Overview
- Maintenance of Irrigation Equipment
- Off-Season Storage Procedures
- Hard Hose Travelers
- Sprinklers/Big Guns
- Pumps
- Diesel Engines
- Electric Motors
Maintenance of Irrigation Equipment
- Ensures longevity of the equipment.
- Minimizes unexpected downtime.
- Ensures that effluent can be applied when environmental conditions are optimal.
- Reduces the risk of waste discharges that may result in environmental damage and possible fines.
Off-Season Storage Procedures
Hard Hose Travelers (Figure 1)
- Ensure the pressure gauges are operating properly (Figure 2).
- Lubricate travelers according to the manufacturer's recommendation (Figure 5).
- Inspect the nozzles and rings for wear (Figure 6). Use calipers to measure the rings.
- Inspect the intake lines for holes and wear (Figure 7).
- If possible, store travelers under a roof and keep them dry and clean (Figure 8).
- If available, use an air "blow out" cap to blow water from the hose before storing (Figure 9).
Engine Drive Travelers (Figure 10).
- Check the engine oil daily (Figure 11).
Turbine Drive Travelers (Figure 12)
Turbine Drives
- If installed, remove the drain plug before storing.
- Use a strainer in the intake line if solids are greater than 2% (Figure 13).
- Keep all chains lubricated and inspect belts for wear (Figure 14).
- Keep the turbine properly greased (Figure 15).
Diesel Engine Pumps (Figure 16)
- Ensure that all gauges are operating properly (Figure 17).
- Follow the operation and maintenance procedures for servicing the air filtering system (Figure 18).
- Check with the service dealer before servicing the timing or turbocharger (Figure 19).
- Check the packing seal drip rate. Most packing seals need to drip approximately 40-45 drips per minute (Figure 20).
- Check the chain connections before each irrigation event (Figure 21).
- Check the connections and seals to minimize excessive leaks (Figure 22).
- Ensure the air and pressure relief valves are free of debris (Figure 23).
Pivots and Linears (Figure 24)
- As with all electrical equipment, ensure the power is turned off before performing any maintenance or service checks (Figure 25).
- Drain and refill the wheel oil annually or every 1,000 hours of operation (Figure 26).
- After validating the rotation speed, manually check the emergency-stop or auto reverse devices or switches (Figure 27).
- Drain the sand/grit traps periodically. Monitor for excess accumulation and nozzle wear (Figure 28).
- Check all seals, flanges, and couplings for leaks (Figure 29).
- Look for sprinkler wear on the splash plates and wobbler heads. Remove any hair or other debris (Figure 30).
Publication date: July 5, 2022
AG-602
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This publication printed on: Oct. 10, 2024