Sprinkler head questions

[Laker14]

I've done several searches and couldn't find the specific information I'm looking for.

For those of you who have taken the time to understand your irrigation system, I have a few questions.

Are all of the irrigation systems that come as original equipment in TV of the same manufacture?

If so, what is the brand?

If so, are different heads from different manufacturers interchangeable?

How tricky is it to change and adjust heads?

Any recommendations for heads that work better than the original equipment?

[Bogie Shooter]

I have found a lot of helpful videos on this subject on YouTube.
Most systems are Hunter.

[retiredguy123]

The primary manufacturer for the sprinklers systems in The Villages is Hunter. You can buy Hunter replacement parts at ACE Hardware and they will be happy to show you how they can be installed and adjusted. Some other manufacturer's parts are interchangeable with Hunter, such as Rainbird, but I would suggest using Hunter parts because they are available and the color coding for Rainbird sprinklers is different than Hunter. Sprinkler heads are very easy to adjust and replace. Yes, you can upgrade the sprinklers to a heavier grade, but I don't see any reason to do it. I would recommend that you download or print out all of the Hunter operating manuals from their website for your specific equipment, and learn how to program and operate the controller. I have done this, and I have found that many of the so called sprinkler experts in The Villages know very little about how to operate the controllers. Good luck.

[roscoguy]

If so, are different heads from different manufacturers interchangeable?

How tricky is it to change and adjust heads?

Any recommendations for heads that work better than the original equipment?

If you've ever installed or changed a threaded pipe fitting, sprinkler heads are easy. Yes, all brands of sprinkler heads that have the same pipe thread are interchangeable. Just make sure you know the shape & size of the area you want to water. There are fixed angle heads in 90º & 180º as well as ones that are adjustable up to 360º. These are usually 1/2" FPT. There are also fully adjustable rotors & impulse types for larger areas, which may be 3/4" FPT. It's not a bad idea to have an old one in hand to make sure you get the same type when you shop.

I've used several series 1800 Rainbird heads in the 90º & 180º's, but some have failed to fully retract. I'll probably give Hunter or Orbit a try next.

[Topspinmo]

If you get the same make or equivalent, diameter, and length most times you don’t have to dig it up just hold the base and unscrew top, separate the new one from the body and screw it in the old body. Now you have all new internal parts except the outer shell/body. I have CYV with rocks, got rid of majority (capped off) of pop ups cause the water the rocks more than my bushes encouraging weeds.