Customer Reviews

Toro 53806 Lawn Master II 6-Zone Landscape Sprinkler System Water Timer

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After dealing with two consecutive Rainbird timers which failed for the same reason - the timers were remarked to reflect power ratings of less than half those stated in the manual - I learned the hard way what not to get. Rainbird tech help is virtually non-existent. So I have tried Toro. Simply wanting a basic timer, I got the 53806. Unfortunately, in this digital age where hype and frills seem to dominate the market, something as simple as turning a switch on or off may entail understanding pages of detailed instructions and embedded sequences. Fortunately, this Toro is quite user friendly in this area, and setting the program is very basic and intuitive, especially compared to the nightmare rainbird. Although just installed, and not time tested, the Toro functions as expected. Easy to install, and simple to operate. I would give them 5 stars for getting it right on the basics.

But there are two fatal flaws in the user guide. When I first mounted the timer, and used the included template to drill the mounting holes, I soon discovered that the template does not match up to the actual timer mounting holes. The screw spacing on the template is supposed to be 5", but it actually measures 1/8" under that. Now I have a wall repair thanks to relying on their incorrect template. Beware!

The second, and possibly much worse error, is their "instruction" for running the timer in manual mode. Repeatedly they state to turn the dial SLOWLY from the manual position to the run position. This point is even emphasized in the troubleshooting section where it specifically states that if the timer is not activating in manual mode, the problem may be that the dial is being turned too fast from one position to the other. My timer would not turn on in manual mode. After repeatedly following the instructions to the letter, with no success, I was about to take the timer back. Thru simple logic, and then trial and error, I found the very opposite to be true. To go into manual mode, the dial must be turned QUICKLY from the manual position to the run position. Turning it too slowly allows the manual settings to "time out" before it actually has a chance to run, effectively cancelling the manual run mode. Having operating instructions completely reversed does not create a satisfied customer. Just because error-filled documentation has become the standard for consumer products, that still does not make it acceptable. So if your timer will not turn on in manual mode, just do the opposite of what the manual states and turn the dial RAPIDLY from one setting to the next. You should be up and running. Good luck!

This is a simple controller at a rock-bottom price. I own both the 4 channel and 6 channel versions.

As mentioned in another review, do NOT use the screw template; it is wrong. Measure 5 inches instead. Also, I would recommend hooking up the unit FIRST to the sprinklers THEN adding the battery and AC power. Seems like you are asking for an RMA if you power up first.

Negatives: Does not allow you to add a pause between zones. This might be necessary if you water from a cistern. The rubbery buttons do not have sufficient debounce, but considering how rarely you need the buttons, this is no big deal. The feature which allows you to seasonally shorten or lengthen the cycles uses integer arithmetic: If you combine a low percentage with a short watering time, the result may be NO watering time at all. The manual modes are not very intuitive; you will have to consult with the booklet.

Positives: the case is nice-looking and sturdy. The display is clear and obvious in its operation. Terminals, though tiny, securely clamp your wires. I like the big function knob that most controllers have adopted. The Toro also will run a master pump relay or a master valve in addition to the six sprinklers.

A note on "programs." It was not explained in the manual and it took me a while to figure out what this might be used for. An example: Let's say you want to water your lawn in the morning and water your hanging plants once in the morning and again in the afternoon. You would use program A to water all zones in the morning and use Program B to water only the hanging plant zones in the afternoon.

If you're used to old style programming, you pick days of the week, and minutes per station. This one is so flexible, and the manual too sparse, that I couldn't figure out what programs ABC were for. Also difficult to find help on the web.

If you're wondering too, see the sample watering plan in this pdf
[...]
Each program SHOULD control a different set of solenoid valves.

If you water with all your stations on the same days, just configure Program A, and keep BC set to 0 minutes, or no watering days.

If you screw up like I did, and make programs ABC all the same, it will run "consecutively" and you will have a big water bill. If you notice it running when you don't expect, you may have inadvertently programmed more than just a program A.

This timer does NOT have the odd or even days or day interval, with day exclusion to meet water restrictions feature. This was confirmed with a phone call to Toro, who indicated that the features were not properly listed on the box. If you don't need those features it is fine, but the odd/even day interval watering is very important to me, so I had to rate this 1 star and Toro ZERO stars for their failure to properly describe their items on their packaging.

I had to replace my 28 yr. old Hydrorain timer because it finally bit the dust. Not surprising with the temps in my garage this summer! This was very easy to install for me, but I have lots of experience installing different types of electronic equipment (thermostats mostly) and have installed several sprinkler systems. But even if you are a newbie I think you can figure this one out. It has a plethora (remember when everybody used that word for a while)of programming functions so I really doubt you will find this timer has limited features. I had it installed, programmed and manually tested my 5 zones out in less than 30 min. so that's a plus. At thirtyfour bux not a bad price either.

Pros...good programming abilities and fairly easy to follow instructions (I did not have the manual run problem some others stated...oh well) Attractive case (compared to my Hydrorain box anyway)

Cons...The soft touch buttons are black and it's nearly impossible to read the symbols. To make matters worse the buttons for + and - counterintuitive. You'd think that the button shaped like an arrow pointing up would be + but noooo it's - . DUH! Also I can't believe noone else mentioned the small lettering and no backlight on the screen. The screen on the box looks bright and easy to see, but it's not. My old box had the display like a microwave that I could read in total darkness. This one is hard for me to read unless I'm staring straight at it in good light with my glasses on. So TORO are you reading this... how about a backlight for us fifty somethings. I won't take off a full star because of my less than perfect eyesight, but maybe a half.

This is a good budget timer for irrigation. it's fairly basic, you can choose to program it a few different ways.
it has 3 separate programs. Options include even/odd days, or you can select any days of the week. It's a good value.
I have another one we use which cost more but has a few more options like you can program every X number of days. which is nicer.
One feature on this which is nice is you can throttle back the program easily but reducing it by percentages, example is in the winter months you can cut back some of it down to maybe 20%.etc...
Overall it's a great value if you don't need anything too sophisticated. One thing that bugs me is that this cost about 20 bucks, and their "rain sensor" cost about 20 bucks.
Don't forget to install a 9volt battery otherwise, if you have a power outrage, you'll have to reprogram it.

I ordered this timer and found it to be GREAT compared to the junk I had. Easy to program and nice to use.sprinkler timer

Easy to setup, easy to use. Just follow directions and you are ready to control you watering days, hrs and zones. Grounding is recommended

The unit works fine. the numbers and letters are too small. The unit should have a lighted background so it is easier to read. Other than that the unit is working as it should.

Our old Rainbird unit finally gave out, and I looked around for a replacement... QUICKLY. I read the reviews and while it seemed this might be a bit confusing documentation-wise, it appeared to do it's job without complaint. When I received it, it probably took about 45 minutes to setup (wiring, programming, etc.) It was pretty easy, a good purchase!