The Rain Bird Turf Bird Family of Impact Sprinklers c. 1960's

Hi guys, this is another collaboration with my friend Kerry from the West Coast. We combine our collections to show each of the configurations and sizes for Rain Bird's Turf Bird impact sprinklers of the1960's. We take a slightly different approach to showing the sprinklers this time, that we think you'll enjoy.
In the late 1950's Rain Bird introduced a line of impact sprinklers targeted at the large turf market. Used primarily on golf courses, these sprinklers came in sizes 3/4" through 1 1/4" in both full and part circle models. For full circles, these include the 404, 707, and 808 whose ag equivalents were the 30, 70, and 80. For part circles, the models were 305 and 605 whose equivalents in the ag line were the 35 and 65. The part circled eventually included a PJ tube and deflector option. The full circles optionally would be shipped with Rain Bird's innovative Hi-Lo inner nozzle, which could be turned down or off with a flat head screw driver.
To aid night watermen, the sprinklers had aluminum bodies, reducing their overall weight. Each was shipped with the body painted Rain Bird Green, another way to differentiate this line of impact sprinklers from those with the standard bronze body. While many users put these on quick coupler keys, they were also available from the factory on a roller and wheel bases.
We really enjoyed putting together this video, and we hope you enjoy watching it!

[@Stanley.1977]

That dog is having a blast! Really cool sprinklers! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@antiquesprinklers]

Thanks! That’s Kerry’s dog, Rio. He loves sprinklers.

[@RicoAndrew]

That dog was sure exited to munch on some water😂

[@antiquesprinklers]

For sure!

[@williamross1725]

Well my friend Rio just can’t get enough of the sprinkler flow GREAT DOG TOO!

[@NelsonBigGunP200Fan]

Also love the video of the Turf birds running! the dog there loves to be sprayed! Those are some nice impacts i hope to find some of my own!

[@antiquesprinklers]

Rio loves going after the sprinklers. That’s one of Kerry’s dogs.

[@TheKillionC]

This is my favorite video so far. I love the Turf Birds and this was a perfect demonstration.

[@antiquesprinklers]

Thank you!

[@TheKillionC]

@@antiquesprinklers also is that your buddy’s backyard or a golf course? That place looks amazing!

[@antiquesprinklers]

@@TheKillionCKerry has built an incredible yard, for sure.

[@franknorcia2741]

Every video I think its my new favorite but this one is going to be hard to beat! I Love the Turf Birds I think they are one on the most beautiful impacts ever! BTW who can run an 808 in their yard?! Awesome job as well Kerry

[@antiquesprinklers]

Thanks, Frank!

[@NelsonBigGunP200Fan]

I've always loved the turf birds. I have a 404, and a 707. Their aluminum bodies and adjustable spreader nozzle in the back are really cool. I hope to get a 808 someday!

[@antiquesprinklers]

They’re out there. You’d be able to do a great video with an 808.

[@RicoAndrew]

I ordered a refurbished 51DS golf sprinkler for a fair price - $110 better than eBay's prices at least $100 for a well-used 51DR. Also great video, well described and showing great pieces of History. Helps me learn something everyday.✌👌👍

[@antiquesprinklers]

Thanks. That’s a cool sprinkler you’re getting.

[@NelsonBigGunP200Fan]

what was the DS? I know the DR means valve in head. Is DS sealomatic with the valve? I need to send in my 91DR and get it rebuilt. it pops up but the drive arm does not move. Also the canister fills quickly, i think the valve in head is bad, could be stuck and the riser gasket may need replaced. Sports Turf irrigation does rebuild the 91s so i should contact them!

[@RicoAndrew]

@@NelsonBigGunP200Fan the DS is basically a Dr but it has no valve that requires electricity. I haven't received my sprinkler yet but I hope it arrives tomorrow. A refurbished 95 DS they told me was $135. But yeah I ordered my sprinkler from them

[@RicoAndrew]

@@NelsonBigGunP200Fan basically a NBG / OBG in a DR style case. Also they don't have any OBG style cases they only have internals. They also sell Lids so you can finally get one for your NBG.

[@NelsonBigGunP200Fan]

@@RicoAndrew I have a 91DR that pops up but does not move the drive arm. Also the casing fills up with water very quickly. I did move the manual valve setting to "on" but i think either the leak has the pressure low or maybe the valve in head is not working right. Sports Turf Irrigation can rebuild it for me. As soon as I get some cash i'll send it off and have it worked on. I think there is just not enough pressure to move the drive arm.

[@photocontrol]

Great Turf Bird collections. Neat to see the various models in operation. So far I only have a 707 and 808.

[@antiquesprinklers]

Thanks. I’m sure that 707 and 808 run great.

[@photocontrol]

@@antiquesprinklers Yes they do run very well.

[@randyvanheusden732]

Again I found this interesting even though this is just a segment of the Rain Bird company. Even though I grew up with full circle models wishing I had part circles which captured my attention and did not have the pressure on our free flowing wells. Two acres was what I had to water and so there were plenty of full circles to water. Even though I was working with 1/2" models, the same concept. Thank you for sharing these turf birds and not knowing there would be any difference between these and the other models. thank you for your video.

[@antiquesprinklers]

Thank you.

[@RicoAndrew]

Also I saw a whole bunch of those Buckner things that you connect the sprinkler tubes to at a Garden Place in Idaho while we were on vacation. Pretty neat but they seem to be abandoned for several years. / :

[@RicoAndrew]

At the time I had no idea what they were other than I noticed the brand "Buckner" on the top

[@antiquesprinklers]

Oh, quick coupling valves. Old Buckner QC’s are definitely out there. I have one of the small, early models they made, but I used to sell 100’s a year to the National Park Service.

[@RicoAndrew]

@@antiquesprinklers that's very cool, there was several other sprinklers at the place spread throughout the all the gardens including Rain Bird 5000 stainless steel Toro 300 stream rotors and more also saw a newer either Buckner or some sort of brand sprinkler kind of like the 65d watering somewhere outside of the place

[@antiquesprinklers]

That’s awesome.

[@TroyHughes-cg3bx]

i love this video i collect sprinklers i have a few the biggest impact i have is a Nelson P85A

[@antiquesprinklers]

Thanks. The P85A is a good-sized sprinkler for sure.

[@ExcelsiorElectric]

Was the one @9:23 specifically designed to have that "tap TAP, tap TAP, tap TAP" rhythm to it? Also, I love how Puppers is helping out by biting the stream of water. 🤣

[@antiquesprinklers]

I used to always assume that it was an issue with pressure, spring tension, too large a nozzle or too many sprinklers on a zone, but I watched a promotional video rain bird put out showing impacts from the 1940, and they do that. My gut is still that it’s not by design, but I did like that if it is a problem the actual manufacturer didn’t mind showing it. Not my dog, but people love him.

[@NelsonBigGunP200Fan]

I believe the 707 was the turf version of the 70CW. aluminum body and rear adjustable spreader, whereas the 70CW was just brass lower angle and non adjustable spreader for Ag irrigation. Truly great impacts! I wish RB still made them!

[@antiquesprinklers]

Thanks! I believe you’re right!