1. Product Overview
The Rain Bird 3500 Series Rotor is a 1/2-inch gear-driven pop-up sprinkler designed for residential irrigation applications. It features a Seal-A-Matic (SAM) check valve to prevent low head drainage and water waste. This rotor offers both part-circle and full-circle operation, adjustable from 40 to 360 degrees, and includes a set of Rain Curtain nozzles for efficient water distribution.
Figure 1: Rain Bird 3504-PC-SAM Part Circle Rotor Pop-Up Sprinkler. This image shows the sprinkler head in its retracted position, with the top cap visible.
2. Key Features
- Seal-A-Matic (SAM) Check Valve: Prevents water drainage from lower heads on slopes up to 7 feet (2.1m) of elevation change, reducing puddling and erosion.
- Adjustable Arc: Offers 40 to 360 degrees part-circle rotation and reversing full-circle rotation within a single unit.
- Top-Adjust Arc Adjustment: Requires only a flat-blade screwdriver for quick and easy arc setting.
- Rain Curtain Nozzles: Includes an attachable nozzle tree with six high-performance nozzles for optimal water distribution.
- Radius Reduction: A radius adjustment screw allows up to 35% radius reduction without needing to change nozzles.
- Dual Action Wiper Seal: Protects internal components from debris and ensures reliable pop-up and retraction.
- Easy Maintenance: Features a nozzle removal feature and an easily removable filter screen.
3. Setup and Installation
3.1 Pre-Installation Checks
- Ensure the irrigation system's water pressure is within the recommended operating range for rotor sprinklers.
- Identify the desired location for the sprinkler head, considering coverage area and potential obstructions.
- Confirm the correct pipe size (1/2-inch NPT) for connection.
3.2 Installation Steps
- Digging the Trench: Dig a trench from the main water line to the desired sprinkler location. The depth should allow the top of the sprinkler to be flush with the ground when installed.
- Connecting to Lateral Line: Connect the sprinkler to the lateral irrigation line using appropriate fittings (e.g., a swing joint for flexibility). Ensure all connections are watertight.
- Flushing the System: Before fully tightening the sprinkler head, briefly flush the system to remove any dirt or debris from the pipes.
- Mounting the Sprinkler: Thread the sprinkler body onto the fitting. Ensure the top of the sprinkler head is level with the ground surface to prevent tripping hazards and ensure proper operation.
- Backfilling: Carefully backfill the trench, compacting the soil around the sprinkler head.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Arc Adjustment (Part-Circle Operation)
The arc setting is factory preset at 180 degrees for convenience. To adjust the arc:
- Turn on the water supply to the sprinkler.
- Locate the arc adjustment slot on the top of the sprinkler head.
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the slot.
- Turn the screwdriver clockwise to increase the arc or counter-clockwise to decrease the arc. The arc can be adjusted from 40 to 360 degrees.
- Observe the spray pattern to ensure the desired coverage.
4.2 Radius Adjustment
To reduce the spray radius:
- Locate the radius adjustment screw on the top of the sprinkler head.
- Turn the screw clockwise to reduce the radius. The radius can be reduced by up to 35% without changing nozzles.
- Do not overtighten the screw, as this can interfere with the spray pattern.
4.3 Nozzle Selection
The sprinkler comes with an attachable nozzle tree containing six Rain Curtain nozzles. Select the appropriate nozzle based on your desired flow rate, radius, and precipitation rate. Refer to the nozzle performance chart (typically found in the product packaging or on the manufacturer's website) for detailed specifications.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Filter Screen Cleaning
Periodically inspect and clean the filter screen to prevent clogging and maintain optimal performance.
- Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler.
- Unscrew the top cap of the sprinkler head.
- Carefully pull out the riser assembly. The filter screen is located at the bottom of the riser.
- Remove the filter screen and rinse it under running water to remove any debris.
- Reinsert the clean filter screen, then the riser assembly, and screw the top cap back on securely.
5.2 Nozzle Replacement
If a different nozzle is required for specific coverage needs:
- Turn off the water supply.
- Unscrew the top cap and pull out the riser assembly as described for filter cleaning.
- The nozzle is typically held in place by a small screw or clip. Remove the existing nozzle.
- Insert the new nozzle, ensuring it is properly seated. Secure it with the screw or clip.
- Reassemble the sprinkler head.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler not popping up or retracting fully | Low water pressure, debris in riser, damaged spring | Check water pressure. Clean filter screen and riser. Replace sprinkler if internal damage is suspected. |
| Uneven spray pattern or reduced radius | Clogged nozzle, incorrect nozzle, radius adjustment screw overtightened | Clean or replace nozzle. Adjust radius screw. Ensure correct nozzle is installed. |
| Water leaking from base of sprinkler | Loose connection, damaged seal, cracked body | Tighten connections. Inspect and replace if seals or body are damaged. |
| Sprinkler not rotating or rotating incorrectly | Debris in gear drive, incorrect arc setting, damaged gear mechanism | Flush system. Re-adjust arc. If problem persists, replacement may be necessary. |
7. Specifications
- Model Number: 3504-PC-SAM (Manufacturer's internal model: 26345)
- Inlet Size: 1/2 inch NPT female threaded
- Arc Adjustment: 40° to 360° (part-circle and full-circle in one unit)
- Pop-up Height: 4 inches (from cover to center of nozzle)
- Overall Body Height (retracted): Approximately 8 inches
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 3 x 3 inches (approximate)
- Item Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Seal-A-Matic (SAM) Check Valve: Holds up to 7 feet (2.1m) of elevation change
- Nozzle Tree: Includes six Rain Curtain nozzles
8. Warranty and Support
The Rain Bird 3500 Series Rotor comes with a 3-year factory warranty. For technical support, warranty claims, or additional product information, please visit the official Rain Bird website or contact their customer service department. Ensure you have your product model number (3504-PC-SAM or 26345) available when seeking support.
Note: Warranty terms and conditions may vary by region. Please refer to the official Rain Bird warranty documentation for complete details.
