logo
logo
  • Gardening
  • Outdoor Living
  • Outdoor Tools
  • Plants
  • Home
  • Outdoor Tools
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Keep Your Lawn Looking Lush With the Best Sprinkler Sled

author-image
By Garden Gate Review Team
Last updated: 5 Mar 2023

Who wants to lug around the garden in the summer heat, carrying water to thirsty plants? Not you, right? Luckily, there are many solutions to this problem and they don’t involve any magic or unicorns, either. We are talking about a sprinkler sled. A sprinkler sled is a great way to spray water directly on the plants without wasting it on the walkways. We have evaluated a list of the leading sprinkler sleds in 2023 that will adequately water your garden or small lawn.

Sprinkler sleds are a great way to get your lawn looking green and healthy in the summer. These sleds attach to a garden hose to produce a consistent watering pattern across your lawn. They’re also very user-friendly. All you have to do is fill up the sled with water, position it on your lawn, and turn on the water. It helps you to easily and efficiently water a large bed of plants or a large lawn area. But, how can you find a reliable sprinkler sled? Well, check out our in-depth review that will help you make an informed decision.

Best Overall
logo
Gilmour Pattern Impulse Sprinkler Sled
Buy on Amazon
Check Price on Walmart
Runner Up
logo
Sun Joe Adjustable Sprinkler Sled
Buy on Amazon
Honorable Mention
logo
Gardena ZoomMaxx Sprinkler Sled
Buy on Amazon
Show contents
Review of the Highest-Rated Sprinkler Sleds of 2023
  • 1 Gilmour Pattern Impulse Sprinkler Sled
  • 2 Sun Joe Adjustable Sprinkler Sled
  • 3 Gardena ZoomMaxx Sprinkler Sled

How to Identify a High-Quality Sprinkler Sled: A Buyer's Guide

Spring is just around the corner, and many of us are already thinking about gardening. One of the most common gardening tools is a sprinkler sled, which can help you water your plants without getting on your hands and knees. These sleds come in various styles and prices, so it’s essential to do your research before making a purchase. Here’s what you need to know about these standard garden tools, including how much they cost and what features to look for when shopping.

Benefits of having a sprinkler sled

We all know having a sprinkler sled is great and saves you time. However, there are many other benefits that make this product worth a shot. Some of them are given below.

Automation of watering system

One of the main benefits of getting a sprinkler sled is the automation of the watering system. They do not need manual intervention to operate. Sprinklers sleds are programmable, and they will automatically water your lawn in the schedule you’ve defined. No doubt, a sprinkler can make watering your garden a hassle-free task.

Customized watering

A sprinkler sled allows you to create a customized watering system that ensures that all of your plants, shrubs, and grass receive the water and nutrients that they need to survive. Some sleds even come with built-in timers, and you can set them to turn on and off at certain times of the day to water the plants.

Usage convenience

The purpose of a sprinkler is to deliver water in a concentrated form where needed. This makes it easier to care for plants and prevents overwatering. This simple device will help you water more efficiently and consistently, which means less time worrying about when your plants will dry out and more time enjoying yourself.

Water conservation

It is vital to conserve water nowadays. With a sprinkler sled, you not only can save water for future generations but can also save your money. A sprinkler sled turns water into liquid mist. When you turn on the sprinkler, the water droplets are projected into the air. The mist sprays in all directions, so the amount of water consumed is minimal.

Things to look for while buying a sprinkler sled

There are many sprinkler sleds on the market, so choosing the right one can be confusing. Here are some things that you should look for when buying a sprinkler sled.

Material

The first thing you should notice is the material of the sled. They are usually made of PVC plastic and stainless-steel material. As a general rule, metal parts are more durable than plastic ones (though not indestructible). Plastic parts won’t rust or corrode, but they will wear out more quickly. A plastic sprinkler head will wear down after a year or two, whereas a metal one will last well beyond that. Ensure that your sprinkler is made of high-quality, durable material that doesn’t rust over time and has a long lifespan. 

Size of the lawn

When shopping for a sprinkler, it is important to consider the size of the lawn you are planning to irrigate. There are different models of sprinklers that can fit different lawn sizes. If you have a small garden or lawn, it is better to invest in an oscillating or stationary sled. Otherwise, you can also choose between pulsating or traveling sprinklers, as they are explicitly designed to cover a large area.

Maximum coverage

Most sprinklers come with an adjustable 360-degree pivot that lets you orient the sprinkler in any direction. Some versatile models of sprinkler have a head that rotates back and forth. Make sure the sprinkler you buy comes with a rotating sprinkler head that can be set up in a full circle and has a few extra attachments for maximum coverage.

Pressure

The next important thing to notice is the water pressure. High pressure can negatively impact the performance of the sprinkler, but if the water pressure in your area is low, then chances are, the sprinkler won’t reach its maximum coverage. Use a flow meter or water gauge to analyze the water pressure in your area before buying a sprinkler sled. You can also use an add-on pressure regulator to manage the water pressure so the sprinkler can reach its full potential. Choose a sprinkler that can cope up with 50-80 PSI.

Spray pattern

Most people ignore this aspect, but you should not. Checking the spray pattern is essential while buying the sprinkler sled as it allows uniform distribution of water. Some sprinkler sleds come with 15-20 jets which means that they can cover a large area without much overlap, while others simply have a long hose length, which helps them to reach further. Oscillating sprinklers have two or more nozzles that spray water in different directions while the circular and wide range patterns are also available which provide excellent coverage.

Mode of sprinkler

A sprinkler sled has three modes, which are adjustable with a dial on the bottom of the handle. The three modes are:

  • Full blast for watering large areas, such as lawns
  • Medium for watering small areas, such as garden beds
  • Mist for watering flowers and smaller plants

If you are going to use a sled sprinkler to water your lawn, it is a good idea to buy a model with a mist setting as it is ideal for watering flowers and other small plants. Some sprinklers also come with a built-in timer that lets you automatically turn the sprinklers on and off.

Installation

The best part about most sprinkler sleds is that they are user-friendly. They can be installed quickly and do not require any professional help. However, before buying a sprinkler, you still need to make sure that the model is compatible with your garden hose; otherwise, it will just be a waste of money.

How does a sprinkler sled work?

A sprinkler sled is used the same way as a traditional sprinkler. They work by pumping the water up to a reservoir, and then using the pressurized water to propel the sled. The sled then releases the water in a fine mist, which is ideal for watering the plants. Sprinkler sleds come with two or more nozzles, so you can adjust the distance of the water is sprinkled. 

There are some sleds that are equipped with sensors that detect the moisture and humidity of the soil. When the sensors detect that the soil is dry, the sprinkler starts spraying. Others simply come with an automatic controller which allows you to preset the watering time and frequency for efficiently watering the plants.

How much does a sprinkler sled cost?

The price of a sprinkle sled depends on the sprinkler model, the size of your lawn, and your local water pressure. The average cost of a basic sprinkler sled is approximately $40. 

There are a variety of attachments like sprinklers, nozzles, and irrigation heads that you can buy to add flair or improve efficiency. Some of these attachments are inexpensive add-ons, and most of them are absolutely unnecessary. So, if you are on a budget, it is better to get an affordable sprinkler sled that costs around $15-20$.

Review of the Highest-Rated Sprinkler Sleds of 2023

1

Gilmour Pattern Impulse Sprinkler Sled

– Best Overall
img
Buy on Amazon
Check Price on Walmart

The Gilmour pattern impulse sprinkler sled has a uniquely designed multi-spray pattern that provides up to 5,800 square foot coverage. The sprinkler is made of polyurethane material, which is highly durable and built to last. It also has an adjustable collar that adds convenience by allowing you partial to full ground coverage. 

Perfect for large lawns, this sprinkler has a built-in programming disc with a flexible pattern rings disc that helps you change the distance of your spray and the disc itself has 12 adjustable points. To cover a larger area, you just have to push down the ring until it’s flat. The customizable spray allows you to cover any irregular-shaped area of the lawn. Plus, it also has a lever that flips up the sprinkler head to provide complete 360-degree coverage. What’s more, if you buy this sprinkler then you will get a lifetime warranty.

Pros
  • Built-in programming disc to cover maximum area
  • Adjustable collar for partial to full coverage
  • High durable polyurethane construction
Cons
  • Pattern adjustability is a little tricky
2

Sun Joe Adjustable Sprinkler Sled

– Runner Up
img
Buy on Amazon

Achieve the most efficient watering by using the Sun Joe water sprinkler sled. You can customize your watering needs with 20 durable and clog-resistant rubber nozzles that provide even water dispersal. This multi-use sprinkler comes with various features, including a 360-degree rotating head for easier maneuvering in smaller spaces, a control valve to increase and decrease water flow, and a fully adjustable spray that covers a wide area of 4250 sq ft. You can change the water flow and spray range with the knob on the back of the machine. All in all, Sun Joe allows hassle-free spraying for your garden, yard, or patio!

Pros
  • Customizable spray pattern with precise range for maximum coverage
  • Knob to control the water flow
  • 20 clog-resistant and durable nozzles for even water dispersal
Cons
  • Has limited water pressure
3

Gardena ZoomMaxx Sprinkler Sled

– Honorable Mention
img
Buy on Amazon

Are you looking for a quiet and hassle-free sprinkler sled? The Gardena ZoomMaxx is an easy-to-use sprinkler for small to large areas in the garden. This sprinkler is built with 16 flexible rubber nozzles that distribute water evenly and has a large sled base which ensures its stability. The sealed turbine gear-driven unit creates a circular spray pattern, producing an even watering system with up to 76 square feet of coverage.

Each Gardena nozzle has a unique control lever that allows easy adjustment of water flow and even watering of lawns, beds, and hedges. They have multiple settings like circular, oscillating, and wide range sprinklers, so you can choose the right option depending on the water flow, coverage, and watering time. These efficient sprinklers enhance the water supply and leave your yard looking great!

Pros
  • Easy to operate
  • Multiple spray patterns to fulfill every gardening need
  • Large sled base for strength and enhanced stability
Cons
  • Made of plastic, so it might not last as long as you want

People Also Asked

Q: What type of sprinkler sled should you get if you have a large garden?

A: For larger lawns, a sprinkler with drip irrigation can work well. These will feed water directly to the roots of the plant rather than spraying it out.

Q: Why does a sprinkler sled sputter?

A: There is not one but many reasons for the sputtering. It could be because of water pressure, a bad valve, or clogged debris in the sprinkler's head. You can hire professional help to get it checked.

Q: How to fix a blockage in the sprinkler sled's head?

A: The sprinkler head stops rotating when it gets clogged with debris and dust. You just have to disassemble the head, remove the filters, and rinse the filter with fresh water. This will fix the issue.

Watering Tools & Accessories
author-image
By Garden Gate Review Team
The Garden Gate Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best products for a beautiful and bountiful garden and backyard. The content is created by The Garden Gate Review Team. Garden Gate’s editorial staff is not involved. Garden Gate is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Posts:
img
Prepare the Perfect Seedbed With the Best Cordless Cultivators
A garden can only grow plants with good soil. Good soil involves aerated earth, tilling, and the removal of weeds. This can take days, if not weeks, for someone to…
img
Keep Your Lawn Sharp With the Best String Trimmer
When it comes to keeping your lawn in great shape, trimming and mowing go hand in hand—but there are some parts of your garden that even lawn mowers can't reach.…
img
The Best Hand Cultivator To Get the Job Done
Imagine this scenario: it's spring season, and you are excited to grow new plants in your lovely garden. After spending plenty of time and resources, you bring the best seeds…
2143 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
1-800-341-4769
  • Subscription Questions
  • Submit A Tip Or Question
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc.© 2023 Garden Gate All rights reserved.