Picking the right rotor might be somewhat of a difficult task. With so many brands available in the market, you might be stuck in a dilemma as to which one you should buy.
But we are here to help you with that! Introducing the Rain Bird 3500 and Rain Bird 5000, both top-of-the-line residential rotors. But which one should you get?
In this article titled Rain Bird 3500 vs. 5000, we will be breaking them down.
Firstly, let’s get acquainted with the common features of both the products:
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | Rain Bird 3500 | Rain Bird 5000 |
| Precipitation Rate | 9-21 mm/h | 5-38 mm/h |
| Pressure | 25-55 PSI | 25-65 PSI |
| Flow Rate | 0.54-4.6 GPM | 0.76-9.63 GPM |
| Radius | 15-35 ft | 25-50 ft |
| Arc Adjustment Port | No | Yes |
| Reversing Circle Adjustment | 40-360 | 40-360 |
| Trade Warranty | No | Yes (5 Years) |
| Nozzle Trajectory | Yes | Yes |
| Rain Curtain | Yes | Yes |
| Wiper Seal | Yes | No |
Differences Between Rain Bird 3500 and 5000 Series Rotors
Let’s check how they are different from each other:
- Precipitation Rate
The rate of precipitation in the Rain Bird 3500 is 9-21 millimeters per hour. On the other hand, the Rain Bird 500 has a precipitation rate of 5-38 millimeters per hour.
This higher rate signifies that the 5000 is able to absorb condensed water vapor at a higher rate than the 3500.
- Pressure
The Rain Bird 3500 is able to withstand pressure ranging from 25 to 55 PSI.
The 5000, though, is able to absorb pressure ranging from 25 to 65 PSI. So the pressure absorbing capacity of the 5000 is higher.
- Flow Rate
The unit of measurement of flow rate is in GPM or Gallons per minute. It measures how many gallons of water are being dispersed from a body that exudes water.
The 3500 has a flow rate of 0.54 to 4.6 GPM, whereas the 5000 has a flow rate of 0.76 to 9.63 GPM. The difference is pretty significant.
- Radius
The radius of the 3500 is between 15 to 35 feet. The 5000 has a radius ranging from 25-50 feet.
Due to this higher radius, the Rain Bird 5000 is able to disperse more water, covering a greater range than the 3500.
- Arc Adjustment Port
Arc Adjustment Ports help to ascertain in which direction the rotor is going to rotate. In other words, it determines the rotational pattern of the rotor.
The 3500 does not have an arc adjustment rotor, whilst it is present in the 5000.
The presence of this arc gives owners or users the capacity to decide the rotational motion of their rotor. Owners of the 3500 are devoid of this capacity.
- Wiper Seal
Wiper Seals help to protect the internal body of the rotor. They give the body protection by preventing debris from accumulating.
Wiper seals are present in the 3500, but they are absent in the 5000.
Even though the 500 does not have a wiper seal, it does have a self-flushing arc adjustment.
The self-flushing arc adjustment does the same job as a wiper seal: it clears out the debris and protects the body of the rotor.
They are more efficient in clearing out debris and protection than wiper seals.
- Trade Warranty
A trade warranty is a promise by the seller or manufacturer party that the buyer can rely on certain facts or representations as being true.
The Rain Bird 3500 has a five-year trade warranty.
A trade warranty is absent in the 3500. So there is assured replaced for the 5000 if it does not live up to what is stated in the product specifications.
- Price
The Rain Bird 3500 will cost approximately $16 to $17.5.
The 5000 comes at a higher price and your average store will charge you around $20. The 5000 charges you more because of its enhanced features.
Quick Summary Of Differences
- The 5000 has a better flow rate of 0.76 to 9.63 GPM, and the 3500 has a flow rate of 0.54 to 4.6 GPM.
- The 3500 has wiper seals, but the 5000 has a self-flushing arc to clean debris.
- The radius of the 3500 is between 15 to 35 feet. The 5000 has a radius ranging from 25-50 feet, so the 5000 can disperse more water.
- The 5000 has an arc adjustment rotor, whilst it is absent in the 3500.
Similarities Between Rain Bird 3500 and 5000
If you are the owner of big real estate property, maintaining the lushness of your garden’s turf area is of prime importance.
The best way to keep your lawn fresh is to use residential rotors. They are highly effective and efficient in ensuring that your lawns always look vibrant.
- Rain Curtains
Both the 3500 and the 5000 have in-built rain curtains. Rain curtains enable the rotor to distribute the water optimally.
Rain curtains also have a close-in watering feature that will make your lawn greener.
- Nozzles
Nozzle trajectories are present in both of the products. The only difference in the Nozzle is how flexible their angles are.
Rain Bird 3500 has a Nozzle trajectory of 25 degrees. On the contrary, the nozzle trajectory of the 5000 is much more flexible.
The standard is 25 degrees. The lowest angle trajectory is 10 degrees. Usually, the trajectory varies between 12 to 24 degrees.
- Reversing Circle Adjustment
In both rotors, the rotor circle can be rotated between 40 degrees to 360 degrees. 360 degree means a full circle, and 40 degrees is the lowest amount you can rotate.
You can also purchase a rotor with a non-reversing full circle unit if that is what you deem necessary.
Quick Summary of Similarities
- Both the products have rain curtains that enable them to disperse water optimally and make your lawn greener.
- The 5000 has a flexible nozzle trajectory, whilst the trajectory of the 3500 is not flexible.
- The rotor circle can be rotated between 40 to 360 degrees depending upon usage.
So, Which One Stands Out?
Even though both these products are very durable and reliable, we feel that the Rain Bird 5000 is better than Rain Bird 3500.
This is because of the following reasons:
- Reason 01: The 5000 is able to withstand more pressure: 25 to 55 PSI in comparison to the 3500, which absorbs 25-65 PSI.
- Reason 02: Due to this higher radius, the Rain Bird 5000 is able to disperse more water, covering a greater range than the 3500.
- Reason 03: The 5000 comes with a trade warranty, but the 3500 does not provide any warranty to the customers.
- Reason 04: The 5000 has an arc adjustment rotor, whilst it is absent in the 3500.
- Reason 05: The 5000 has a higher precipitation rate- 5 to 38 mm/h to the 3500’s 9-21 mm/h
Final Words
From our comparisons, it is very clear to deduce that the Rain Bird 5000 has more features, not only to serve but also to withstand harsher conditions. It seems more adaptable than the 3500.
But at the end of the day, what product you will buy is an entirely subjective decision. Buy the one that best fits your criteria for a good rotor.
Not only that, you should properly assess your needs before making your purchase.
Doing proper market research before making any purchase is very crucial. Rain Bird products have a reputation for being durable. We highly recommend this brand.
Happy Rotor shopping!
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