Get a drywall saw cut around the head.

1 pair of channel locks on the rotor, 1 pair of channel locks on the body...good luck

 

we routinely "screw out, screw in". cut about 5" in diameter around the head. then just unscrew the head off the fitting and screw a new one back on. with PGP's, which is what we use, it works all the time. not so sure with 5000's.

just be careful when removing the old head

 

Godfather. I got it
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Is it considered being a hack if you do this? I just realized the time savings in leaving the body, but felt like I was short cutting the job by doing it like this.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

It really isn't in the job description for a sprinkler head, to allow you to easily perform a guts swap.

 

I guess the only way to do it is to try to get in there with the channel locks. Some heads recede to the point where it's not possible.

 

we routinely "screw out, screw in". cut about 5" in diameter around the head. then just unscrew the head off the fitting and screw a new one back on. with PGP's, which is what we use, it works all the time. not so sure with 5000's.

just be careful when removing the old head

You take the whole head right off the elbow? Or just the guts of the rotor, leaving the body? I have taken the whole head off, but I didn't like it - the potential for dirt then inside the sprinkler is high, especially if it's at a low point and the line drains down once you remove the head.

 

I find it easier to remove the whole head. I a long bladed knife in my tool box and use it to cut around the top, then grab the top with channel locks and spin it out, then install new head. The whole process can be done in less than a min. The soil here packs nicely so it early falls back in.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

The older 5000 heads from Rainbird might present an issue on replacements, since they cheaped out on the amount of plastic at the connection point, and have those flat surfaces down there moving soil around as you unscrew a head.

 

I also prefer to do straight change outs unless the head is root bound or some other obstruction in the way preventing a full body swap.

 

I guess I'll try some full rotor swaps, not worrying too much about the dirt I might get in the line when I spin the old one out. Should save some time. At the rate the PGPs I'm working with are failing anyway, a little dirt probably won't make much of a difference...

Thanks all.

 

If the only problem is leakage from under the cover, the PGP can probably be rescued.

 

Step 1 cut a small circle around the cap of head
Step 2 wedge a trowel firmly against the body of the head
Step 3 unscrew head from body with channel locks
Step 4 screw in new head
I thought this was standard in the industry hope I'm not giving away some big secret lol

 

Doesn't anyone here use a head trimmer?

https://www.midwestrake.com/85422/kenyon-classic-2-3-4-inch-sprinkler-head-trimmer/

 

Doesn't anyone here use a head trimmer?

https://www.midwestrake.com/85422/kenyon-classic-2-3-4-inch-sprinkler-head-trimmer/

I do, but mine has a different handle. I use it during all start ups, bad for changing out the guts while leaving the body.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Step 1 cut a small circle around the cap of head
Step 2 wedge a trowel firmly against the body of the head
Step 3 unscrew head from body with channel locks
Step 4 screw in new head
I thought this was standard in the industry hope I'm not giving away some big secret lol

Newer trick for me......but not a huge secret.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Doesn't anyone here use a head trimmer?

We do, they're made in two sizes for rotors and spray heads. Indispensable tools for a service truck. :clapping:

 

Doesn't anyone here use a head trimmer?

https://www.midwestrake.com/85422/kenyon-classic-2-3-4-inch-sprinkler-head-trimmer/

Mind explaining how these work? Be nice.

 

Mind explaining how these work? Be nice.

They take out turf and soil around the sprinkler head so it can get crooked when the mowers run over it.

 

Don't be a hack. Dig that $hit up and replace the head properly..... this also allows you to ensure that the head is straight and the soil around the head is compacted properly.

 

They take out turf and soil around the sprinkler head so it can get crooked when the mowers run over it.

I also provide the mowing at my sites, bad haven't seen this problem yet. I find most heads are buried too low and end up stuck under the mat of grass encasing them. I don't dig all the way down with it when I'm doing spring startups, just enough to get the sod. Here we are a month later and I can't see most of the heads again.

I can see it being an issue if you remove too much dirt when using the trimmer, but I remove just enough to get the sod.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

They take out turf and soil around the sprinkler head so it can get crooked when the mowers run over it.

....... True dat

 

They take out turf and soil around the sprinkler head so it can get crooked when the mowers run over it.

Only if you are using the tool improperly.

 

Only if you are using the tool improperly.

The tricky part of "cookie cutters" is to avoid pushing down too hard and rotating the heads. We once trimmed a site and the crew managed to rotate the heads into the picture windows that had just been washed!