SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

I rather thought that tennis courts were watered to keep dust down, and the optimum sprinkler head would rotate more quickly than usual. If you can, you might try see what nozzles are on those heads (they have a number to the right of the break-up screw) You may have alternatives.

Yes, you are right, the numbers on the top of the head are the year of manufacture. Like Wetboots said, I would suggest that you check the nozzles first, you may be able to get a more appropriate spray by changing the nozzle. Also, your sprinkler heads are getting pretty old, if they are not operating properly, you may consider replacing them. Just an FYI if you do replace them, the PGP heads have a 2 year warranty, and the I-20 has a 5 year warranty.

You have a lot of water to work with, and that's good. A replacement has to figure in the distance it needs to throw. If the distance needed was less than 35 feet, you could use a Rainbird R-50 head with a #3 (grey) Rain Curtain nozzle. Very even throw, and quicker rotation than Hunter heads. In fact, the rotation can be speeded up by an adjustment in the head. The head is the same height as a Hunter, but is bigger around than the Hunter. A little easier to use would be a Rainbird 5004 (with a 4.0 nozzle) - Same slower rotation as a Hunter, but with better water spread. Same size, too, so replacement is easy.