The Cadillac of Sprinklers ... My Garden Grows!
Written: Jul 31 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: adjustable water spray, easy to use, durable, water-saving features
Cons: the metal mesh washer has eroded from 12 years of use
The Bottom Line: I think the Bottom Line looks lush and vibrant after being watered by this Gilmour sprinkler. I wonder if it will bear fruit?
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Gilmour Advanced Variable Oscillating Sprinkler |
It’s difficult to find a sprinkler that lasts more than a few years. We went through dozens before finding the Gilmour Advanced Variable Oscillating Sprinkler. It’s made to last. How do I know? This Gilmour sprinkler has been in the family for about a dozen years. Right now it’s watering my vegetable garden.
Description
The primary colors of this sprinkler are black and green. It measures about 18 1/4" long x 5 3/4" wide x 5 1/4" tall. The working part of this sprinkler is a round cylinder that is supported on a triangular wedge of metal and plastic. A water-driven turbine motor presents even, consistent watering.
This sprinkler looks well constructed. Even the plastic parts are sturdy.
Along the center of the cylinder are 21 holes that are spray nozzles. There are 11 holes in the center that are always in operation. Another 5 holes are on either side of the 11 central holes. These holes can be opened or closed to adjust the width of the water spray. A dial at one end of the sprinkler is numbered from 0 - 5. Turn the dial to close as many of the 5 holes as desired. For example, if the dial is turned to 3, then 3 holes on either side of the central 11 holes will remain open.
At the opposite end of the sprinkler is a set of circular plastic slides that control the length of the water sweep. If the two slides are at the 12:00 o’clock position, then the sprinkler will project the water straight into the air. When the slides are at their farthest position (9:00 o’clock and 3:00 o’clock), then the water sweeps back and forth in a long path.
There is a swivel nut to make it easy to connect a hose to the sprinkler. There is also a curved metal mesh washer that screens debris so that the sprinkler does not clog.
This sprinkler is designed to cover 3,800 square feet (55 feet x 70 feet). The manufacturer states that the sprinkler works with water pressure from between 15 psi to 150 psi. The unit weights at just under two pounds.
Our Experiences
I love this easy-to-use sprinkler. The controls adjust the width and length of the water spray so that I can customize the water sweep to the width of the vegetable garden or the narrower flower beds. These adjustable features also are water-saving since I can adjust the water flow to my garden needs.
When the sprinkler is on, it operates smoothly. No jerking motions or sprinklers traveling across the lawn. This sprinkler is well behaved. The metal mesh washer has also prevented this sprinkler from clogging. During the years of use we have put this sprinkler through, the mesh washer piece has rusted away. I need to visit my local hardware store to buy a replacement. I don’t want my sprinkler to clog!
A great feature of this sprinkler is that it is designed to reduce puddles. I’ve used sprinklers that have virtually created pools of water that frogs would be happy to live in. This Gilmour sprinkler delivers a consistent, even spray of water that does not form puddles on the earth.
You would think that after twelve years of use that this sprinkler would look faded and old. While it does not look out-of-the-box new, the colors are still nice with only a slight bit of fading. The dials work like new; however the numbers 0 - 5 on the one dial are definitely faded, though still easy to read. None of the plastic has chipped or broken.
The triangular wedge-shaped stand that holds the sprinkler cylinder above the ground is well designed. I have never had this sprinkler tip over. The base of the stand is wide enough to offer good support. The silver metal is in excellent condition, too. No rusting or wear marks.
This is an excellent sprinkler, whether watering the vegetable and flower beds or the grass. It has features that make this a sprinkler for multiple sites throughout the yard.
Purchasing
My father is responsible for this sprinkler purchase. We were in Vermont in a small independent store. The store clerk actually chuckled at my father’s choice. Not a good way to increase sales! But my father was determined. Twelve years ago this sprinkler sold for about $40.00. At the time, the sales clerk couldn’t believe someone would spend that much money on a garden sprinkler. But my father was sure this sprinkler would hold up to time and use. And he was right.
Today, this sprinkler sells for about $30.00 - $35.00. Aubuchon sells it for about $29.99 and Amazon.com offers it for $34.78.
Summary
I enjoy using this Gilmour Advanced Variable Oscillating Sprinkler. I save water by using the adjustment dials to increase or decrease the width and length of the spray. My father made an excellent purchase. This sprinkler has paid for itself again and again. It truly is the Cadillac of sprinklers.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
Gilmour Group
P.O. Box 838
492 Drum Avenue
Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: 814-443-4802
Please read my other reviews:
Swan Tuff and Flexible Garden Hose
Craftsman Weed Digger
Fiskars Power-Lever Bypass Lopper
Step 2 Grass Hopper Wheeled Garden Stool / Cart
Rubbermaid Tool Tower
Cook’s Garden (online store)
Johnny’s Selected Seeds (online store)
Park Seed (online store)
Dutch Gardens (online store)
Burpee Seeds (online store)
Rubbermaid Big Max Storage Shed
Black & Decker Cordless Battery Mulching Lawnmower
Copyright 2005 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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