Choosing the right sprinkler or raingun is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when designing an irrigation system. The correct head will match your crop, field size, and water supply so you get even coverage without wasting pressure, flow, or energy.
IrrigationKing offers a full range of agricultural sprinklers, from micro-sprinklers and mini-sprinklers to brass impact sprinklers, plastic impact sprinklers, Senninger® sprinklers, Nelson® Rotators, and high-volume rain gun sprinklers.
What Types of Sprinklers Do We Offer?
We sell many types of sprinklers and rain-guns, each with its own strengths:
- Micro-sprinklers – low-flow heads for small areas, greenhouses, and under-tree irrigation.
- Mini-sprinklers – medium-radius spinners for orchards, vineyards, and under-tree use.
- 1/2" to 1" impact sprinklers – the workhorse of agricultural irrigation for solid-set and portable systems.
- Rotator and wobbler sprinklers – Senninger and Nelson sprinklers for very uniform coverage at lower pressures.
- Mini-guns and large rainguns – high-volume sprinklers for pastures, tall crops, dust control, and big fields.
The sections below explain how each style works, typical applications, and which IrrigationKing® sprinkler categories to browse.
Step 1: Match the Sprinkler to Your Application
Before you choose a model, think about:
- What you’re irrigating: lawn or pasture, vegetables, orchards, vineyards, nursery blocks, tall crops, dust control, etc.
- Field size and shape: small plots, rectangles, long runs, irregular corners, or very large open fields.
- Desired portability: fixed solid-set system, portable tripod stands, or big raingun on hose or cart.
- Available pressure & flow (GPM): what your pump or water supply can realistically provide.
For help sizing a specific head to your well or pump, also see our FAQ: How to size a sprinkler to match your water source.
Micro & Mini-Sprinklers
Micro-Sprinklers
Micro-sprinklers use very low flow rates (often in the 8–100 LPH range) and create a small, gentle wetted pattern. They’re perfect for:
- Greenhouses and hoop houses
- Orchards, vineyards, and berries with closely spaced plants
- Nursery containers and landscape beds
- Areas where drip emitters are not practical or foliage needs some wetting
Our micro-sprinklers include options with deflectors and stakes so you can start with a smaller radius for young plants and increase coverage as they mature.
Mini-Sprinklers
Mini-sprinklers (often butterfly- or spinner-style heads) operate at low to moderate pressures and provide a medium radius—typically around 15–25 ft—making them ideal for:
- Under-tree irrigation in orchards and citrus groves
- Vineyards and permanent trellis crops
- Vegetable or berry blocks where you want more water per square foot than a large impact head
Advantages of mini-sprinklers:
- Low operating pressure requirements compared to larger impact sprinklers
- Gentle application pattern that reduces soil crusting and erosion
- Good uniformity in a compact, easy-to-service head
Explore our mini-sprinklers for several nozzle sizes and flow options to match your spacing and soil type.
1/2"–1" Impact Sprinklers
Traditional impact sprinklers are still the standard for many farm and pasture systems. The familiar “clicking” arm drives the head around, delivering strong droplets that resist wind and can reach moderate to long distances.
Brass Impact Sprinklers
Brass sprinklers are heavy-duty, long-lasting impact heads that stand up to years of agricultural use. They are ideal when you have:
- Moderate to high pressure available
- Permanent or semi-permanent solid-set systems
- Demanding conditions such as manure water, grit, or heavy use
Brass heads are commonly used in:
- Pastures and hay fields
- Row crops and vegetable fields
- Tall crops where you need higher trajectories and larger droplets
Plastic Impact Sprinklers
For a more economical and slightly more efficient option, we offer plastic impact sprinklers. These heads are:
- Lighter weight and easier to handle on portable risers or stands
- Often more efficient at lower pressures
- A good choice for growers who want impact-style coverage at a lower cost
Both brass and plastic impact sprinklers are available in 1/2", 3/4", and 1" connections so you can match head size to your pipe, hose, and pump capacity.
Rotators, Wobblers & Specialty Sprinklers
Senninger® Sprinklers
Senninger sprinklers include impact sprinklers and Wobbler®-style heads that are designed for very uniform distribution and efficient operation at relatively low pressures. They are widely used on:
- Solid-set and portable systems for vegetables and field crops
- Orchards, vineyards, and nurseries
- Center pivot and linear systems as pivot heads or end guns
Nelson® Rotators
Nelson Rotator® sprinklers replace traditional impact heads with a rotating plate that produces even, wind-resistant streams of water. Benefits include:
- High uniformity across the wetted diameter
- Low maintenance design with fewer wear parts than many impact heads
- Multiple models (R33, R2000, etc.) for different spacing, pressure, and application rates
Rain Guns & Big Guns
When you need to throw water a long distance and cover a large area, step up to rain gun sprinklers. These are high-volume impacts or turbine-driven heads with large nozzles and long-radius patterns.
We offer IrrigationKing® brand mini-guns plus Nelson Big Gun® sprinklers and SIME® rain gun sprinklers in sizes up to 2.5". Typical applications include:
- Pastures and alfalfa
- Corn, potatoes, and other tall crops
- Dust suppression on arenas, roads, and construction sites
- Industrial or wastewater applications (for models rated for that use)
Rain guns can throw from roughly 40 ft up to 200+ ft in radius depending on model, nozzle size, pressure, and wind conditions. They require:
- Higher operating pressure than small impact sprinklers
- Substantial flow (tens of gallons per minute or more per head)
- Sturdy stands, risers, or carts
Browse our full selection in the Rain Guns category, including mini-guns, Nelson Big Guns, and SIME rain gun sprinklers.
Tripod Stands & Portable Setups
If you want flexibility instead of a buried or permanent system, consider our Raintower® sprinkler tripod stands and complete kits. These work well for:
- Home lawns, gardens, and small pastures
- Temporary irrigation when establishing new plantings
- Moving a single high-quality sprinkler around a property
You can pair a tripod stand with a 1/2" or 3/4" sprinkler head or choose a kit that comes pre-assembled with hose and nozzles.
Step 2: Check Your Water Supply (Pressure & Flow)
Every sprinkler has a recommended operating pressure (PSI) and flow rate (GPM). To get good performance:
- Know your pump curve or measure flow and pressure at the source.
- Account for friction loss in your mainline, laterals, and fittings.
- Choose heads that will operate inside their recommended pressure range when installed at field level.
As a general rule:
- Micro- and mini-sprinklers work well at lower pressures and flows.
- 1/2" and 3/4" impacts or rotators need moderate pressure and moderate flow per head.
- Rain guns require the highest pressure and flow and may need a dedicated zone or pump.
For more detail, see How to size a sprinkler to match your water source, or contact us with your pump specs and desired spacing.
Step 3: Choose Spacing, Trajectory & Application Rate
Sprinkler Spacing
To achieve even coverage, set your sprinkler spacing based on the wetted diameter and crop needs:
- Many impact and rotator sprinklers are spaced at 50–70% of their diameter in a triangular or rectangular grid.
- Micro- and mini-sprinklers may be spaced one per tree or on a grid in beds and greenhouses.
- Rain guns are typically spaced so that their outer edges overlap slightly at normal operating pressure.
Trajectory & Droplet Size
Sprinklers are available with different trajectory angles and droplet characteristics:
- Low trajectories help reduce wind drift and evaporation.
- Higher trajectories are helpful for tall crops and when you need to clear obstacles.
- Larger droplets resist wind but can cause more soil impact on very light soils.
Application Rate
The combination of nozzle size, pressure, and spacing determines how many inches per hour of water you apply. Aim to match your application rate to the soil’s intake rate to avoid runoff and ponding.
Example Scenarios
Vegetable Garden or Small Plot
- Use micro-sprinklers or mini-sprinklers on stakes for flexible coverage.
- Feed them from poly tubing or layflat hose.
- Tripod stands with 1/2" impact heads are a good portable option for larger home gardens.
Orchard or Vineyard
- Mini-sprinklers or micro-sprinklers under each tree or vine row.
- Consider Senninger or Nelson heads for especially uniform distribution on sloping ground.
- Size heads and spacing so wetted patterns just overlap at the root zones.
Pastures & Tall Crops
- 3/4" or 1" brass/plastic impact sprinklers on risers, wheel lines, or hand-move aluminum pipe.
- For very large blocks or tall crops, upgrade to mini-guns or full-size rainguns.
- Use tripod stands or carts for portable systems fed by layflat hose.
Dust Suppression & Industrial Uses
- Use Nelson Big Guns or SIME rainguns sized to your pump and zone flow.
- Mount on heavy tripods, carts, or fixed risers with secure anchors.
- Consider part-circle operation to keep water on the target area and off roads or buildings.
Accessories You’ll Also Need
A good sprinkler is only part of a reliable system. Don’t forget:
- Filters & screens – see our filters & injectors to protect nozzles from plugging.
- Pressure regulators – maintain a consistent operating pressure for each zone.
- Valves & controllers – to automate zones and manage watering schedules.
- Layflat & poly hose – to move water from your pump to the sprinklers.
- Risers, stands & fittings – to get sprinklers to the correct height and position.
Installation & Maintenance Tips
- Flush lines before installing nozzles to prevent plugging.
- Use thread sealant or tape on threaded connections to prevent leaks.
- Check pressure at the farthest head to make sure you’re in the recommended range.
- Inspect nozzles regularly for wear, plugging, or damage that can affect pattern and flow.
- Winterize in freezing climates by draining lines and protecting above-ground components.
Need Help Choosing Sprinklers or Rainguns?
Not sure whether you need micro-sprinklers, mini-sprinklers, impact heads, or rainguns? Our team can help you select the right sprinklers from our Sprinklers and Rain Guns categories based on your crop, pump, and field layout.
Call us at (844) 259-0640 or email support@irrigationking.com with details about your water source, available pressure and flow, and the area you want to irrigate.