|
Most fan spray sprinklers are similar in design and method of adjustments, regardless of their manufacturer.
Because of these similarities, this instruction page will provide a single generalized set of instructions for adjusting fan spray sprinklers.
Special situations will be given at the bottom of this page.
|
OVERVIEW
Fan Spray lawn sprinklers consist of three main parts:
The nozzle, pop-up shaft , and main body (see fig. 1).
The Pop-up Shaft and Main Body:
The pop-up shaft and main body combine to provide the housing for the nozzle as well as the mechanism for raising and retracting the nozzle.
|
The Nozzle:
Essentially the nozzle is the sprinkler because the nozzle determines the spray pattern of the sprinkler.
The spray pattern of the nozzle is usually stamped on top of the nozzle (see fig. 2).
The pattern code usually consists of a number and a letter(s).
The number indicates the series of nozzle which usually indicates the maximum distance of throw (radius) in feet.
The letter (or letters) indicate the spray pattern and usually follows this progression:
Q=1/4 circle (90°)
T=1/3 circle (120°)
H=1/2 circle (180°)
TT=2/3 circle (240°)
TQ=3/4 circle (270°)
F=full circle (360°)
All other number/letter combinations are most likely special nozzles and/or patterns and will be discussed below.
In most cases the spray pattern is also indicated by a textured patteren around the edge of the top of the nozzle (see fig. 2).
|
ADJUSTMENTS
Spray Pattern:
In most cases, the nozzle determines the spray pattern (ie. the nozzle has a fixed, unadjustable spray pattern).
Therefore, the only way to change the overall pattern is to change the nozzle.
For example, if your fan spray sprinkler is currently throwing a quarter circle pattern (90°) and you want to increase the coverage to a third circle (120°) you will need to switch nozzles.
|
Direction of Spray Pattern:
If you simply want to change the position of the existing spray pattern you must physically rotate the entire sprinkler head (main body and all).
When you rotate the sprinkler keep in mind that you are rotating the sprinkler on the threaded fitting that connects the sprinkler to the pipe below.
Therefore, it is possible that excessive adjustments may cause you to overtighten the sprinkler on this fitting or completely unthread the sprinkler from this fitting.
Most newer fan spray models will have a ratcheting feature that makes Spray pattern positioning easier.
The ratcheting feature allows you to spin the pop-up shaft while holding main body still.
|
|
Distance of throw:
To adjust the distance of throw, use a small slotted screwdriver to turn the silver "radius adjustment" screw located in the center of the top of the nozzle (see fig. 2).
This screw decreases the distance of throw by restricting the flow of water.
It is possible on most manufacturers' nozzles to completely turn off the water flow.
If water flow is completely shut off the sprinkler will still pop-up and down and will leak a little water from time to time.
If you have a sprinkler system in a northern climate and you "blow-out" you system for winterization, you will need to re-open these nozzles before winterizing.
|
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Adjustable Nozzles:
There are a few fan spray sprinkler nozzles that have adjustable spray patterns.
These nozzles are usually adjustable from 0°-360° of arc.
Rectangular Patterns:
There are several nozzles available that spray a (roughly) rectangular pattern.
These can be divided into 3 types:
--Side Strip (SST): By far this is the most common rectangular nozzle and is usually abbreviated SST.
In this case the sprinkler is located on the edge of the rectangle; specifically at the middle of the long side.
For example, a 4' x 30' SST sprinkler is located at the middle of one of the 30' sides.
This sprinkler will throw 15' to the left, 15' to the right, and 4' straight out to form a 4' x 30' rectangle.
--End Strip (EST): In this case the sprinkler is located on the edge of the rectangle; specifically at the middle of the short side.
For example, a 4' x 15' EST sprinkler is located at the middle of one of the 4' sides.
This sprinkler will throw 2' to the left, 2' to the right, and 15' straight out to form the a 4' x 15' rectangle.
--Center Strip (CST): In this case the sprinkler is located in the geometric center of the rectangle.
For example, a 4' x 30' CST sprinkler is located at the geometric center of the rectangle.
This sprinkler will throw 15' to the left, 15' to the right, and 2' straight ahead, and 2' straight behind to form the a 4' x 30' rectangle.
|
©2003 Pioneer Midwest Inc.
|
