Learn more about the design process Toro sprinklers go through

Sprinklers have the power to transform your sports surfaces with precision, accuracy, and efficiency. Here we learn more about the design process Toro sprinklers go through, from start to finish.

How are ideas for a new sprinkler generated?

The process of generating new sprinkler ideas primarily revolves around customer feedback and market needs. Direct customer interactions from the customer – interviews provide immediate ideas, while indirect feedback comes from social media, sales channels, and installation contractors who relay customer requests and complaints. These insights are crucial for understanding known customer requirements, solving specific problems, or introducing new features that enhance customer satisfaction. Technological advancements play a supporting role rather than being the primary driver of new product development.

How heavily do you rely on research and development?

Research and development (R&D) is fundamental throughout the entire product development lifecycle. Research phases focus on conceptualising products and integrating new technologies, while development continues through design, evaluation, and manufacturing trials. The process typically involves a lead product manager, design engineer, and various support teams to ensure the product meets or exceeds expectations.

On average, how long does the process from start to finish take?

The timeline for developing a new sprinkler design averages around two years, varying based on complexity. The most challenging aspect often lies in nozzle development, requiring a balance of scientific understanding and practical application to optimise water distribution efficiently. This stage involves extensive modelling, simulation, lab testing, and field trials to refine nozzle performance.

Qualification testing constitutes the most time-consuming phase, especially when design issues necessitate repetitive prototyping and testing. Despite its duration, this process ensures the final product meets stringent performance and reliability standards before production.

What sets Toro apart from the competition in this process?

Toro distinguishes itself in the industries in which we operate through a strong corporate culture and extensive institutional knowledge among its employees. This collective experience and dedication contribute to consistently high-quality products that endure in the market.

What is unique about the process?

One unique aspect of Toro’s development process is its specialised testing facilities, designed to simulate real-world conditions such as golf course environments. These facilities enable Toro to validate product performance under various stressors like contaminants in water and pressure surges, ensuring robust performance in diverse operational settings.

Toro irrigation systems are known for their longevity, what can you tell us about the components/quality of the materials used that contribute to that?

The longevity of Toro’s irrigation systems is bolstered by thorough material evaluation and selection tailored to each component’s performance requirements. Before adopting new materials, Toro rigorously tests their reliability to ensure they enhance product durability.

How long is the infield testing process?

Infield testing duration varies depending on product specifications; for instance, golf rotor sprinklers undergo multiple years of rigorous testing. While infield testing cannot conclusively determine a product’s decades-long lifespan, Toro uses accelerated lab testing to approximate real-world conditions and validate product longevity.

What kind of adjustments might typically be made during R&D or infield testing?

Adjustments during R&D and infield testing often involve refining design elements to meet performance specifications. For example, adjustments may be made to nozzle designs to optimise water distribution or to seals to prevent leaks discovered during field testing. These adjustments ensure that products meet the exacting standards set during development.

Toro sprinklers: B series with Turf Cup, left, and Infinity.

What’s the feature that has brought the most change?

Two key features have significantly enhanced golf course irrigation: the integration of a valve within the sprinkler head and a control system that allows for individual programming and control of each sprinkler. Working together, these innovations enable greenkeepers to apply water with greater accuracy and precision, leading to water and energy savings as well as improved playing conditions.

What’s been the benefit that has made the most impact?

Another impactful benefit for greenkeepers and golfers is the continuous improvement of central control systems. These systems now have the ability to automatically adjust irrigation schedules based on sensor data or weather conditions, all of which can be accessed from a mobile phone almost anywhere. This marks a significant advancement from just a few years ago. Despite these advancements, the central control system remains as simple or as complex as the greenkeeper desires, still managing essential tasks like daily programmed irrigation and manual irrigation activities.

In your opinion which Toro sprinklers or features of Toro sprinklers are simply unmatched?

Toro golf sprinklers are among the most versatile products in the golf irrigation industry. Their factory settings are optimised for typical use, ensuring excellent performance in most golf course situations. Versatility is crucial because golf courses present challenging and diverse environments. The ability to adapt water distribution to specific, demanding areas is a significant advantage for greenkeepers. Examples of this versatility include adjustable main nozzle trajectories and customisable nozzle sets. These are standard features of Toro golf sprinklers.

Do you have any proven facts on savings Toro sprinklers might have led to (water savings or energy efficiencies for example)?

Case studies I have reviewed demonstrate approximately 20 percent annual savings in electricity and water resulting from a golf irrigation renovation. An example is a 36 hole property, Sun City Mountain Vista, in Palm Desert, California, USA. After a complete irrigation system renovation, water savings were documented as well as improved soil moisture uniformity measured with handheld soil moisture sensors.

Of course, results will vary widely depending on the condition of the irrigation system before the investment. The other benefit that results from an irrigation renovation is the improved course playing conditions. Lastly, a golf irrigation renovation will reduce labour requirements for system maintenance, repairs, and supplemental hand-watering.

What’s the oddest request you’ve heard for features or are all ideas good ideas?

Most unusual ideas stem from a problem that needs a solution, or from the desire to find a better solution than what’s currently available in the market. While the idea itself might not be feasible, understanding the underlying problem can spark the creation of an innovative new product.

What international kite marks, or red tape, do you encounter?

International markets can be challenging from a regulatory standpoint, particularly when it comes to providing the necessary certifications or proof of compliance. Navigating these requirements can be laborious in some regions. The continued expansion of harmonising standards worldwide is a positive development that can help address these challenges.

What does the future of sprinkler design look like to you?

The future of sprinkler design will likely follow two paths:

1. Refining existing products: this approach involves continuing to improve the large golf sprinkler products currently available. Enhancements will likely focus on:

•  Improving water distribution uniformity
• Enhancing reliability
• Adding versatility features to help greenkeepers adapt water application on golf courses

2. Developing innovative solutions: This path involves creating products and services that don’t exist today. This more disruptive approach will require reimagining how water is applied to golf courses and critical areas within them, tees and greens for example.

While I can’t provide specific details, rest assured that we are thinking outside the box and constantly engaging with customers to understand where we can make the most significant impact in helping them manage water efficiently and provide excellent course conditions for their members, guests, and customers.

As the sole Toro distributor in the UK for golf and sports fields irrigation products and with a full range of industry-leading Toro irrigation controllers, sprinklers and soil sensors, Reesink Hydro-Scapes brings customers the results they want to their surface or landscape, whatever that may be. All done in a sustainable way, utilising the latest and greatest technology to ensure the greenest use of one our most valuable resources.

For further information on the range, as well as training and demonstrations, please contact Reesink Hydro-Scapes on 01480 226800 or visit reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk