Rainbird 3500 Vs 3504 : Which Is Better?

Rotor sprinkler heads are often highly recommended and Rainbird makes quite a number of those. Two Rainbird rotor sprinkler models you can consider are the Rainbird 3500 and the Rainbird 3504. Both rotor sprinkler heads share several similarities. For example, the Rainbird 3500 and the Rainbird 3504 have similar styles, pop up heights, arc rotations, build material, and inlet sizes, amongst others. One of the notable differences is in their price points. Let us discuss more pertaining to the Rainbird 3500 versus the Rainbird 3504.

Table of Contents

Rainbird 3500 Vs 3504: Comparison Table

Rainbird 3500 Rainbird 3504
Style Rotary Rotary
Pop Up Height 4 inches 4 inches
Spray Distance 15 – 35 feet 15 – 35 feet
Arc Rotation 40 – 360 degrees 40 – 360 degrees
Flow Rate 0.54 – 4.6 gpm 0.54 – 4.6 gpm
Weight 4.8 ounces 3.52 ounces
Build Material Plastic Plastic
Inlet ½ inch bottom ½ inch bottom
Dimensions 2.5 × 2.5 × 6.6 inches 7.09 × 1.57 × 1.57 inches
Pressure Range 25 – 55 psi 25 – 55 psi
Price Check Price On Amazon Check Price On Amazon
Rainbird 3500
Rainbird 3500
Rainbird 3504
Rainbird 3504

Rainbird 3500 Vs 3504: Design And Features

The Rainbird 3500 is a ½ inch gear drive rotor. The gear drive is water-lubricated. It has a nozzle tree comprising of 6 nozzles. These nozzles are equipped with Rain Curtain technology. You can reverse them full or part circle. That is why you can have an arc rotation reaching 360 degrees. The filter screen can be easily removed. The Rainbird 3500 also has a wiper seal which allows for dual action. It is effective in stopping dirt or debris from getting inside. The wiper seal also guarantees popping up and retraction. The Rainbird 3500 also has a stator than can adjust itself.

It has a seal-a-matic check valve which allows for up to 7 feet of elevation adjustment. The Rainbird 3504 is also a ½ inch gear drive rotor. It also has an arc rotation spanning from 40 degrees to 360 degrees. Just like the Rainbird 3500 it delivers short to mid-range coverage. That is why the Rainbird 3504 is also perfectly suited for residential spaces. It has 6 Rain Curtain nozzles. The Rainbird 3504 has a pressure regulator. It also has an anti-drain valve; this guards against the production of inconsistent spray patterns.

Rainbird 3500 Vs 3504: Adjustment Dynamics

Both the Rainbird 3500 and the Rainbird 3504 have convenient adjustment features. For instance, the Rainbird 3500 has a radius adjustment screw. With it you can reduce the water stream radius by up to 35 percent. This you can do without having to change the nozzles. This is an adjustment feature you can also enjoy on the Rainbird 3504. Typically you would need an adjustment tool for arc adjustment. If you can find one, that is okay. However, in place of it you can simply use a flat blade screwdriver. This applies to both the Rainbird 3500 and the Rainbird 3504.

Rainbird 3500 Vs 3504: Size and Weight

The Rainbird 3500 and the Rainbird 3504 may have a number of similar features by the do vary somehow. They vary in terms of weight and size. The Rainbird 3500 is substantially bigger than the Rainbird 3504 size-wise. No wonder why the Rainbird 3500 also weighs more.

Pros Of Rainbird 3500

The Rainbird 3500 is generally easy to install and operate. It is perfectly suited for virtually any residential spaces. Arc adjustment is also quite easy to conduct. No wonder why you may find the adjustment tool not included in the package. This is because an ordinary flat blade screwdriver can suffice. The arc rotation covers the whole scale which is convenient for efficient irrigation.

The gear design is robust thus making it long lasting; this is thanks to the water-lubrication feature. Maintaining your Rainbird 3500 is also quite easy. For instance, the filter screen can be removed and reattached easily. The seal-a-matic check valve is pivotal in avoiding erosion and or puddling. The Rain Curtain technology on the nozzle ensures even and appreciable flow rates for uniform water distribution.

Cons Of Rainbird 3500

The Rainbird 3500 does have a 5 year warranty. However, it does not have a trade warranty; that can be a downside for some users.

Pros Of Rainbird 3504

Due to the Rain Curtain technology on the nozzles, you can get efficient irrigation. The Rainbird 3504 delivers large droplets which are bound to seep into the soil. It also delivers efficient irrigation for close range operations. You are also certain to get water evenly distributed throughout the whole area. The Rainbird is overall quite easy to install and use. You can easily remove, reattach, or replace components such as filter and nozzles.

Arc adjustment is also easy and can be done with a flat blade screwdriver. This means you do not have to be inconvenienced by the absence of an adjustment tool. The Rainbird 3504 has several protective features e.g. a rubber cover, to keep dirt or debris from getting inside. The wiper seal also plays that same protective role. The Rainbird 3504 is long lasting and seldom breaks down. The Rainbird 3504 also has useful regulatory features. These are the pressure regulator and the anti-drain valve.

Cons Of Rainbird 3504

One of the downsides of the Rainbird 3504 is that it costs more. Considering that it is largely just like the Rainbird 3500, the extra dollars are not quite worth it. The Rainbird 3504 has a 3 year warranty – this is 2 years shorter than that of the Rainbird 3500. The Rainbird 3504 is often not readily available even in leading retail outlets.

Factors To Consider In Order To Choose The Right Sprinkler

What is the pressure and flow rate of the available water source? This plays a huge role in selecting the best sprinkler. You must also consider the type of landscape in question. You must also factor in the general climate of that location. For instance, if the area is too windy, not all sprinkler types will do. The soil type is also something of importance in your considerations. Rate of water seepage and water retention inform on which type of sprinkler would be best.

The size of the target area and even its shape play a huge role. These metrics usually inform on the number of sprinkler heads you would need. Ideally you would not want the type of sprinklers that need a high number of sprinkler heads. That may prove more expensive. What do you intend to irrigate e.g. is it shrubs or lawn? That also informs on which would be the best sprinkler to settle for. These are the core factors to consider that can help you choose the right sprinkler.

Rainbird 3500 Vs 3504: Our Pick

When looking at the Rainbird 3500 and the Rainbird 3504 there are many similarities. Most of what you get in one is also available in the other. That is why our verdict all comes down to which one is cheaper. The Rainbird 3500 is the cheapest option here. The Rainbird 3504 does have additional features such as the pressure regulator and the anti-drain valve. These are features that streamline your use of the Rainbird 3504. However, it costs more plus its availability is often problematic. The other upside of the Rainbird 3500 is that it has a 5 year warranty. The Rainbird 3504 only has a 3 year warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Maximum Distance Between Two Sprinklers?

Sprinkler heads ought to be positioned ranging from 12 feet to 15 feet apart. That will depend on the hazard rating of the area in question.

What Is The Biggest Factor To Consider When Choosing The Right Sprinkler System?

The biggest factor to consider is the nature of the available water source. You have to consider the quality of the water and its amount. Aspects like the water pressure and flow rate are crucial. You will also have to consider where the water source is with reference to the area to be irrigated. Combining this and other factors you will have to consider how much the water would cost. All in all, the water source dynamics usually dictate on which sprinkler system should be chosen.

Does The Rainbird 3500 Have A Check Valve?

Any Rainbird rotor sprinkler head has a built-in seal-a-matic (SAM) check valve. These usually span from 7 feet to 10 feet of hold back. You can always check to ascertain the model you need has one.

How Deep Should You Bury Sprinkler Lines?

This does depend but you can settle for a depth range of between 8 inches and 12 inches. The recommended average some use is that of a depth of 10 inches. That way you can ensure it is safe especially if you or other people, machinery, or equipment frequent the area. Rainbird actually recommends that typical trench depths should range from 6 inches to 12 inches. The higher of that depth range, the better.

What Is The Best Time Of The Day To Run Sprinklers?

The best time to run sprinklers is in the morning. That time of the day is usually characterised by cooler temperatures and calmer winds. This makes it easy for the sprayed water to spread out efficiently. It also makes it easier for the water to sufficiently seep or soak into the soil. This often results in water savings since there will be minimal to zero water losses. However, you should assess the weather dynamics of your respective area. It may not always be ideal to run sprinklers in the morning.

Conclusion

Both the Rainbird 3500 and the Rainbird 3504 are good rotor sprinkler heads. They both have appreciable arc rotations, flow rates, and spraying distances. These are of course the same for the Rainbird 3500 and the Rainbird 3504. At the end of the day what can inform purchase decision here is availability and or price point. If they are both available you would have to settle for the cheaper option – the Rainbird 3500. If the Rainbird 3500 is not available you would have to settle for the Rainbird 3504. Unfortunately that would entail paying more than you would have for the Rainbird 3500.

Rainbird 3500
Rainbird 3500
Rainbird 3504
Rainbird 3504