You will find a lot of irrigation systems on the market, but Rain Bird and Hunter are among the most preferred ones. Are you’re unsure about the main differences between the two products and which one best fits your needs, read on. Here, you will find every detail on these two popular irrigation systems.
You should choose an irrigation system that can water your lawn evenly and reduce your worries about lawn maintenance. If your irrigation system needs continuous maintenance, then it’s time to replace it with a more efficient one requiring less upkeep. You have to understand some pressing issues before placing order for an irrigation system for the lawn. These include- longevity, reliability, cost, ease of use, and performance.
Reliability
Both Rain Bird and Hunter are known for their top-notch performance, but in the pressure- handling department, Hunter outshines the other player. Hunter irrigation systems usually can handle more PSI, making them more reliable in real-world usage scenarios. When you have an irrigation setup that is less likely to break down under regular usage, you can relax. The Rain Bird system is a good performer but needs more maintenance than the Hunter one.
Irrigation experts say they get more calls from users with Rain Bird systems for repair needs. This is because Rain Bird systems have a valve system with screws. Installers say these screws can be stripped too easily, leading to extensive repair. On the contrary, Hunter systems use a dual screw system and so you can remove it easily when the screws strip.
Cost
The price of an irrigation system will vary based on the features present. It also varies depending on where you need to install it and the type of system. Both companies have several different styles and the cost is at a similar level. However, you will find Rain Bird models costing a little less than Hunter ones with similar features. You will get a more detailed insight on the pricing of these systems from your regional irrigation expert. Their assistance will be useful in picking the right irrigation system for your budget.
A complete lawn installation may cost you approx $3,500 – $6,000 even though you can go for a smaller system for your lawn. The latter will cost you around $1,000 – $2,500. You may see these irrigation systems as a large investment, but they help you cut down on your water bill. The cost includes hardware and installation charges, but there can be variations. You will get a clearer idea from your local irrigation experts.
Longevity
Rain Bird has been in the irrigation scene since 1933, while Hunter irrigation has been operational since 1981. Both are good performers, but Hunter Irrigation has a better grasp on technology.
- Hunter Irrigation has succeeded in developing and deploying technological innovations. They have also made headlines for coming up with newer and useful technologies in this sector. They have been using such new-era technologies to their advantage. This makes their products score better in the longevity department.
- Rain Bird has been in the irrigation scene for a pretty long time. However, they have not made much progress in developing new technologies. They offer some tech upgrades, but overall the brand relies more on its physical parts. Rain Bird makes use of various materials and parts that do not appear to be robustly built.
Performance
In terms of performance, it is tough to compare these two companies as both score pretty well. Both of them use smart drip irrigation systems, which are very effective in keeping your plants and lawn healthy. The water conservation benefits are there, too.
Smart drip irrigation is a method in which water is supplied in small amounts on the lawn and plant roots over longer periods. This leads to reduced water wastage and evaporation. With these irrigation systems, you can control the amount of water used and reduce pooling. This leads to a reduced water bill compared to regular overhead or spray sprinkler setups. As a result, operational costs get significantly lower.
Ease of use
You will find it easy to use the smart drip irrigation systems, but watch out for the number of features in these products. If you have a very large lawn, using more than one system will be practical. The product you choose must be easy to understand, control, and use.
People who have tried both systems prefer the control offered by Hunter products over Rain Bird. The former is easier to explain and understand. Hunter systems have fewer controls, making them easier to operate. You will be able to program the irrigation system the way you want. If required, you can refer to the brand videos available on YouTube for both brands.
Summing it up
You will find very few differences between Rain Bird and Hunter systems, so focus on your requirement and budget. Rain Bird will cost you a little less than Hunter, but think of the difficulty in using their systems, as mentioned by some users. Many experts praise Hunter as the top irrigation brand, and their products consistently outshine rival offerings.
If you are still unsure about which irrigation system to choose for your lawn, listen to the advice of an irrigation expert. Think of your lawn size, plants, soil type etc, before making the final choice. An irrigation system suited for another lawn may not be the best for your needs and vice versa.
