hokieman said: Has anyone used john deere's irrigation controllers and central system. We have to up date our vt 2 field controllers and was comparing cost between rain bird, toro, and jd.
I've had the JD controllers at our course since they were first available via Deere. They have performed very well for us and I would consider purchasing them again with one exception... Service!
We lost our regional Deere vendor and now everything goes through the local JD Landscapes service center. I can tell you they know absolutely nothing about these controllers!
With that set a side, I have had good service from the "regional" (multi-state) Deere irrigation service reps who are now managing the service side in regard to irrigation.
I have had zero problems with the controllers since day one (5+ years). I did have to replace some boards on one controller due to a lightning strike.
I do have the central software and a dedicated computer but I don't use it at all. I'm not a fan of their central software and I find it easier to just do the programming (adjustments)from one of the satellites. What's really nice is the fact that you can operate and program any satellite from any other satellite. We do have hand held radios that work with the system as well and we use them regularly. The controllers also have the ability to be programmed via the internet but that's not a service I subscribe to.
I know Toro and RainBird have solids systems as well but I have no recent experience with either one of their systems so I can't make a comparison. I replaced Toro VT4's
Any questions give me call.
IMHO
Gordon Seliga
Erie, Pa