Rotary sprinklers are a popular choice for watering residential and commercial lawns and gardens. Two of the leading models on the market are the Rain Bird 32SA and 42SA.
These sprinklers have some similarities but also key differences that impact performance, coverage, and best use cases.
This comprehensive guide compares the Rain Bird 32SA and 42SA to help you select the right rotary sprinkler for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Rain Bird 32SA | Rain Bird 42SA |
| Spray Distance | 32 ft | 42 ft |
| Flow Rate | 1.5 – 8 GPM | 2.5 – 15 GPM |
| Nozzle Trajectory | 25° | 25° |
| Inlet Size | 3/4 in | 1 in |
| Pop-up Height | 4 in | 4 in |
| Adjustable Arc | 50° to 360° | 50° to 360° |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs | 2.6 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Check Valve | Optional | Optional |
| Pressure Regulation | Fixed | Fixed |
| Installation | Shrub | Turf |
Overview of the Rain Bird 32SA
The Rain Bird 32SA is a rugged, heavy-duty rotary sprinkler designed for small to medium areas like home lawns, gardens and shrub beds. It has an adjustable arc range of 50° to 360° and 32 foot spray distance at 30 PSI.
Key features of the 32SA include:
- Durable, strong brass and stainless steel construction
- Up to 8 GPM flow rate
- 1/2″ inlet female threading
- Part circle or full circle rotation
- 4″ pop-up height clears ground cover
- 25° nozzle trajectory ensures uniform coverage
- Matched precipitation rate nozzles
- 5 year trade warranty
The 32SA is easy to adjust and provides smooth, reliable operation. It works best at water pressures between 30 and 50 PSI. The 32SA matches well with smaller pipe sizes up to 1″ in residential installations.
Overview of the Rain Bird 42SA
The Rain Bird 42SA packs more power and higher flow for increased coverage across medium to large areas and turf landscapes. It offers a 42 foot spray distance at 30 PSI with adjustable 50° to 360° arc coverage.
Notable features of the 42SA:
- Durable brass, stainless steel and heavy-duty plastic housing
- Up to 15 GPM flow rate
- 1″ inlet female threading
- Part circle or full circle rotation
- 4″ pop-up clearance
- 25° nozzle trajectory for uniform coverage
- Variety of nozzles for flow ranges
- 5 year trade warranty
- Optional pressure regulation and check valve
The 42SA operates best between 30 and 50 PSI and can accommodate 1 1/4″ to 2″ piping on larger systems. It provides the enhanced power and flow for watering sizable lawns.
Also Read: Comparison Between Rain Bird 52SA and 5000
Key Differences Between Rain Bird 32SA and 42SA
The Rain Bird 32SA and 42SA share some core features but have distinct advantages based on spray distance, flow rate, and best use cases.
- Spray Distance
32SA Model
The Rain Bird 32SA model is capable of spraying water up to a distance of 32 feet when operating at 30 PSI. This range is particularly suitable for smaller residential areas, ensuring that every inch of your garden, lawn, or shrub bed receives adequate water.
The 32-foot spray distance makes the 32SA an ideal solution for homeowners looking to maintain a well-hydrated and verdant landscape without unnecessary water waste.
42SA Model
On the other hand, the 42SA model showcases a remarkable spray distance of 42 feet at the same 30 PSI. This extended range, approximately 30% more than the 32SA, allows it to efficiently cover larger areas, making it a favorite for those with more extensive landscapes.
Whether it’s a municipal park or a vast turf landscape, the 42SA ensures every plant receives the necessary hydration, contributing to a healthier, greener environment.
- Flow Rate
32SA’s Efficiency
The 32SA model operates with a minimum and maximum flow rate of 1.5 to 8 GPM (gallons per minute), respectively. This range is indicative of the 32SA’s adaptability, catering to various watering needs of smaller installations while ensuring optimum water usage.
The versatility in flow rate enables users to adjust the water output based on the specific requirements of different plants, promoting healthier growth and water conservation.
42SA’s Extended Range
Contrastingly, the 42SA boasts a broader flow rate range of 2.5 to 15 GPM, making it a superior choice for larger installations.
This extended range equips the 42SA with the capability to address the diverse watering needs of larger landscapes, offering consistent hydration across varied terrains and plant types.
The adjustable flow rate of the 42SA ensures that each area receives just the right amount of water, fostering a thriving ecosystem while avoiding water wastage.
Also Read: Choose Between Raindrip And Rainbird.
- Water Pressure
Optimal Pressure for 32SA
Both the 32SA and 42SA models operate effectively within a water pressure range of 30 to 50 PSI.
However, the 32SA is specifically designed to thrive within this range, ensuring it delivers consistent spray patterns and uniform coverage, making it a reliable choice for residential settings with standard water pressure.
42SA’s Higher Endurance
The 42SA, while operating optimally at 30 to 50 PSI, can endure higher water pressures up to 70 PSI. This feature is particularly beneficial for larger landscapes and municipal parks where water pressure may vary.
The 42SA’s ability to handle higher water pressures without compromising performance guarantees lush landscapes, regardless of the varying conditions.
- Inlet Size
32SA’s Compatibility
The 32SA model comes with a 3/4″ inlet size, compatible with most residential water supply lines.
This compatibility ensures a hassle-free installation process for homeowners, making it a convenient option for those looking to upgrade their garden’s irrigation system without the need for extensive modifications.
42SA’s Increased Water Flow
In comparison, the 42SA features a larger 1″ inlet size, accommodating a greater water flow to support its extended spray distance and flow rate. The larger inlet size makes the 42SA a versatile solution for diverse landscaping needs, ensuring a steady and ample water supply for every plant and shrub, irrespective of the installation size.
- Installation Size and Best Use Cases
32SA: Ideal for Home Use
The compactness and efficiency of the 32SA make it a preferred choice for home lawns, gardens, and shrub beds.
Its compatibility with 1″ piping or less, coupled with its optimized spray distance and flow rate, makes it a seamless fit for residential landscapes, ensuring every corner is well-hydrated and flourishing.
42SA: Excelling in Larger Landscapes
The 42SA, with its extended capabilities, is more suitable for expansive turf landscapes and municipal parks.
It typically pairs with larger 1 1/4″ to 2″ piping, catering to the diverse needs of larger installations while maintaining uniform water distribution across varied terrains, guaranteeing a picturesque and thriving green space.
- Matched Precipitation Rate Nozzles
A noteworthy feature shared by both the 32SA and 42SA is the incorporation of matched precipitation rate nozzles.
These nozzles are designed to provide uniform watering coverage across the spray area, preventing overwatering or underwatering.
This feature ensures that every plant receives an equal amount of water, promoting healthier growth and contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Also Watch This Review Video:
Pros and Cons of the Rain Bird 32SA
Pros
- Ideal spray distance for small to medium areas
- Durable brass, stainless steel and plastic housing
- Simple arc adjustment from 50° to 360°
- Low flow up to 8 GPM suits most residential settings
- 5 year warranty provides peace of mind
- Optional pressure regulation and check valve
- Matched precipitation nozzles
Cons
- Limited to smaller lawn and garden areas
- Lower maximum flow rate than 42SA
- Requires water pressure of at least 30 PSI for optimal performance
- Shorter overall lifespan than commercial models
Pros and Cons of the Rain Bird 42SA
Pros
- Extended 42 foot spray distance covers larger areas
- Higher flow range up to 15 GPM for big areas
- Durable professional-grade construction
- Easier to adjust arc alignment than 32SA
- Five year warranty protection
- Pressure regulation and check valve available
- Ideal for parks, sports fields, golf courses
Cons
- Overkill for typical residential lawn and garden use
- Higher cost than 32SA
- Requires at least 30 PSI and 1″ inlet piping
- Not designed for low water pressure scenarios
Also Read: Is Rain Bird CP100 Better Than DV100?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, the 5000 and 42SA are different models. The 5000 has a 40 foot spray distance compared to 42 feet for the 42SA. The 42SA has a higher maximum flow rate at 15 GPM Vs. 12 GPM for the 5000. They have similar durability for commercial use.
No, the 32SA and 5000 are different Rain Bird rotary sprinkler models. The 32SA is designed for home use with 32 foot coverage, while the 5000 is built for large areas with 40 foot reach. The 5000 also has a higher flow rate capacity.
No, the Rain Bird 32SA and 3500 are different models. The 3500 is an older residential rotary sprinkler with plastic housing rather than the brass/stainless construction of the 32SA. The 32SA has greater durability and 5 year warranty Vs. 2 years for the 3500.
The Rain Bird 42SA has a variable flow rate range from 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute) up to 15 GPM. The higher flow accommodates covering larger lawn, field, and turf areas with this sprinkler.
Final Thoughts
For most residential lawn and garden applications, the Rain Bird 32SA is the recommended choice. It provides sufficient coverage and flow rates in a rugged package.
The 42SA is ideal for watering large open spaces like parks, sports fields, and golf courses that require extended range and higher GPM output. Both are quality sprinklers, but the 32SA hits the sweet spot for typical home needs.
Carefully match your size requirements and flow rate needs to pick the right Rain Bird rotary sprinkler between these two models. Proper installation for optimal water pressure, routine maintenance, and winterizing will ensure lasting performance.
