Hello Again Sprinkler Fans. I wanted to take a moment to tell you all that you can no longer fear the demise of you old Thompson, Sears, or Kee's Sprinklers. Why? you may ask. The reason for this is that your sprinkler was made by or closely ripped off from the classic National Walking Sprinkler. National is still based in Lincoln Nebraska, and still produces the same great sprinkler it has been making since the 1930's. You can inquire about parts by checking out the website. www.nationalwalkingsprinkler.com
The light Blue Sears sprinkler to the left was rebuilt with 100% National parts.
Until Next Time...
29 comments:
Where can I get more information about the Kee's Krawler? I have one very similar to the one pictured but it doesn't have kee's krawler stamped on the wheels.
Kee's sprinklers were made by National Manuf. The only difference is that Kee's wheels and weights and the front wheel fork were painted orange instead of red. Otherwise they are identical to the National sprinkler. I worked there in the 60's and tested each for leakage or made the various parts.
Where can I get part's for my thompson pathfinder. what I need is inline valve?
Thank you
the old guy
Go to the National Manuf. website. The have parts for sale. I don't know the Thompson, but the parts look about the same as National's Sprinkler.
I am looking for information on an old Rain Bird walking sprinkler. It looks very similar to the Nationals, however the gears are enclosed by some metal panels. I broke the top off of the impeller and am trying to find a replacement. The original is an aluminum tube with pipe thread on the top (the "T" threads onto it) and the bottom is flared. I can't tell if the National impeller is threaded or not, so I can't tell if it would be a replacement. Any idea?
Thanks for the information. My main gear wore down and I ordered one from them. Mine was a Craftsman.
Can anyone tell me how to ajust the timing of the wheels on my walking speinkler. The arm is not going back far enough to let the pawl fall down into the next slot on the wheel to move it forward. Thank you.
I think if you look at the rod from the pawl to the small part that attaches to the gear rod, you would be able to adjust that small part a bit so that the pawl moves enough to fall down as the heat turns. P. Rudolph
as the gear turns. Sorry
Quick question, is a National A-5 the same model as the Kee's 100??
I worked at National from about 1960 through 1968 or so. During that time we built the Kees sprinkler, the Kees sprinklers were the same as National. I think the A5 model had wheel weights and the A5-2 did not, but that could be reversed, my memory is not sure. Anyway I am pretty sure the Kees 100 was the same as the A5. It depends on the wheel weights. Of course the Kees were orange and the National were green. I made made several of the parts and did testing for leaking. Every sprinkler was tested for leakage. Those few that leaked were redone. The B3 was a hassle because it was so heavy, but we didn't sell as many as those.
I have a Kees sprinkler 100 where can i get the bearings and gear,it leaks a lot thank you
National Manufacturing made all the Kees sprinklers. They have parts in Lincoln Nebraska. Go to their web site. P Rudolph
Whatever happened to the vid (I think it was by Dallas)that showed you how to time a B-3 et al? I saw it up last yr, but it's disappeared. The first two vids on the National site don't work; it's says 'unsupported'.
Do you know where I can get the auto shut off for the traveling sprinkler? FD Kees also make one for under $4.00 at the time. (sears part #A619)
Tkx
The Kees And National Manuf. Co. Shut offs were the same. I used to be assigned to pack the shutoffs and worked all day doing it. Try the National Manufacturing Co. web site and see if they still sell shut offs. Otherwise maybe eBay. P Rudolph
Looks like National is closing it’s doors permanently. Hate to see them go.
This is not the original National Manuf. The present company bought the entire sprinkler works when the previous owner (Walt Ferris) gave it to a school in (I think) Kansas? The present owners must have bought it from them. Anyway, it is not the same company, only the same name and product. The original National building is still in Lincoln at 22nd and Y streets. Kind of run down now. There are a few of us left from the old company, my brother and I and a couple of others. It is too bad to see these sprinklers go, they last forever. Paul Rudolph
Wow...I just bought parts and talked to them last yr. I'm glad I got the two I have fixed. It's gotta be a tough business when everyone else is buy $40 max walking sprinklers and they're junk. I wonder what they will do with their inventory?
Sure would like to know what happens to the inventory they have left over as I still need some parts. I have 5 Kees /National sprinklers and 2 Thompsons. Most are working but I just retired and wanted to get parts and tune a few of them up. Hope someone can tell us how to contact them.
Dean Peterson
Woodbury MN
Like Dean I have several Kees and Thompson/ Sears sprinklers. Was going to upgrade them with fresh parts last year but held off. Now regret that decision! So sad that National closed thier doors, hoping someone can point us to where we can find parts.
I need some linkage arms for the National B3 or the Kees XA-L if anyone has a spare set. They are marked LXR and LXL. My linkage arms assembly wiggle so much that the wheel grabbing claw on the right falls medially, stopping the beautiful traveller.
Some beautiful restorations on youtube. I saw one B3 selling for 800$ on ebay.
Love my old Kees XA-L!
I have an old Crestline that I am restoring...does anyone know the specs on the worm gears? or, better yet, where I can buy one?
Anyone have a lead for parts for any of these walking sprinklers? I'm not finding a thing online. I'm in need of a hose connector for a Kee's Krawler with is similar to the National S1200- NYLON HOSE CONNECTOR found here:
https://www.nationalwalkingsprinkler.com/product/s1200-nyconn-plate-stiffner
Best of luck getting parts anymore, folks. The national walking sprinkler website says they're closing their doors. That's a nice way of saying TMCO isn't going to bother making or selling their parts anymore. Looks like almost all parts say "Out of stock."
I emailed a lady from TMCO last summer to pass on to their board to implore them to stay in busines our community. (I live in Lincoln where they are based) She was happy to pass it on, but wasn't optimistic. We lost a good one.
https://www.nationalwalkingsprinkler.com/
Jon - was the large gear produced in house, or outsourced?
Jon, TMCO is a metal fabrication company. I think all of the metal parts were made at their location in Lincoln, NE. The old National Walking Sprinkler building is directly across the street.
Parts for your walking sprinkler are now available at www.walkingsprinklerparts.com. Also, check out my ebay listing at https://www.ebay.com/itm/275413207931 and https://www.ebay.com/itm/275427432021
Metal Gears, impellers shafts, Delrin thrust bearing/cork gasket, bottom plate and gasket now available on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/275838664353?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=h30_QLI8QbO&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=h30_QLI8QbO&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
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