Mechanical Timer

I've been using the Orbit 62034 all plastic version of this timer for the past several months. The plastic connector to the faucet cracked. Just purchased this one and it seems like it will last forever. Also has a manual switch in case you want to use the hose without timing it. It costs almost twice as much as the 62034, but it's well worth it in durability alone.

Initially I was concerned because the dial was red & red faces quickly in the FL sun. To my surprise it's made it this long. I'm also surprised that the amount of plastic used that they've held up as well.All in all for the price, it's held up. If you get a year or more out of most things we buy on Amazon, then you got your money's worth. Every day after, you're making your money back in hassle free use.

I bought this timer because it has a metal base and was made buy a legit name brand provider. The unit started leaking after the first year in use. This unit should have been bullet proof for at least 5 years. This is not a quality unit

I own several of these Orbit timers that are used on my drip watering systems. I also use one on a portable sprinkler. The last a long time but eventually the sun and usage will cause them to fail. For the money they are a good investment and help conserve water.

After a full summer of use it's still working. Have it stored for the winter, will see if it lasts another season. Wouldn't leave out in freezing temps, it has a fair amount of plastic, but is much sturdier than the full plastic models.

Fairly heavy duty

I bought several of the plastic version of this Orbit timer. Two, so far have had the plastic bottom broken. I purchased the metal version. However, the metal version still has a plastic bottom. The problem is that water leaks into the inside chamber and builds up pressure until the bottom cracks. Either the chamber needs to built stronger to withstand the water pressure or vent hole need to be add to release the chamber pressure to avoid the pressure building up. I posted a photo showing the broken plastic version along side the same design of the metal version. I expect the same failure to happen soon enough. The photo on the right shows the broken plastic around the screw hole. It could not stand up to the water pressure.

The opening is wider than traditional mechanical timers which means more flow to your sprinklers. They're also made of better materials than the cheaper ones. That being said, with regular use, you may get a year or a year and a half's worth of usage out of these depending upon if they're in sun/shade/rain.