Traveling sprinklers crawl across your lawn on their own. They follow a hose like a train on tracks. No moving the sprinkler every 20 minutes. No forgetting and flooding one spot. Just lay the hose, turn on the water, and walk away. Here are the 7 best traveling sprinklers and how to pick the right one.
Our Top 7 Traveling Sprinklers
| # | Sprinkler | Body Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orbit 58322 | Cast iron | Best overall, best parts availability |
| 2 | Nelson Rain Train 818653 | Cast iron | Best alternative, slightly cheaper |
| 3 | Melnor 4501 Lawn Rescue | Cast iron | Best for odd-shaped yards |
| 4 | Orbit 58565 Gear Drive | Plastic | Best budget option |
| 5 | Strongway Wheeled Sprinkler | Steel and brass | Best heavy-duty for large properties |
| 6 | Orbit 27884Z Above-Ground Kit | Plastic system kit | Best complete DIY traveling system |
| 7 | John Deere Traveling Sprinkler | Cast iron | Best licensed novelty pick |
1. Orbit 58322 — Best Overall Traveling Sprinkler
I have owned the Orbit 58322 for two seasons. The cast iron body feels like it will outlast me. Three speeds let you choose between a deep soak and a quick pass. The auto shut-off ramp stops the water when it reaches the end of the hose path. Coverage is up to 50 feet wide and 200 feet long per pass.
What I like most is parts availability. You can buy replacement spray arms, the tee connector, and even the motor assembly on Amazon. If something breaks after years of use, you fix it instead of replacing the whole unit. Around $80 to $85.
2. Nelson Rain Train 818653 — Best Alternative
The Nelson Rain Train is almost identical to the Orbit 58322. Cast iron body. Follows a hose. Three speeds. Auto shut-off. Same coverage. The differences are small. The Nelson costs about $10 less. The Orbit has slightly better parts availability.
Both are excellent. If you find the Nelson on sale, buy it. If you want the peace of mind of easy replacement parts, get the Orbit. You will be happy with either traveling sprinkler. Around $70 to $78.
3. Melnor 4501 Lawn Rescue — Best for Odd-Shaped Yards
The Melnor 4501 has adjustable spray arms that give you more control over the watering pattern. You can angle the arms to widen or narrow the spray. This helps on odd-shaped lawns where you want more water on one side than the other.
Coverage is up to 13,500 square feet. The variable speed control lets you fine-tune the travel speed. Auto shut-off at the end of the hose. Around $90 to $100. A bit more expensive than the Orbit and Nelson but worth it if your yard shape is unusual.
4. Orbit 58565 Gear Drive — Best Budget Traveling Sprinkler
The Orbit 58565 is a compact plastic-body gear drive sprinkler. It is not a true traveling sprinkler in the tractor sense. It is a small gear-drive sprinkler on wheels that follows a hose. It costs about $15.
Coverage is smaller than the cast iron tractors. But at this price, it is an easy way to try the traveling sprinkler concept without spending $80. If you like the idea, upgrade to the 58322 later. Around $13 to $15.
5. Strongway Wheeled Sprinkler — Best Heavy-Duty
The Strongway is built for farms and large properties. Steel frame. Brass sprinkler head. Large 8-inch poly wheels that handle rough terrain. Covers up to 100 feet in diameter. That is over 7,800 square feet from one path.
This is overkill for a suburban lawn. But if you have a pasture, a large rural property, or a commercial site, the Strongway handles conditions that would destroy a lighter sprinkler. Around $110.
6. Orbit 27884Z Above-Ground Kit — Best Complete DIY System
The Orbit 27884Z is an all-in-one above-ground sprinkler system. It includes a timer, hoses, and multiple sprinkler heads that you arrange in your yard. It is not a single traveling sprinkler. It is a DIY irrigation system that covers your whole lawn.
For homeowners who want automatic lawn watering without trenching for an in-ground system, this kit provides everything in one box. Around $40 to $55.
7. John Deere Traveling Sprinkler — Best Novelty Pick
Yes, John Deere makes a traveling sprinkler. It is a cast iron tractor-style sprinkler with John Deere green and yellow paint. It works just like the Orbit and Nelson. The John Deere branding makes it a fun gift for the farmer or tractor enthusiast in your life.
Functionally identical to the Orbit 58322. You pay a small premium for the John Deere name and colors. Around $85 to $95.
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