spraying water.
In terms of functionality, this one of the best traveling sprinklers is capable of spraying water within an area of 13,500 square feet. The body has been made from the strong and lasting die-cast zinc. It is further coated with a sleek green paint that helps protect it from rust and other harsh weather elements. It is important to inform you that a product is currently unavailable for purchase.
- It has a unique tractor model design
- It has been made to last longer with the body being made of die-cast zinc
- It has been fitted with a practical shutoff ramp
- The sleek green color makes it look appealing and prevents it from rusting
- The release of this model has been suspended for a while
Importance of a Traveling Sprinkler
One reason why you need to consider a traveling sprinkler (or tractor sprinkler) over the traditional one is that it will not require your effort once you set it up. Therefore, if you are one of those people who dislike moving around when watering gardens or lawns, this is something you should consider.
Additionally, if you have a large lawn or garden, a traveling sprinkler will come in handy because it can cover almost the entire area of it, depending on the way you angle its arms. Similarly, a traveling sprinkler is quite useful to people who have unconventionally shaped lawns or gardens. For example, if you have a lawn that has obstacles and contours, get yourself the best tractor sprinkler. Designed with wheels and a chassis, it can maneuver through various garden terrain.
The best traveling sprinkler will also ensure an even distribution of water across your garden or lawn. This is because it depends on waterpower to push its gears and turn its wheels. Thus, you are unlikely to have sections of your garden that look neglected or less watered. A traveling sprinkler is also useful during the summer when temperatures are raging high. You can use it to entertain and even cool your family on such days. These sprinklers are quite fun to watch.
An additional benefit of tractor sprinklers is their variety which helps in maximizing your property’s value. By variety I mean that you can compare different types and features of each before settling on the best traveling sprinkler. Regarding maximizing your property’s value, I mean that it shows how much effort you have put into maintaining a fresh and healthy garden.
So, if you were to sell such property at some point, you can be certain that the garden or lawn will help in demonstrating this value. Moreover, with a traveling sprinkler, you can brag about being up-to-date with the latest gardening technologies.
How a Traveling Sprinkler Works
A traveling sprinkler has various parts, for example, sprinkler arm assembly, wheels, and a hose connection. Other components include a ramp and a worm gear. Opening the traveling sprinkler causes the pressure to drive water into the hose. The water inside the sprinkler then flows through a pipe inside it and gets out through the arms. The gushing of water out of the sprinkler causes a buildup of force on the arms. Since they are curved, this force thrusts out water at an angle. They are also designed with a bent located towards the reverse directions. As such, the force that acts on both of them does so in a rotational power.
The sprinkler arms are joined to a worm gear. It is made of plastic and is located inside the tractor body. When the arms start spinning, they cause worm gear to rotate, and this, in turn, leads to transmission. The typical traveling sprinkler design comprises the high, low, and neutral speed settings. You choose any of these options depending on your watering needs. As for the neutral speed setting, you only engage it for stationary watering. It is important to note that the number of transmission settings may differ from one sprinkler to another.
Once the traveling sprinkler gets to the final stretch of its path, it sets in motion an automatic shut-off setting. The simplest traveling sprinkler designs have a small ramp that acts as the shut-off trigger. On reaching this tamp, the back wheels of the sprinkler revolve around it while the front wheel goes over it. A plunger located at the sprinkler’s bottom is hit by the ramp when this happens, thereby preventing water from flowing into the sprinkler arms. When this happens, the traveling sprinkler automatically goes off.
Directions for Using a Traveling Sprinkler
The first step to using a traveling sprinkler is to put together its arms into the spray head and to tighten them into place. You should then point the sprinkler arms according to the watering requirements of your garden. To prevent the sprinklers from sticking, ensure that you tilt the arms up to prevent them from touching the base.
Secondly, take the water hose, attach it to your source of water, and point it out to the watering path of your choice. To avoid kinking, you should connect the hose’s end to the traveling sprinkler. Additionally, ensure that the turns are smooth and broad, to make sure that the sprinkler remains on track.
The next step is to select your desired transmission settings. For example, if you wish light watering, choose the high-speed setting. On the contrary, select the low-speed setting for thorough watering. If you want the sprinkler to focus on a single spot, choose the neutral speed setting. The last step is to turn off the sprinkler, once you are done watering your lawn.
Choosing the Best Traveling Sprinkler
To choose the best traveling sprinkler, you must consider a few things. One of them is the number of transmission settings that it has. A standard model has three settings: high, neutral, and low. If you need additional settings, you should consider buying one with more than these three modes. I, however, recommend that you settle on a traveling sprinkler with these three standard settings because it does a good job as well.
Another important consideration is the size of your garden before choosing the best traveling sprinkler. It is useful for people with lawns that have a terrain and many contours. This traveling sprinkler will also cover the ground uniformly without leaving some of the sections unwatered. Besides, you should consider the coverage area of the traveling sprinkler of your choice before paying for it. If your garden exceeds its coverage area, you should seek an alternative.
Your water conservation objectives are another consideration that you need to make before settling on a sprinkler. The best traveling sprinkler is one that is programmed to switch off itself once it has reached the end of its watering path. A healthy-looking lane is desirable, but there is no denying that your water bill will most likely rise. Therefore, it is necessary that you choose one that will dictate how much water comes out of the sprinkler arms. This kind of flexibility will ensure that you achieve your water conservation goals.
Ultimately, you need to consider a traveling sprinkler that fits your budget. The best traveling sprinkler is one that functions satisfactorily for you and gives value for money. Additionally, you should settle on a traveling sprinkler that is durable so that you will not keep spending on sprinklers so often.
Should You Buy a Traveling Sprinkler?
This is a personal decision that is entirely dependent on your situation. I would recommend that you consider buying one if you have a large garden or lawn, which has an unsymmetrical terrain. Also, if you dislike moving the ordinary sprinklers around every few minutes, a traveling sprinkler may be a perfect choice. The sun, especially during the hot season, can be intense, and such heat can easily damage your lawn in a few days. This is why you need the best traveling sprinkler to sustain a healthy-looking garden.
I hope these traveling sprinklers reviews have been insightful and could help you decide to buy that particular traveling water sprinkler that suits you. Have you ever used a traveling sprinkler before? Do you feel that I have left out the best traveling sprinkler you know about? What other considerations do you feel that other gardeners should make before buying a traveling sprinkler?
Thanks, I’ve just been looking for info approximately this subject for a long time and yours
is the best I have came upon till now. However, what about the bottom line?
Are you positive in regards to the supply?
Hi, Den!
Thanks for your comment!
Yes, my personal favorite is Rain Train traveling sprinkler for sure, I find it to be the best traveling sprinkler of them all. And as for the runner-up, I think it must be Watex WX44 traveling sprinkler.
My yard is not huge (¼ acre). But still getting full coverage always required moving a sprinkler a lot. As a result, some areas of my lawn were never properly watered — mostly because I was too lazy and sick of moving the stupid machine around all the time. When my old sprinkler died on me, I decided to do some research prior to buying the next one. So I read tons of reviews on traveling sprinklers online (including your post) and watched a bunch of YouTube videos. Being a lazy gardener kinda requires a lot of hard work and preparation lol And finally, I’ve found the best solution for my lazy approach to gardening. It’s Orbit 58322! It’s the best sprinkler I’ve ever owned. Definitely a lot better than having to go outside every 10 mins to move a sprinkler around. What a relief! Thanks for recommending this beautiful puppy!
I’ve recently bought the Orbit 58322 traveling lawn sprinkler mentioned in this article and it’s perfect for my large garden. I don’t usually take the time to review stuff on Amazon, but this machine is the best. It saves hours of moving other types of sprinklers and getting all wet doing it. Needs a little bit of practice, but once you learn how to use it, it works brilliantly well. Definitely waters my garden to perfection. Thanks for the lead guys! Regards, Brad.
Hi there Brad. Thank you for your comment. I’m glad that thanks to our lead, you have found the best traveling sprinkler for you. That’s exactly why we exist. If you need any assistance with the machine, you know where to find me. And I hope you’ve bookmarked Bumper Crop times to get back to us in the most convenient way possible. Have a great day. Best regards, Bryan.
Have been using Watex WX44 for over two months now, and this traveler sprinkler is exactly what I’ve been looking for. It resembles a toy tractor, so you will look approximately like Hulk when watering your lawn. Your male neighbors will sure want the same one haha Too bad it took me so long to buy this machine. It works great. And the manufacturer stands behind their product, which provides some peace of mind as well. Definitely recommend it.
Hey there Nathan and BeachGuy79. Me and Gretchen are delighted that you’ve found the right lawn sprinklers for your needs. I believe that our traveling lawn sprinkler reviews help lots of our readers save their time and money, and your comments are the living proof of that. If you need help or have any gardening-themed questions, feel free to get back to me asap. I’m always happy to help. Sincerely, Bryan.
Hello Gretchen. First of all, let me say that I follow your blog regularly, it helps me expand and enhance my home gardening skills greatly. Excellent post that finally answers my ‘how does a traveling sprinkler work’ question! Lol Yep I’m not good at traveling sprinklers, so your blog is a great help! Please keep up the good work guys! I’ve recently purchased a traveling sprinkler and now I’m wondering… What is the average life expectancy of a sprinkler’s system? Are there any ways to prolong it? Thank you in advance.
Dear Francesca,
Thank you for following our blog, it sure means a lot to me and my husband Bryan. We’re glad that Bumper Crop Times helps you improve your gardening skills, that’s exactly what we’ve created our blog for. Comments like yours inspire us to share more tips, more reviews, and more personal experience with our readers. This type of feedback truly melts my heart.
With regard to your question, I should say that a solid-quality system that has been installed correctly and receives regular maintenance twice a year usually lasts 20 years prior to requiring any expensive repairs. As for the sprinkler heads, they should last up to 15 years (if they’re high quality, that is).
Francesca, I hope that answers your question. You’re welcome to contact me whenever you have more gardening-related questions. I’ll get back to you with answers ASAP.
Good luck sprinkling!
Gretchen
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I
am waiting for your further post thank you once again.
Hi there! Great article! I especially liked the comparison table on the top. But what I did not find is the number of gallons every traveling sprinkler can spay per minute. Is this an important information? What do you think?
Hi, Susan! Thank you for your review. To tell the truth, I thought about it but decided not to include this factor in my review. Here is why: some sprinklers do not stipulate the gallons per minute, as this would be really subjective. The amount of water that they can pass depends primarily on speed, so it is a more important factor to know.
I want to thank you, Bryan, for your reviews! Every time I read them, I really get to know new information. And they look like they’re written by a professional. By the way, when I read this article for the first time, I did not even know that a traveling sprinkler existed. And today, I have purchased the one from your review. Keep doing your job!
Hi, Ross! Thank you a lot! And what traveling sprinkler you bought? How does it work?
I bought WATEX WX44 TRAVELING SPRINKLER. As I used it just a few times, it is hard to make a complete review, but for now, all works great!
Hi, Bryan! After reading your article, we decided to buy a traveling sprinkler. But there are still doubts. I want to buy the sprinkler with plastic details because it weighs less. And my husband is categorically against it because he thinks such sprinklers are of bad quality. What would you recommend?
Hello, Jane. It is true that plastic components make a sprinkler less durable. But, on the other hand, today, the sprinkler’s producers learn to make really high-quality plastic which will serve you long enough. Take a look at this model: Watex WX44 Traveling Sprinkler.
Brian thanks so much for all this great info. I do have one question however as our front yard is on a fairly steep slope. When we mow we have to mow side to side to keep from falling off the mower. Would the iron tractor have any problems in the yard do you think?
Thanks for your feedback!
A good metal tractor would get the job done just fine, I believe. Especially if you have a medium to extra large farm.
Generally speaking (I’ve already said that to Christine above), despite being somewhat on the heavier side, most metal units are built with extra durability in mind. A lot depends on a model, so make sure you opt for a reliable brand. The John Deere iron mower is among my personal favorites in this class of commercial tractors. A friend of mine is a farmer who owns this bad boy, so I’ve had a chance to test it. So far, he hasn’t had an issue with this tractor at all, even in bare sloppy spots. The beast just carries on right over them. This unit is made of heavy duty cast iron, and on the whole, it works like a pro. Very practical and worth every penny.
Don’t forget to watch a few YouTube videos on how to mow a steep hill with a tractor. Hope this helps.
Hi there! Bryan, could you please advise the best place for buying a lawn tractor sprinkler? And is it safe to purchase through the Internet?
Hi, Matt! Thanks for your question. Yes, buying through the Internet is completely safe. Moreover, you can order the delivery exactly to your home door. What about the place, I always purchased on Amazon, it is a reliable website with different delivery options. Click “Check the Price” button to know more.
Hello. Bryan, yesterday we bought John Deere 4010J after reading your review. But today we suddenly discovered that our hosepipe is too big for it. What is the diameter of the hosepipe we should buy to satisfy the requirements for this lawn tractor sprinkler?
Hi, Debbie. Thanks for your comment. On top of my article, I wrote that the optimum choice is to have a 5/8 inch hosepipe, but I really advise you to read the instructions that came with the sprinkler you buy. By the way, this model is a great choice! Hope you will be satisfied with it eventually.
Hi, Bryan! Thanks for your article, it was very useful for me. I have a quick question: how can I evaluate the amount of water and the distance of spraying? I want to buy a new traveling lawn sprinkler, but I can’t find this information in the product’s description. Thank you in advance!
Milton, thanks for your question! To evaluate the distance of spraying and the amount of water your new traveling lawn sprinkler can take, you need to find the speed parameter. I recommend you buy the item that has the minimum of two speed options.
Bryan, it may sound a little bit strange, but I can’t find the information whether the sprinklers in your review have an auto shut off option or not? For now, I’m trying to choose a new travelling sprinkler and it is very important for me.
Hello, Dina! Yes, I got you with that! Check the comparison table at the top of my review. Running a little ahead, all sprinklers have this option.
Thanks a lot! I missed this column 🙂
Hi, Bryan. I am looking for a sprinkler with a big area coverage. Could you please recommend one to me?
Anette, this decision is a bit tough. I can’t recommend the only one because, apart from the area of coverage, there are a lot of other different parameters. But I’d recommend you to take a look at the Nelson traveling sprinklers. Their coverage area starts from 13,5 sq.ft. Hope it will help you!
Bryan, I want to thank you for the review! Based on your recommendations, last week we purchased the raintrain traveling sprinkler. It is a solid system with metal details. In spite of the fact that this sprinkler is pretty heavy, we are very pleased with our purchase 🙂
Thanks for your feedback! Yes, metal sprinklers have a longer life and are more reliable than plastic ones, but they are heavy indeed.
Hello, Bryan! I want to buy a John Deere traveling sprinkler, but my wife said that it is a little bit too big and heavy. Could you please recommend something similar to this sprinkler but smaller in size and more lightweight?
John Deere traveling sprinkler is a great choice. But if you want something more lightweight, look at the Watex WX44 (number two in my review). Like John Deere’s sprinkler, it has two speeds and an auto shut off, but the smaller area of coverage.
Hello Bryan, Ive been using traveling sprinklers for over 40 years and have worn out a dozen or more watering 15,000 sq. ft weekly during the summer months. I started with the Nelson brand and switched to Orbit when they came out. Other than the casting shape and color they are twins using identical parts. Neither will last more than two or three years due to the plastic internal gears and gear lube reacting with the plastic case causing it to become brittle. Should the sprinkler jump the hose and run into an obstacle, the internal gears will strip. Your reviews are interesting but picking one over the other has to be based color preference.