Hunter Irrigation Controllers: Choosing the Right Model for Your System

Introduction

Automating your irrigation system is one of the most impactful investments you can make as a grower or grounds manager. A well-programmed irrigation controller eliminates the need for manual operation, ensures water is applied at the optimal time and duration, reduces water waste, and frees up labour for other tasks.

Hunter Industries is one of the world's most respected irrigation controller manufacturers, with a range that spans from simple residential timers to sophisticated commercial and agricultural controllers capable of managing hundreds of zones across multiple sites. IrriSmart stocks the full Hunter controller range, and this guide will help you choose the right model for your application.

Why Automate Your Irrigation?

Before diving into the product range, it is worth understanding what a good irrigation controller delivers:

• Consistent scheduling — water is applied at the right time every day, regardless of operator availability
• Multiple programmes — different zones with different water requirements can be managed independently
• Water savings — smart controllers with weather or soil moisture inputs can adjust run times automatically, avoiding unnecessary irrigation after rainfall
• Reduced labour — no need for manual valve operation or on-site presence during irrigation cycles
• Crop consistency — uniform, repeatable irrigation schedules support consistent crop growth and quality
• Remote management — modern Wi-Fi and cloud-connected controllers allow scheduling and monitoring from anywhere via smartphone or computer

The Hunter Controller Range

Hunter X2 Controller

The X2 is Hunter's entry-level commercial controller, designed for straightforward multi-zone irrigation applications where reliability and ease of programming are the priority. With a clear interface and intuitive programming, the X2 is an excellent choice for smaller nurseries, greenhouse operations, and amenity areas that need dependable automated irrigation without complex features.

• Available in multiple station configurations
• Simple, clear programming interface
• Indoor and outdoor cabinet options
• Suitable for solenoid valve control

View the Hunter X2 Controller

Hunter Pro C Controller

The Pro C is one of Hunter's most popular and versatile controllers, widely used across commercial horticulture, sports turf, and amenity irrigation. It offers flexible programming with multiple independent programmes, making it ideal for sites with zones that have very different water requirements — such as a nursery with both drip-irrigated pot plants and overhead-irrigated outdoor stock areas.

• Up to 15 stations (expandable with modules)
• Three independent programmes with multiple start times
• Solar Sync sensor input for weather-based adjustment
• Indoor and outdoor pedestal options
• Proven reliability across thousands of UK installations

View the Hunter Pro C Controller

Hunter XC Hybrid Controller

The XC Hybrid bridges the gap between traditional wired controllers and modern smart irrigation. It can operate on AC power or battery, making it suitable for locations without a convenient mains power supply — a significant advantage for remote field locations, polytunnels, and temporary installations.

• AC or battery operation — no mains power required in battery mode
• Compact and weatherproof design
• Simple programming for straightforward scheduling needs
• Ideal for remote locations, temporary systems, and retrofit applications

View the Hunter XC Hybrid Controller

Hunter Node Controller

The Node is Hunter's battery-powered, standalone zone controller — a self-contained unit that mounts directly onto a solenoid valve and controls that valve independently, with no wiring back to a central controller required. This makes the Node an extremely flexible solution for adding automated control to individual zones without the cost and complexity of running control cables.

• Battery powered — no wiring required
• Mounts directly onto a standard solenoid valve
• Independent scheduling for each zone
• Ideal for remote zones, retrofit applications, and temporary systems
• Available in single and multi-zone versions

View the Hunter Node Controller

Hunter Pro-HC Controller

The Pro-HC is Hunter's Wi-Fi connected smart controller, designed for professional applications where remote management and water efficiency are priorities. It connects to the Hydrawise cloud platform, allowing full scheduling, monitoring, and adjustment from any smartphone, tablet, or computer — from anywhere in the world.

• Wi-Fi connected with Hydrawise cloud management
• Weather-based scheduling using local forecast data — automatically adjusts run times based on rainfall and evapotranspiration
• Flow monitoring capability (with optional flow sensor) to detect leaks and pipe breaks
• Up to 12 or 24 stations depending on model
• Detailed reporting and water usage tracking
• Ideal for professional growers, estate managers, and sports turf managers who need remote oversight of multiple sites

View the Hunter Pro-HC Controller

Hunter ICC2 Controller

The ICC2 is Hunter's mid-range commercial controller, offering a step up in capacity and flexibility from the Pro C. It is designed for larger commercial sites with more zones and more complex scheduling requirements, while remaining straightforward to programme and maintain.

• Up to 48 stations with expansion modules
• Multiple independent programmes
• Large backlit display for easy programming
• Suitable for large nurseries, sports facilities, parks, and commercial growing operations
• Robust construction for demanding commercial environments

View the Hunter ICC2 Controller

Hunter ACC2 Controller

The ACC2 is Hunter's flagship commercial controller, designed for the most demanding large-scale irrigation applications. With the highest station capacity in the Hunter range and advanced features including flow monitoring, two-wire decoder compatibility, and comprehensive reporting, the ACC2 is the choice for large farm irrigation schemes, golf courses, sports complexes, and multi-site commercial operations.

• Up to 99 stations with expansion modules
• Two-wire decoder system compatibility — dramatically reduces cable runs on large installations
• Integrated flow monitoring for leak detection and system diagnostics
• Multiple independent programmes with advanced scheduling options
• Suitable for the most complex and large-scale irrigation systems

View the Hunter ACC2 Controller

Which Hunter Controller Is Right for You?

Use this quick guide to narrow down your choice:

• Small to medium greenhouse or nursery (up to 15 zones), mains power available: Hunter Pro C or X2
• Remote location or no mains power: Hunter XC Hybrid or Node
• Single remote zone needing independent control: Hunter Node
• Remote management via smartphone and weather-based scheduling: Hunter Pro-HC with Hydrawise
• Large commercial site (15 to 48 zones): Hunter ICC2
• Very large or complex system (up to 99 zones, two-wire decoder, flow monitoring): Hunter ACC2

Key Features to Consider

Number of Stations

Each station on a controller operates one solenoid valve (or zone). Count your zones carefully and choose a controller with capacity for your current needs plus room for future expansion — adding zones later is much easier if your controller has spare capacity.

Power Supply

Most Hunter controllers require a 240V AC mains supply. If mains power is not available at your controller location, the XC Hybrid (battery mode) or Node are the practical alternatives. Running a mains supply to a remote location is often more cost-effective than it appears, particularly for permanent installations.

Smart and Remote Features

If you manage irrigation across multiple sites, or simply want the convenience of adjusting schedules from your phone, the Pro-HC with Hydrawise is a significant step forward in usability. Weather-based scheduling can also deliver meaningful water savings, particularly on sites with variable rainfall.

Flow Monitoring

Flow monitoring — available on the Pro-HC and ACC2 — allows the controller to detect abnormal flow conditions that indicate a leak, burst pipe, or stuck-open valve. On large systems, this can prevent significant water loss and crop damage. A flow sensor is required in addition to the controller.

Sensor Inputs

Most Hunter controllers include a sensor input for a rain sensor or soil moisture sensor. A rain sensor prevents irrigation from running during or immediately after rainfall — a simple and cost-effective way to avoid unnecessary water use.

Solenoid Valves and Wiring

Hunter controllers operate standard 24V AC solenoid valves. Each station output connects to one solenoid valve via a two-core cable. Cable runs can be significant on larger sites — the ACC2's two-wire decoder system addresses this by allowing multiple decoder units to be connected on a single two-core cable loop, dramatically reducing the amount of cable required.

Our Bermad Control Valves range includes solenoid valves compatible with Hunter controllers for complete zone control solutions.

Conclusion

Hunter irrigation controllers offer a solution for every scale and complexity of irrigation system, from a single battery-powered zone valve to a 99-station commercial installation with remote management and flow monitoring. With 20+ years of experience specifying and supplying irrigation systems, the IrriSmart team can help you choose the right controller and design a system that delivers reliable, efficient irrigation for years to come.

Browse the full Hunter controller range: X2, Pro C, XC Hybrid, Node, Pro-HC, ICC2, and ACC2 — or contact our team for expert advice on choosing the right model for your system.