6 Best Traveling Sprinklers For a Lush Lawn

As someone who takes great pride in maintaining a lush and healthy lawn, I know firsthand the importance of a good sprinkler system. However, not all sprinklers are created equal. When it comes to effectively and efficiently watering a large area, I have found that traveling sprinklers are the best option. These innovative devices move along a set path, ensuring that every inch of my lawn is evenly watered.

Over the years, I have tried a variety of traveling sprinklers, and I have compiled a list of the best options available on the market today. In this article, I will share my top picks for the best traveling sprinklers, along with the features that make them stand out from the rest.

A Quick Glance At Our 6 Best Traveling Sprinklers

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES PRICE
Best Overall
Nelson Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain
  • Cast iron body with chip resistant
  • Adjustable aluminum spray arms
  • Automatic shut-off system
  • Covers large area up to 13,500 sq. ft.
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Best Value
Orbit 58322 Traveling Lawn Sprinkler
  • Cast iron construction give stability and durability
  • 3 position speed control
  • Automatic shut-off system
  • Rotary spray for healthy coverage
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Top Pick
Melnor 4501 Traveling Sprinkler
  • Cast iron structure with high traction wheels
  • Leak free seal
  • Automatic shut off system
  • Coverage up to 13,500 sq. ft.
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Premium Pick
Nelson 1865 Rain Train Traveling Sprinkler
  • Cast iron construction
  • Adjustable aluminum arms
  • Travels up to 200 ft.
  • Durable brass hose connection
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Best Wheeled
Watex WX044 Traveling Sprinkler
  • Durable construction, self-propelled sprinkler
  • 20-120 PSI water coverage
  • Automatic shut-off system
  • Water coverage up to 13,500 sq. ft.
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Best Impact
Orbit 56186N Brass Impact Traveling Sprinkler
  • Made up of high quality brass
  • Anti-backsplash arms for continuous performance
  • Adjustable settings
  • Covers up to 6,361 sq. ft. of area
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Nelson Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain

Best Overall
9.8/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Cast iron body with chip resistant
  • Adjustable aluminum spray arms
  • Automatic shut-off system
  • Three speed settings
  • Travels up to 200 ft.

Pros

  • Covers large area up to 13,500 sq. ft.
  • Coverage range from 15-55 ft. diameter
  • Prevent water waste
  • Powder coat paint

Cons

  • Make sure the sprinkler arms are on tight to ensure correct function

As an avid gardener, I have been using the Nelson Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain for several months now, and I am thoroughly impressed with its performance. This innovative lawn sprinkler system is an excellent addition to any lawn care arsenal, offering convenience and efficiency in watering your lawn and garden.

The Nelson Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain is incredibly easy to set up and use. All you have to do is attach it to your garden hose and adjust the spray arm to your desired coverage area. The sprinkler system then moves around your lawn on its own, thanks to its self-propelled design, making it a hassle-free solution for watering your lawn.

One of the standout features of this sprinkler system is its ability to cover a large area, up to 13,500 square feet. This is especially useful for those with a larger lawn or garden, as it saves time and effort from having to manually move a stationary sprinkler around the yard.

The adjustable spray arm with a range of up to 55 feet is another impressive feature, allowing you to water specific areas or entire sections of your lawn with ease. The RainTrain can also travel at a speed of up to 37 feet per hour, ensuring that your lawn receives the right amount of water without over-saturating or missing any spots.

The automatic shut-off feature is another added convenience, ensuring that the sprinkler system stops watering when it reaches the end of its path. This saves water and prevents over-watering, making it an eco-friendly option for lawn care.

While the Nelson Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain is an excellent product, there are a few minor drawbacks. The system may not work well on uneven or sloping terrain, and it may take some time to find the right settings for your lawn’s specific needs. However, these are minor issues that do not detract from the overall effectiveness of the product.

I highly recommend the Nelson Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain for anyone looking for a convenient and efficient solution for watering their lawn or garden. Its self-propelled design, large coverage area, adjustable spray arm, and automatic shut-off feature make it an excellent investment for any home gardener.


Orbit 58322 Best Traveling Lawn Sprinkler

Best Value
9.6/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Cast iron construction give stability and durability
  • 3 position speed control
  • Automatic shut-off system
  • Adjustable spray coverage
  • Self-propelled sprinkler
Pros
  • Best for watering large areas
  • Travels along any hose path created
  • Rotary spray for healthy coverage
  • Spiked rare wheels
Cons
  • Plastic gear in the gearbox
  • Weight a lot

The Orbit 58322 Traveling Lawn Sprinkler is an exceptional product that every homeowner should have in their arsenal. This innovative sprinkler is designed to make watering your lawn easier and more efficient. It is specially crafted to provide maximum coverage and ensure that every inch of your lawn is watered to perfection. As a user of the product, I can say with confidence that it is the best traveling lawn sprinkler on the market today. In this review, I will be highlighting the features that make the Orbit 58322 Traveling Lawn Sprinkler stand out from its competitors.

Coverage

One of the most impressive features of this sprinkler is its coverage. The Orbit 58322 can cover an area of up to 13,500 square feet, making it ideal for larger lawns. It is designed to move along a preset path, which can be adjusted to suit your needs. This ensures that every inch of your lawn is watered evenly, without any missed spots. The sprinkler head can also be adjusted to control the distance and direction of the water, making it easy to customize the coverage to suit your lawn’s specific needs.

Durability

The Orbit 58322 Traveling Lawn Sprinkler is built to last. It is constructed from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. The sprinkler is made from cast iron, which makes it extremely durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. The wheels are also made from heavy-duty materials, ensuring that they can handle rough terrain without breaking or cracking.

Ease of Use

Using the Orbit 58322 Traveling Lawn Sprinkler is a breeze. The sprinkler is designed to be self-propelling, meaning that you don’t have to worry about manually moving it around your lawn. Simply set the path and let the sprinkler do the rest. The sprinkler also comes with an automatic shut-off feature, which means that it will stop watering your lawn once it has completed its preset path.

Water Efficiency

The Orbit 58322 Traveling Lawn Sprinkler is designed to be water-efficient. It uses a rotating spray arm to distribute water evenly across your lawn, reducing the amount of water wasted due to overspray or runoff. The sprinkler head can also be adjusted to control the distance and direction of the water, making it easy to ensure that water is only applied where it is needed.


Best Tractor Sprinkler: Melnor Traveling Sprinkler

TOP PICK
9.9/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Cast iron structure with high traction wheels
  • Leak free seal
  • Adjustable speed control
  • Automatic shut off system
  • Adjustable spray arms

Pros

  • Coverage up to 13,500 sq. ft.
  • Self-propelled sprinkler follows the path
  • Rotary spray for even coverage
  • Conserve water

Cons

  • Do not expect it to pull 200 feet of hose as it can stop the Melnor working

Melnor 4501 traveling sprinkler comes with high traction wheels to ensure that it keeps going regardless of whether that is up a hill or across boggy and stony terrain. The self-propel sprinkler covers up to 13,500 sq. ft. of the area and sprays diameter up to 15-55 ft.

If you want a large spray all you need to do is face up to give the water a wide path. But if you want to reduce the distance the water travels, simply turn them down toward the ground. And if you have a narrower garden or want to water your path set it to neutral.

The automatic stop feature turns itself off and conserves the water.

You can easily adjust the diameter of the water spray. Variable speed settings ensure that you don’t get your garden over-saturated. All-terrain wheels make sure the Melnor keeps going for longer periods. Sprinkler to do exactly with garden size and will continue to work until the job is done.

The extra washers with the sprinkler keep the seal leak-free. And you will get consistent spraying for longer periods.


Nelson Rain Traveling Lawn Sprinkler

Premium Pick
9.7/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Cast iron construction
  • Adjustable aluminum arms
  • Auto shut-off system
  • Adjustable spray pattern
  • Durable brass hose connection

Pros

  • Ideal for large lawn
  • Travels up to 200 ft.
  • Compatible with high & low water pressure
  • Rust resistant construction

Cons

  • This unit is a bit pricey
  • Some parts are plastic

The Nelson Rain Train Traveling Lawn Sprinkler is a self-propelled sprinkler that can cover up to 13,500 square feet of lawn. It is powered by the water pressure from your garden hose and moves along a custom path you lay out using the adjustable spray arms. This sprinkler also has an automatic shutoff feature that stops water flow once it reaches the end of its path, making it convenient and easy to use.

Why We Prefer This Product:

One of the main reasons we prefer this sprinkler is its coverage area. This sprinkler can cover a large area of lawn, saving you time and effort compared to traditional sprinklers. It is also easy to use and requires no additional power source, making it a cost-effective option.

Features:

This sprinkler comes with several features that make it stand out from the competition. Its automatic shutoff feature ensures that water is not wasted, while its adjustable spray arms allow you to customize the sprinkler’s path to fit your lawn’s unique shape. Additionally, the sprinkler’s wheels are made of durable materials, ensuring longevity and ease of use.

In addition to its core features, the Nelson Rain Train Traveling Lawn Sprinkler also has some additional features that enhance its usability. For instance, its spray arms can be adjusted for distance and angle, and it can travel at a speed of up to 200 feet per hour, ensuring that your lawn receives even coverage. Additionally, its rust-resistant construction ensures that it will last for years, even with frequent use.

Warranty & Service:

The Nelson Rain Train Traveling Lawn Sprinkler comes with a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring you can enjoy your sprinkler for years without worrying about defects or malfunctions. Additionally, the manufacturer provides excellent customer service and support, ensuring that any issues or concerns you have are promptly addressed.

Other User’s Opinion:

Many other users of the Nelson Rain Train Traveling Lawn Sprinkler have praised its performance, ease of use, and durability. They have also noted its ability to cover large areas of lawn efficiently and evenly, making it a reliable choice for homeowners with large lawns.

Overall, the Nelson Rain Train Traveling Lawn Sprinkler is an excellent choice for homeowners who want an efficient, cost-effective, and easy-to-use sprinkler for their lawn. With its adjustable spray arms, automatic shutoff feature, and durable construction, it is an investment that will pay off in the long run.


Best Wheeled Sprinkler: Watex Traveling Sprinkler

Best Wheeled
9.6/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Durable construction, self-propelled sprinkler
  • 20-120 PSI water coverage
  • Automatic shut-off system
  • Durable wheels add durability
  • 2 speed gearbox

Pros

  • Sprinkler holes has tiny holes
  • Water coverage up to 13,500 sq. ft.
  • Perfect for large lawns & gardens
  • Shut of ramp

Cons

  • The Watex will work better with a medium gauge hose
  • Moderately expensive

Watex WX44 is a combination of a traveling sprinkler and a 50 ft. hose. The durable metal construction self-propelled sprinkler is perfect for large lawns because it covers a maximum of 13,500 sq. ft. of area.  

Most water sprinklers need a high level of pressure to travel across your lawn. The Watex will work even in the lowest pressure areas ensuring that the lawn gets much-needed water. The water will travel up to 13,500 sq. ft. of the area and you can change the path of the water results covering most of your lawn.

If your water pressure is high, the Watex traveling sprinkler will move faster than an area with low. The product with a medium-weight hose will pull up a gentle slope and the chances of becoming bogged down are limited.

The sprinkler works best on recommended pressure from 20-120 PSI. And connect easily with the standard garden hose. The automatic shut-off system stops working when it reaches the predetermined area. The sprinkler hose has tiny holes that provide an even spray of a strip-style watering pattern.


Orbit Brass Impact Traveling Sprinkler

Best Impact
9.4/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Made up of high quality brass
  • Adjustable coverage size
  • Adjustable settings
  • Anti-backsplash arms for continuous performance
  • Clog/debris resistant

Pros

  • Covers up to 6,361 sq. ft. of area
  • Consistent spray patterns
  • Easy position adjustment
  • Deflector shield for spray adjustment

Cons

  • Not to use with hot water

The Orbit impact sprinkler is made up of heavy-duty brass construction that made it stable and durable for high water pressure and severe weather conditions and also saves it from breaking. The wheeled sprinkler covers up to 6,361 sq. ft. sprays up to 90 ft. in diameter, and gives full coverage of 360°.

The sprinkler head is clog-resistant that ensures a consistent flow of water for a longer period. Also, you can easily change the spray distance and stream through a deflector shield and diffuser screw. The spray radius can be sprayed from 22-45 ft. The diffuser screw breaks the water stream into small and large droplets.

The traveling sprinkler can be used with secondary water such as water from ponds and canals. For consistent spray in the desired direction, the sprinkler has anti-backsplash arms. The sprinkler wheel can be positioned easily tipping or getting stuck. You can also expand the water area by connecting multiple sprinklers.


Best Traveling Sprinkler Buyer’s Guide

Best Traveling Sprinkler Guide

Things Our Experts Consider When Testing the Best Traveling Sprinkler

Coverage size, hardware quality, and transmission setting are some of the things you should consider for purchasing the right model. Some of the elements you should consider are;

Coverage Size

Traveling sprinklers are perfect for watering more significant areas. They have great coverage of up to 13,500 sq. ft. But if you have an extra-large area to water, buy an additional model to cover every inch of your lawn.   

Transmission Setting

There are three customizable settings options in traveling sprinklers. You can increase the speed of watering less. Decrease the speed for watering more. And neutral for targeting a specific area of your lawn. This means you have great options and adjust settings according to the job requirements.

Construction

It is also important to consider the construction of traveling sprinklers when purchasing. The traveling sprinklers are made up of plastic and metal. Some of the models also contain cast iron and zinc material. Plastic sprinkler quality may vary from durable to heavy and fade-resistant. Metal sprinklers are more durable than plastic sprinklers. Rust-resistant and stainless steel sprinklers are perfect for spraying more stably.

The traveling sprinkler models listed above are constructed of quality materials that make them durable and stable for longer periods.

Automatic Shut-Off System

The traveling sprinklers shut-off feature makes it more valuable. When the sprinkler reaches its predetermined point, the shut-off system automatically stops spraying water. This means, there is no loss of water and money. And your plants and lawn will not get extra water.

Adjustable Arms

Arms on the traveling sprinklers work as a source of water. The arms constructed of aluminum are considered more durable, because they are rust-proof and last season after season.

Spraying Pattern

The traveling sprinklers can be adjusted for the desired spray pattern in your garden. Most of the traveling sprinklers can be adjusted to 360° for covering a larger area of your lawn. But if you want to water a specific part or water narrow beds, you can adjust accordingly.

Water Pressure

If your home water pressure is high, consider a sprinkler that is opted for high water pressure. Remember, purchase a model that is compatible with your home water pressure for maximum results.

Water Conservation

The automatic shut-off system in traveling sprinklers conserves water for you. The sprinkler when it’s a predetermined place, the automatic shut-off system stops spraying water. And you should consider it.

Other Features

Other features to consider are;

  • Anti-clog feature
  • Rust-proof
  • Leak-proof
  • Warranty
  • Price

Read: Best Oscillating Sprinkler for Lawn

Reasons to Buy the Traveling Sprinkler

  1. Traveling sprinklers allows you to adjust the speed and flow rate. It makes sure that your lawns will get even watering. And no part will get less or excess watering.
  2. Traveling sprinklers allows you to regulate the flow of water. Also, you can adjust the spray distance and spray pattern for better results.
  3.  Using the traveling sprinkler is easy. You just need to adjust the pressure, connect the hose with the sprinkler, and set the direction.
  4. The traveling sprinklers are compatible with the standard garden hose. And you don’t need to buy additional for spraying water.
  5. Traveling sprinklers are driven by the force of motion from the hose and do not require gas or electricity. It means they are environmentally friendly.

FAQs

How Do Traveling Sprinklers Work?

The traveling sprinklers work by the force of water in the hose. The motion in the drive the gear spin, and the wheels start moving.

The water comes in and it’s come out of the nozzles. The pressure of the water forces it to turn in a clockwise direction that causes the gearing mechanism inside turn in the correct orientation which drives this tractor forward. And it happens very slowly anywhere from 21-30 ft. per hour.

How to Use a Traveling Sprinkler?

  • First, connect the arms and tight them. Make sure, the arms are up and not touching the base and slop.
  • Then attach the garden hose to the sprinkler. You can attach any standard garden hose. And connect the hose with the water source.
  • Adjust the speed, direction, and spray pattern according to the requirements.
  • For watering a wider part of your lawn, set the sprinkler arms up. Make sure, the hose does not kink when near the hose end.

What is the Water Efficiency of Traveling Sprinklers?

Traveling sprinklers are very water-efficient and ensure a consistent flow of water for longer periods of time. Moreover, the traveling sprinklers are ideal for watering large areas. This means you don’t want to water your lawn manually and save and your time money.

Moreover, its automatic shut-off system stops spraying water when the sprinkler reached its predetermined point.

Final Verdict

The best traveling sprinkler is the one that suits your needs, whether you’re looking for a portable unit or something more robust. We hope this article provided some insight into what to consider when buying and how to make an informed decision.

Nelson Traveling Sprinkler is the best overall. The Sprinkler has durable cast iron construction, an automatic shut-off system, and an aluminum spray arm, and can cover up to 13,500 sq. ft. of area.

Reference

https://home.howstuffworks.com/traveling-sprinkler.htm

https://ijabe.org/index.php/ijabe/article/view/3557

Lauren Nawrocki
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Lauren Nawrocki is a skilled and knowledgeable lawn and garden tool expert with 7 years of experience in the industry. She has developed a deep understanding of the products and services offered in the industry and has a proven track record of success in providing exceptional customer service and sales support. Read more