How to Adjust a Gear Drive (Rotor) Sprinkler with a pattern adjustment screw

Orbit offers a complete lineup of gear drive sprinklers (also known as rotor sprinklers) with spray distances from 15 to 52 feet. All of Orbit's gear drive units offer easy sprinkler head adjustment with patterns from 40 to a full 360 degrees. In addition to simple distance adjustment, each gear drive rotor also has a precision filter to prevent dirt or debris in the water system from clogging your nozzles.

Below, we explain how to adjust a gear drive (rotor) sprinkler with a pattern adjustment screw, featuring the Orbit Saturn III® Gear Drive Sprinkler.

PRE-SET THE ROTATION

Saturn III® rotor sprinklers are preset to rotate approximately 40°. Sprinkler head adjustment may be made with water on or off. It is recommended that the initial adjustment be made before installation.

1. Using the palm of your hand, rotate the nozzle turret counterclockwise to the left stop to complete any interrupted rotation cycle (Fig. 1). This ensures proper starting position for sprinkler head adjustment.
2. Rotate the nozzle turret clockwise to the right stop. This is the fixed side of the spray pattern. The nozzle turret must be held in this position for all spray pattern adjustments. (Rotate the turret to test the spray pattern.)

To Increase the Spray Pattern

1. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the pattern adjustment slot (Fig. 2) for precise sprinkler head adjustment.
2. While holding the nozzle turret at the right stop turn the screwdriver clockwise.
3. Adjust to any spray pattern between 40° and 360°.
4. The adjustment slot will stop turning when adjusted to the maximum spray pattern (360°). Do not try to force it past this stop.

To Decrease the Spray Pattern

1. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the pattern adjustment slot (Fig. 2).
2. While holding the nozzle turret at the right stop, turn the screwdriver counterclockwise for accurate sprinkler head adjustment.
3. Adjust to any spray pattern between 40° and 360°. The adjustment slot will stop turning when adjusted to the minimum spray pattern (40°). Do not try to force it past this stop.

Adjusting the Distance

Insert a screwdriver into the distance adjustment slot (Fig. 2). Turn the screw clockwise (into the stream of water) to decrease the distance or counterclockwise to increase the distance. (Do not rotate the screw too far counterclockwise or the nozzle or screw may come out). This type of sprinkler head adjustment allows for fine-tuning your coverage area.

Lifting the Riser

With the water turned off, you can manually lift the riser for maintenance or sprinkler head adjustment. If needed, insert a screwdriver into the lifting slot and pull upward.

Warning: To avoid pinching hands or fingers, release the riser with caution.

With its easy adjustability, durability, and versatility, and its smooth and quiet operation, Orbit's Professional Gear Drive makes the ideal choice for your yard. The rotor design provides excellent coverage for medium to large areas with minimal sprinkler head adjustment needed once properly set.

Saturn III (Version 1)

Saturn III (Version 2)

How to Adjust a Gear Drive (Rotor) Sprinkler with a pattern adjustment key

Below, we explain how to adjust a gear drive (rotor) sprinkler with a pattern adjustment key, featuring the Orbit Saturn IV Gear Drive Sprinkler. This rotor system offers professional-grade performance with user-friendly adjustment features.

Set the pattern before installation: The Saturn IV rotor can be set to rotate between 40° and 360° (preset at 40°)

1. Turn the top of the head all the way to the left until it stops and then all the way to the right. The top of the head must be in this position to make pattern adjustments for proper sprinkler head adjustment (Figure 1).

2. Insert the plastic end of the key into the pattern adjustment hole for precise sprinkler head adjustment (Figure 2).

3. Turn clockwise to increase rotation; counterclockwise to decrease rotation. Each full turn increases/decreases rotation by 90˚ for easy sprinkler head adjustment (Figure 3).

Set the spray distance after installation

1. Set with water on under the system's normal operating pressure for accurate sprinkler head adjustment. Note: Preinstalled nozzle (#7) adjusts from 25 ft. to 45 ft. depending on system water pressure.
2. Insert the hex (metal) end of the key into the distance adjustment slot (Figure 2).
3. Turn clockwise to decrease distance; counterclockwise to increase distance.

Caution: DO NOT turn the adjustment screw too far in either direction---screw may come free of threads during sprinkler head adjustment.