When it comes to keeping your landscape healthy while conserving water, understanding your sprinkler system is key. If you have a big yard or manage open spaces like parks or sports fields, rotor sprinkler heads might be your most efficient option.
What is a Rotor Head?
Rotor heads are sprinklers that rotate back and forth, spraying water in a sweeping motion. They work best in large areas and give out water more slowly than spray heads. They distribute about 0.5 to 1 inch of water per hour, which is about half the amount that spray heads emit. This helps avoid waste and gives the ground more time to absorb the water.
Two Main Types of Rotor Heads
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Gear-driven rotors: These turn smoothly and quietly
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Impact rotors (also called Maxi-Paws): These have a stream of water that is hit at rapid intervals by a swing arm, which creates a more stuttering pattern
What’s the Difference Between Gear-Driven and Impact Rotors?
Gear-Driven Rotors
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Spray up to 55 feet
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Quieter
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Require a Hunter adjustment tool or small screwdriver to adjust the spray direction or distance
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More likely to clog, especially with hard water
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Make smaller water droplets (not great for windy days)
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Spray is usually even and smooth
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Can overspray onto sidewalks or fences if not adjusted properly
Learn more: How to adjust Rain Bird heads and Hunter heads.
Impact Rotors (Maxi-Paws)
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Spray up to 150 feet
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Louder – make that familiar sprinkler noise
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Easy to adjust by hand (no tools needed)
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Less likely to clog – better for well water or older systems
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Make larger water droplets, which work better in the wind
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Slightly more expensive
Learn more: How to adjust a Maxi-Paw
Don’t Forget the Nozzle
Nozzles control how much water comes out and the angle it sprays.
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Colors usually match the sprinkler brand.
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Numbers on the nozzle show water flow in gallons per minute.
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Standard angle nozzles spray in a high arc — good for wide areas.
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Low angle nozzles spray in a flat line — better for slopes, small spots, and windy areas.
Learn more: How to choose the right nozzle
Get Help With Your Sprinklers
We offer free Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluations in partnership with local water providers and municipalities! A trained technician will check your system, help you make it more efficient, and show you how to save water, at no cost.
