Adjusting a Rain Bird Rotor Head
In this blog, we will discuss the basics on how to adjust a Rain Bird Rotor, so your lawn will be happy and you’ll avoid wasting water.
Proper lawn maintenance requires a sprinkler system in tip-top condition. And a primary component of sprinkler system maintenance is keeping your rotors adjusted. Your rotors should be delivering head-to-head coverage. And also minimize the amount of water hitting sidewalks, streets or other hard surfaces.
Arc Adjustments for Rain Bird Rotors
Align Fixed LEFT Edge:
- Pull up turret and turn to the left trip point (counterclockwise). CAUTION: If while adjusting the rotor, it does not turn easily to the left, first turn it right (clockwise) to the right trip point.
- Rotate entire case to the desired fixed left position, OR unscrew cap and pull out assembly. Rotate internals to re-align left trip point to the desired adjustment point and re-install.
To Increase or Decrease the Arc:
- While holding the nozzle turret at the fixed LEFT stop, insert tool or screwdriver into the adjustment socket.
- Next, adjust the arc with a screwdriver:
- Turn the screwdriver clockwise, (+) to INCREASE arc.
- Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise, (-) to DECREASE arc.
- Each full clockwise turn of the screwdriver will add or remove 90 degrees of arc.
- When the maximum arc of 360 degrees or minimum arc of 40 degrees has been set, you will hear a ratcheting noise. Do not adjust the rotor beyond the maximum or minimum arc.
Rotor Radius Adjustment:
- Insert a screwdriver into the radius adjustment socket of the rotor.
- Turn the screwdriver clockwise to reduce radius, and counterclockwise to increase the radius.
Adjusting a Rain Bird rotor head is simple and ensures efficient water usage and proper lawn care. With these straightforward steps, you can fine-tune your sprinkler system in no time.
FAQs for How to Adjust a Rain Bird Rotor
How do I adjust the spray distance of my Rain Bird Rotor Head?
To adjust the spray distance, locate the radius adjustment screw at the top of the rotor head (often marked with a “+” and “-“). Using the Rain Bird adjustment tool, turn the screw clockwise to reduce the spray distance and counterclockwise to increase the spray distance. Be cautious not to overtighten, as this can damage the rotor.
How do I set the left start position of a Rain Bird rotor?
The left start position is preset and cannot be changed. For adjustments, rotate the entire sprinkler body by gripping and turning the housing to align the left start position to your desired area. Afterward, ensure the sprinkler is securely rethreaded into the riser or fitting after adjustment.
My Rain Bird rotor head isn't rotating correctly. What should I do?
If your Rain Bird rotor head isn’t rotating appropriately, first inspect for debris by removing the head and cleaning it thoroughly. If that doesn’t work, check if your system has sufficient water pressure. Lastly, it couldn’t hurt to check for damage. Look for cracks or worn-out components. If it looks damaged or worse for the wear, it’s time to replace the rotor.
