The Complete MP Rotator Guide: Standard, MP800 Series & Strip Models

Understanding the MP Rotator Family

Hunter's MP Rotator family represents a revolutionary approach to irrigation efficiency with multiple product lines designed to work together in a comprehensive system. The MP Rotator line includes three main categories: Standard MP Rotators, MP800 Series, and MP Strip/Side Strip nozzles, each engineered for specific applications.

What makes the MP Rotator system special is its unique multi-stream, multi-trajectory rotating stream delivery system. Unlike conventional spray nozzles that simply spray water onto landscapes, MP Rotators deliver multiple rotating streams at a steady rate. This slower application allows water to gently soak into the soil, reducing runoff and ensuring more efficient water use - up to 30% less water compared to traditional sprays.

The key to a successful MP Rotator system is understanding how these different models can work together on the same irrigation zone while maintaining matched precipitation rates - ensuring all areas receive the right amount of water.

Hunter's Official MP Rotator Design Guide (LIT-461), Detailed Specifications

Standard MP Rotator Models

The standard MP Rotator line applies water at the industry's lowest precipitation rate of 0.4 in/hr, making them ideal for most landscapes, especially those with slopes or clay soils where runoff is a concern. These nozzles feature black bodies for easy identification and come in various models to cover different distances and patterns:

• MP1000: Radius 8' to 15', available in adjustable arc (90° to 210°, 210° to 270°) and full circle (360°)
• MP2000: Radius 13' to 21', with similar arc options
• MP3000: Radius 22' to 30', for larger coverage areas
• MP3500: Extended radius of 31' to 35' for maximum coverage

The standard MP Rotator's slow application rate makes it perfect for heavy soils, sloped terrain, and areas where water conservation is a priority. With radius coverage up to 35 feet, these are ideal for larger lawn areas while still delivering exceptional water efficiency and uniform coverage.

MP800 Series: Higher Flow For Smaller Spaces

The MP800 Series nozzles are specifically designed for smaller spaces and spray retrofits, offering a higher precipitation rate of 0.8 in/hr - double that of the standard MP Rotators. These nozzles are easily identifiable by their grey bodies and are available in shorter radius ranges appropriate for tighter spaces.

The MP800 Series includes models with radius ranges from 6' to 16' (1.8m to 4.9m), providing excellent coverage for small to medium garden areas. The newest addition to this family is the MP815, which extends the radius range up to 16' while maintaining the same 0.8 in/hr precipitation rate.

The MP800 Series is particularly useful for:

• Converting existing spray systems to more efficient MP Rotators
• Areas with medium-grade soils where the higher precipitation rate won't cause runoff
• Gentle slopes where faster water application is acceptable
• Irrigation scenarios with tight watering windows where water needs to be applied more quickly
• Small garden beds and landscape areas where the longer radius of standard MP Rotators would overspray

Like all MP Rotator nozzles, the MP800 Series features the same benefits of multi-stream technology, high distribution uniformity, and the double-pop feature that protects the nozzle from debris.

MP Side Strip Nozzles: Perfect for Narrow Areas

MP Side Strip nozzles are specialty nozzles designed to efficiently water narrow areas that would be impractical for regular circular spray patterns. These nozzles create rectangular water patterns rather than the arcs of standard rotators, making them ideal for boulevards, narrow garden beds, and spaces between walkways and walls.

The MP Side Strip family includes:

• MP Side Strip (Brown): 5' x 30' rectangular pattern
• MP Left Corner Strip (Ivory): 5' x 15' left corner pattern
• MP Right Corner Strip (Copper): 5' x 15' right corner pattern

Single Row Side Strip Layout

Double Row Side Strip Layout

What makes MP Side Strip nozzles particularly valuable is their ability to match precipitation rates with either Standard MP Rotators or MP800 Series nozzles depending on how they're arranged:

• Single-row or triangle configuration: Matches the 0.4 in/hr rate of standard MP Rotators
• Square or rectangular spacing: Matches the 0.8 in/hr rate of MP800 Series nozzles

This flexibility allows MP Side Strip nozzles to be used on the same zone as either standard MP Rotators or MP800 Series nozzles while maintaining matched precipitation rates across the entire system. This is crucial for ensuring uniform watering and preventing dry or oversaturated areas.

Using MP Rotator Types Together: Compatibility Guide

One of the greatest advantages of the MP Rotator family is the ability to mix different models within the same irrigation zone when properly designed. However, it's important to understand which combinations work well together to maintain matched precipitation rates across your landscape.

Compatibility Matrix

Nozzle Type	Standard MP (0.4 in/hr)	MP800 Series (0.8 in/hr)	MP Strip (Single Row)	MP Strip (Square Layout)
Standard MP	✓ Compatible	✗ Not Compatible	✓ Compatible	✗ Not Compatible
MP800 Series	✗ Not Compatible	✓ Compatible	✗ Not Compatible	✓ Compatible
MP Strip (Single Row)	✓ Compatible	✗ Not Compatible	✓ Compatible	✗ Not Compatible
MP Strip (Square Layout)	✗ Not Compatible	✓ Compatible	✗ Not Compatible	✓ Compatible

Key points about MP Rotator compatibility:

• Never mix standard MP Rotators with MP800 Series on the same zone, as their precipitation rates differ significantly (0.4 vs 0.8 in/hr)
• MP Strip nozzles are versatile and can work with either type if arranged properly
• All MP Rotator types are incompatible with traditional spray nozzles due to vastly different precipitation rates and application methods
• All MP Rotator types can be installed on the same spray bodies (preferably pressure-regulated to 40 PSI)

Design Considerations For Mixed Systems

When designing an irrigation system that combines different MP Rotator types:

1. Assess your landscape needs: Identify which areas need standard coverage and which require specialty nozzles
2. Group by precipitation rate: Keep nozzles with the same precipitation rate on the same zone
3. Plan strip nozzle layouts carefully: Decide whether to match with standard MP Rotators (0.4 in/hr) or MP800 Series (0.8 in/hr)
4. Use Pro-Spray PRS40 bodies: For optimal performance, pair MP Rotators with pressure-regulated spray bodies
5. Consider soil type and slope: Standard MP Rotators for clay soils and slopes; MP800 for medium soils on flat terrain

This approach allows you to create a comprehensive irrigation system that precisely waters every part of your landscape with maximum efficiency, from large open lawns to narrow strips along walkways.

Installation and Operational Guidelines

For optimal performance of your MP Rotator system:

• Operate all MP Rotator nozzles at the recommended pressure of 40 PSI for best results
• Use Hunter Pro-Spray PRS40 pop-up bodies to ensure proper pressure regulation
• For minimum radius settings, 30 PSI is recommended
• Adjust radius settings on installed and running nozzles (radius can be reduced up to 25%)
• Ensure proper head-to-head coverage for most efficient operation
• Clean filter screens periodically to maintain optimal performance

All MP Rotator nozzles share these valuable features:

• Double-pop feature that protects against debris
• Wind-resistant multi-stream technology
• High distribution uniformity for healthier landscapes
• Matched precipitation within each nozzle family
• Removable filter screens for easy maintenance
• Water savings of up to 30% compared to conventional sprays

MP Rotator Layout and Run Time Calculations

Optimal Layout Design

Proper layout is critical for MP Rotator efficiency. While the principles are similar to traditional sprinklers, there are some key differences:

• Head-to-Head Coverage: Ensure each rotator reaches adjacent heads for uniform distribution
• Square or Triangular Patterns: Triangular patterns are typically more efficient, but square patterns are more common
• Triangular Patterns Are More Typical on Large Properties: This is because triangular patterns have an offset termination, look at the examples below

Square Head Layout

Triangular Head Layout

Understanding Precipitation Rates and Run Times

One of the most important aspects of using MP Rotators is understanding their precipitation rates and how they affect run times compared to standard spray nozzles:

Nozzle Type	Precipitation Rate	Relative Run Time
Hunter Standard Spray Nozzles	1.5-2.0 in/hr	1× (baseline)
MP800 Series	0.8 in/hr	2-2.5× longer
Standard MP Rotators	0.4 in/hr	4-5× longer

Why Longer Run Times Are Better

Though MP Rotators require significantly longer run times than conventional sprays, this is actually beneficial for several reasons:

• Reduced Runoff: The slower application rate allows water to soak into the soil rather than running off the surface
• Deeper Root Growth: Slower, deeper watering encourages roots to grow downward rather than staying near the surface
• Better Absorption: Soil has time to absorb water properly, especially in clay or compacted soils
• Lower Water Usage: Despite longer run times, MP Rotators typically use 30% less water overall
• Reduced Erosion: The gentle water application minimizes soil erosion and displacement

By understanding the relationship between precipitation rates and run times, you can properly program your irrigation controller to ensure your landscape receives the right amount of water while maximizing the efficiency benefits of MP Rotator nozzles.

Conclusion

MP Rotator nozzles represent a significant advancement in irrigation technology, offering superior water efficiency, better distribution, and reduced runoff compared to traditional spray heads. With three distinct product lines—Standard MP Rotators, MP800 Series, and MP Side Strip nozzles—the system provides solutions for virtually any landscape configuration.

While MP Rotators do require longer run times, the benefits in water savings, plant health, and environmental impact make them well worth the adjustment. By properly understanding the layout requirements, precipitation rates, and run time calculations for these nozzles, you can create an irrigation system that delivers precisely the right amount of water where it's needed most, while minimizing waste and maximizing landscape health.

By understanding the different MP Rotator types and their compatibility, you can create an efficient, water-saving irrigation system that provides optimal coverage for every area of your landscape, from large turf areas to narrow strips and corners.