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Think green patch of grass that’ll make your neighbors envious?
You might need to invest in a better lawn sprinkler.
Here, our buyer’s guide walks you through the basics and helps you find the best oscillating sprinkler system, perfect for watering larger areas.
The health of your lawn relies on water. While it’s possible to use a hose, you may not be able to cover all parts of your lawn.
On the other hand, oscillating lawn sprinklers can provide more effective width and length control, ensuring better water distribution.
Oscillating sprinklers make lawn maintenance easier by evenly spreading water on your grass. They are equipped with functions to adjust the width and length of spraying coverage, fulfilling your watering requirements.
When it comes to finding a lawn sprinkler that’s right for you, there are plenty of models to choose from, each having its own pros and cons.
That’s why we compared and evaluated 20 of the latest oscillating sprinklers system to put together this list of the 5 of the best oscillating sprinklers for your lawn.
Related post: Top 5 Best Wheelbarrows For Lawn and Yard Work
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Oscillating Sprinklers – Reviews & Buying guide for 2024
- 1.1 1. Best Oscillating Sprinkler With Timer – Melnor XT Turbo With TwinTouch Width & Flow Control
- 1.2 2. Best Oscillating Sprinkler For Small Area – GARDENA ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler On Weighted Sled Base
- 1.3 3. Best For Customizing Sprinkling Patterns – GreenGlow Rotating Lawn Sprinkler for Large Area Coverage
- 1.4 4. Most Durable Oscillating Sprinkler – Rainwave Turbo Gear Oscillating Sprinkler
- 1.5 5. Best Spike Oscillating Sprinkler – Gardena Oscillating Sprinkler on Metal Step Spike
- 2 Quick Comparison
- 3 Factors to Consider When Buying Oscillating Sprinkler
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions About Oscillating Sprinklers
- 4.1 Are oscillating sprinklers good?
- 4.2 What About Hose End Coupling?
- 4.3 Are Oscillating Sprinklers for Low Pressure or High-Pressure Water?
- 4.4 The Challenges Of Using Oscillating Sprinklers
- 4.5 What Happens When My Oscillating Sprinklers Are Poorly Controlled?
- 4.6 Troubleshooting Oscillating Sprinklers
- 4.7 How Many Oscillating Sprinklers Can I Put on a Zone?
- 4.8 Proper Way of Maintaining Oscillating Sprinklers
- 5 Final Verdict
Best Oscillating Sprinklers – Reviews & Buying guide for 2024
- Melnor XT Turbo With TwinTouch Width & Flow Control
- GrowGreen Sprinkler, Rotating Lawn Sprinkler,
- GARDENA ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler On Weighted Sled Base
- Rainwave RW-93000 Turbo Gear Oscillating Sprinkler
- Gardena 38124 ZoomMaxx
1. Best Oscillating Sprinkler With Timer – Melnor XT Turbo With TwinTouch Width & Flow Control
Editor’s #1 Choice
- 20 Precision rubber nozzles provide maximum coverage of a large lawn or...
- Built in mechanical timer lets you set how long you want to water, up to 2...
- Infinity turbo drive provides a smooth operation for even watering and...
Features
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 17.3 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 1.12 pounds
- Maximum Spray Width: 53 inches
- Maximum Spray Length: 3,200 square feet
- Maximum Range and Area Coverage: 3,900 square feet
- Maximum Pressure (PSI): 100
- Timer: Built-in timer
- Material: Plastic
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
If you’re looking for a oscillating sprinkler with timer The Melnor XT is the best model which is worth considering. The Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with TwinTouch Width Control & Flow Control has 20 precision rubber nozzles that can cover up to 4,200 square feet. Its nozzles are designed to be clog resistant even at high pressures.This model also has built-in flow control.
Due to its large volume tube, it can hold a maximum pressure of 100 PSI.Its durable turbo-drive motor doesn’t cause damaging puddling, thus ensuring the longevity of the product.
What we like best about this oscillating sprinkler is its 3-way adjustment feature that lets you shoot water exactly where you need.
It has TwinTouch adjusters that control the watering pattern’s range, encouraging precision watering on both large and narrow lawns.
Moreover, the Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler uses zoom control, which can be flexible for a small area or your whole lawn.
Its range control levers let you decrease the coverage from the maximum of 75 inches to only 15 inches. The levers also allow you to set the pattern at the center, right, or left.
Melnor has a patented one-touch system that allows you to adjust the width from its maximum of 53 inches to a minimum of 20 inches.
PROS
CONS
2. Best Oscillating Sprinkler For Small Area – GARDENA ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler On Weighted Sled Base
- Even watering: The rubber nozzles of the oscillating sprinkler continuously...
- Versatile: With 3 different adjustment options, alter the watering range...
- Super durable: While the high quality, German made materials protect the...
Features
- Dimensions: 1.5 x 3 x 11 inches
- Weight: 2.49 pounds
- Maximum Spray Width: 10 to 40 feet
- Maximum Spray Length: 10 to 60 feet
- Maximum Range and Area Coverage: 2,300 square feet
- Maximum Pressure (PSI): 80
- Timer: Not applicable; needs to buy a separate timer
- Material: High impact plastic and metal
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
The GARDENA ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler on Weighted Sled Base has fully adjustable controls for water flow, angle, direction, length, and width.
This compact oscillating sprinkler can cover a lawn up to 2,300 square feet.
It has 16 flexible rubber nozzles that ensure equal water distribution.
Consequently, you can get equal amounts of water throughout your target area without creating huge puddles of water.
Additionally, it has a large sled base, securing its stable operation.
A sealed turbo gear unit drives the oscillating action, which works exceptionally fine if your home has sufficient water pressure.
Therefore, this oscillating sprinkler for a lawn can constantly shoot water as far as 60 feet.
Furthermore, the GARDENA ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler was made using high-grade materials, making sure the product can survive the wear and tear caused by continuous use.
PROS
CONS
3. Best For Customizing Sprinkling Patterns – GreenGlow Rotating Lawn Sprinkler for Large Area Coverage
- ✅ STABLE, HASSLE-FREE - What makes our lawn sprinkler stand out are the...
- ✅ DURABLE, NO LEAKAGE - Made of premium ABS engineering plastic and...
- ✅ WIDE COVERAGE - Our lawn sprinkler system has multiple adjustable...
Features
- Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 4 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Maximum Spray Width: Circular
- Maximum Spray Length: 3,000+ square feet
- Maximum Range and Area Coverage: 3,000+ square feet
- Maximum Pressure (PSI): 80 PSI
- Timer: Not applicable; needs to buy a separate faucet timer
- Material: Sturdy plastic
- Warranty: One-year warranty
The GreenGlow Rotating Lawn Sprinkler is suitable for watering medium to large-sized lawns up to 3,000+ square feet.
This oscillating sprinkler sprays out 80 psi of water pressure.
Furthermore, it can be connected to a standard garden hose. The easy-to-use jet control dials boast precision control and produce a maximum water length of 3,000 square feet.
The main oscillating body spins 360 degrees around. With vertical and multi-angle nozzles to reach every spot of your lawn.
The nozzles on the sprinkler move effortlessly at low or high water pressure. The nozzle direction can also be adjustable to spray in any direction.
Lastly, this is a super simple sprinkler to set up. It connects directly to your regular garden hose and is ready to be used. It also has weights at the bottom of each leg so that any high pressure that comes through will not knock it over.
PROS
CONS
4. Most Durable Oscillating Sprinkler – Rainwave Turbo Gear Oscillating Sprinkler
- This RAINWAVE oscillating sprinkler
- Makes watering smoother and more efficient
- Constructed of heavy duty plastic material
Functions
- Dimensions: 18 x 7 x 3 inches
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Maximum Spray Width: 13 to 55 feet
- Maximum Spray Length: 3,200 square feet
- Maximum Range and Area Coverage: 3,700 square feet
- Maximum Pressure (PSI): 80 PSI
- Timer: Not applicable; needs to buy a separate timer
- Material: Heavy-duty plastic and aluminum
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
The Rainwave RW-93000 Turbo Gear Oscillating Sprinkler is armed with turbo gears, ensuring more efficient and smoother watering.
Its 18 precision brass nozzles can cover a lawn up to 3,200 square feet.
If you want an oscillating lawn sprinkler that has an aesthetically pleasing design, yet doesn’t sacrifice quality, then this model is right for you! It is lightweight, but won’t fall to the ground due to its stable base stand.
It has 18 precision brass nozzles, paving the way for quicker water distribution. This is the ideal number to ensure the oscillating sprinkler gives off controlled water.
You can also modify its pattern, length, and width using the red levers to ensure maximum area coverage within short intervals.
In addition, the Rainwave RW-93000 Turbo Gear Oscillating uses a two-tab adjustment system, which can angle, shrink, and enlarge the spray pattern.
The nozzles are made from brass, the body is a heavy-duty plastic, while the tube used aluminum engineering.
As a result, this oscillating sprinkler is rust-free and can last functionally for years.
PROS
CONS
5. Best Spike Oscillating Sprinkler – Gardena Oscillating Sprinkler on Metal Step Spike
- 5, 200 Square foot pulsating sprinkler on spike
- Ready to connect up with gardena system connector and end cap
- Several sprinklers can be installed in a row
Features
- Dimensions: 13 x 3 x 7 inches
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Maximum Spray Width: 3 to 12 meters
- Maximum Spray Length: 3 to 18 meters
- Maximum Range and Area Coverage: 5,200 square feet
- Maximum Pressure (PSI): 100 PSI
- Timer: Not applicable; needs to buy a separate timer
- Material: Plastic
- Warranty: 2 years
The Gardena Oscillating Sprinkler on Metal Step Spike has a radius of 5,200 square feet. It is equipped with a sealed turbo gear with a flow control dial.
Unlike other oscillating sprinklers that rest on top of your grass, the Gardena 38124 ZoomMaxx can be used in different ways due to its metal step spike that can be set firmly and vertically on your lawn.
This model’s head produces an equal spray pattern. It can even swivel in a vertical position. Moreover, you can control the spray’s width and range in a precise method.
You can customize the length and width of the 16 rubber nozzles, which won’t get clogged because of a mesh filter that traps sand and dirt particles.
Additionally, this oscillating sprinkler for a lawn is ideal for small and rectangular gardens. I would also recommend it for narrow and wide areas to avoid underwatering or overwatering.
It comes with a snap-on hose connector, which can be removed for normal hose connection.Because of its low pressure capacity, the model is more economically friendly and water conserving.
PROS
CONS
Quick Comparison
Based on the spray maximum length, area coverage, durability, features, and overall quality, we have found that the Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with TwinTouch Width Control & FlowControl is the best pick.
An oscillating sprinkler is a piece of portable equipment that sprays out a fan of water up to a certain range.
The maximum distance depends on the sprinkler’s size, though it is normally 20 x 30 feet in area. The metal arm should move back and forth at a fixed speed to thoroughly cover the lawn area.
Hence, the Melnor XT Turbo fulfills the basic requirements of a sprinkler.It can water a lawn up to 4,200 square feet due to its adjustable length and width.
With 20 precision rubber nozzles, it can distribute equal water to your zones even at high pressure of water.
However, if you think it is not apt for your requirements, we still have four oscillating lawn sprinklers that can compete with the features of the Milnor XT Turbo.
By the end of this article, you will surely be able to decide which oscillating sprinkler system is worth purchasing.
We’ve compiled the key details, advantages, and disadvantages to help you weigh which one you think is the best.
There are also tips to guide you buy the right oscillating sprinkler system. Then, you’ll get answers to some of the frequently asked questions about oscillating sprinklers.
Factors to Consider When Buying Oscillating Sprinkler
Size and Shape of Your Lawn
Oscillating sprinklers are the suitable option if you have a medium-sized rectangular lawn ranging between 1,500 to 4,000 square feet.
The Soil of Your Lawn
The depth of water infiltration should depend on the type of soil. Check this table to learn what oscillating sprinklers are suitable for your lawn’s type of soil.
| Soil Type | Depth of Inch Per Hour | Estimated Time for 1 Inch to Soak In |
|---|---|---|
| Clay | 0.2 | 5 hours |
| Clay Loam | 0.3 | 3.25 hours |
| Loam | 0.5 | 2 hours |
| Silt Loam | 0.4 | 2.25 hours |
| Sand | 2.0 | 0.5 hours |
| Sandy Loam | 1.0 | 1 hour |
Rotation Control
This is all about adjustability.
Oscillating sprinklers for a lawn should allow you to control the spray’s width, length, pressure.
An oscillating sprinkler with an adjustable head or sprinkler nozzles is more useful than a model with a stationary or limited head.
When you have better control, it will be more convenient to spread the water to the corners of your lawn.
A basic oscillating lawn sprinkler turns the water on and moves back and forth in a fixed pattern. Meanwhile, there are models built with dials, levers, or knobs used to control the water’s flow, length, and width.
Coverage Consistency and Traveling Speed
Are your oscillating sprinklers for a lawn discharge the same amount of water across the whole area, or will some spots get more soaked than others?
Most manufacturers reveal the range of the water’s arc, which tells you the maximum area you can cover from a stable location.
For example, some of the best oscillating sprinklers for a lawn have a traveling speed of 60 feet and cover as much as up to 5,000 square feet.
Maximum Pressure (PSI)
Water pressure defines how far apart heads of oscillating sprinklers for a lawn can be spaced to work efficiently. It is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI.
The advisable PSI for sprinklers is normally between 30 and 50. Use the lowest pressure reading when identifying the PSI of your oscillating sprinklers.
Durability
It is preferable that you buy lawn sprinklers that are robust. This is because of the equipment’s moving parts and frequent rotating action. Delicate oscillating systems break faster than stationary ones. Also, usually, when you are watering your lawn it is under the hot sun – durability will be key to a lasting sprinkler.
Easy to Use
If you want an effortless job, choose oscillating sprinklers for a lawn that has easy-to-use controls for length and width.
The controls should enable you to modify the watering pattern as well. Consider using larger levers or knobs that can be effortlessly clasped.
The controls should have evident markings that specify which way to maneuver them.
Material
Oscillating sprinklers for a lawn that are made out of metal are more likely to last longer but will be heavier and harder to move.
I suggest looking for a body that is made of cast-iron. It should also be resistant to rust and chip. Yet, there are oscillating sprinklers that are made using sturdy plastic.
Ideally, the connection points to the moving parts and the hose are made of metal.
The nozzle of oscillating sprinklers should either be metal or flexible, rubber-like material to prevent clogging.
Additionally, the nozzle needle is typically attached into the end of the sprinkler opposite the hose. Do not lose it, otherwise, the sprinkler won’t work.
Warranty
Most manufacturers give a 1 to 2-year limited warranty. If possible, buy oscillating sprinklers that already include a warranty in the package.
Brand
Consider brands that have proven the quality of their products. Gardena, Rainwave, Melnor, and Gilmour have all established their credibility as trusted gardening manufacturers because of their effective products.
Price
Usually, the price depends on the quality of lawn sprinklers. There are instances where cheap products are made of low quality, but not all expensive models use high-quality materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oscillating Sprinklers
Are oscillating sprinklers good?
A rectangular or square pattern enables you to provide water into corners.
Oscillating sprinklers have dependable coverage over most of a lawn area. Some can even modify the coverage area to some extent by regulating the water flow at the spigot.
Therefore, you can create a watering strategy depending on your lawn’s size and needs. Oscillating sprinklers save you time and the tedious work of watering an entire lawn. Can produce large water drops akin to heavy rain.
What About Hose End Coupling?
Do not forget that the connector between the hose and sprinkler is easy to clutch and not slippery. For stress-free use, go for larger couplings with knobs.
I suggest choosing lawn sprinkler that have a washer or strainer inside the connector to prevent debris from clogging the nozzles.
Most sprinklers have plastic coupling, but the threads on metal couplings are less likely to strip. Hence, it is also less likely to cause leakage.
Are Oscillating Sprinklers for Low Pressure or High-Pressure Water?
Oscillating sprinklers are suitable for both high pressure and low pressure water. Yet, a spray pattern normally doesn’t rely on a high pressure of water. In this way, you prevent the risk of overwatering.
The Challenges Of Using Oscillating Sprinklers
- Can be tougher to use if your lawn is round or constructed in a different shape.
- The moving mechanical parts could break or stuck.
- Oscillating sprinklers shoot water high in the air.
- Thus, the wind is likely to impact its effectiveness. The water can also be gone due to evaporation.
- There are models that release more water near the sprinkler than farther away, saturating the immediate area.
What Happens When My Oscillating Sprinklers Are Poorly Controlled?
Your oscillating sprinklers might create a puddle of water, inviting garden diseases. Water that remains on leaves can cause blights and fungal diseases.
Troubleshooting Oscillating Sprinklers
Check all controls such as batteries, plugs, extension cord, and remote control to ensure they are working correctly.
Check for any hindrances if your oscillating sprinkler is not completing a circle. There might be an obstruction in the holes that release water.
Similarly, check if any springs or screws should be corrected.
When your oscillating sprinkler is clogged, remove the hose and then use an air hose or a tube brush to clean the adapter and valve.
If you still think your sprinklers don’t work properly you can try these 4 different methods to water your lawn without a sprinkler system.
How Many Oscillating Sprinklers Can I Put on a Zone?
This should depend on the size of your lawn. You don’t need a large number of oscillating sprinklers to ensure optimal functionality.
Sometimes 2 or 3 oscillating sprinklers would do the trick. If you have smaller sprinklers, sometimes you can link them together to get more coverage.
Proper Way of Maintaining Oscillating Sprinklers
Some lawn sprinklers come with filters that prevent debris from damaging your nozzles.
Get rid of any blockages that may hinder your oscillating sprinklers from fully operating. It could be mulch, gravel, or weed.
Avoid misting because oscillating sprinklers are designed to effectively spray large amounts of water.
Use the adjustment features to maximize the capacity of your oscillating sprinklers while avoiding overworking them.
Check whether your oscillating sprinklers work best with high or low water pressure.
Final Verdict
If you don’t have a sprinkler system, oscillating sprinklers an alternative so that you can water even the farthest part of your lawn. Choose one that will let you customize the spraying width and length, as well as the pattern.
The Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler is the best choice if you want an adjustable sprinkler that can cover different lawn sizes. It has a large central tube that fills water, which then stabilizes the sprinklers while in operation.
If multifunctional and durability are deciding factors for you, the Gardena Oscillating Sprinkler on Metal Step Spike and the GARDENA ZoomMaxx are recommended.
Oscillating sprinklers for a lawn are great investments if you want a cost-effective assistant in keeping your grass green and healthy. Take note, choose the one from this list that will best fulfill your requirements.
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I operate a seasonal lawn maintenance business and have 20 years of experience with cool season grasses and coordinating labour for residential yards. I do a lot of work outside as well as writing, making films, equity investing, and overseas travel during the cold winter. Previous life as an architectural design intern.
