Flushing procedure
At the end of the irrigation season, it is necessary to carry out a procedure to remove sand and debris from the pipeline. Excessive sand accumulation can increase the weight of the machine and cause structural damage.
To flush the car, follow these steps:
1. Switch off the main isolator. This procedure only requires water; the irrigation system can be stopped during flushing.
2. Remove drain tubes from each tower. Remove sand and dirt from these tubes.
Note: When reinstalling the drain pipes, turn over their rubber seals. This will extend the life of the seals.
3. Remove the sand trap from the last draw carriage.
4. Remove the plugs from the cantilever pump.
5. Start the engine / pump and flush the machine thoroughly.
6. Turn off the water supply and replace the drain pipes, grit traps, and cantilever pump plugs. To prevent freezing and damage to piping after flushing the machine at the end of the watering season, ensure that all drain pipes are completely drained before replacing drain pipes and plugs.
Draining water from underground pipes
An important stage of the work is the discharge of water from all underground pipes laid to the irrigation system below the freezing line. It is also necessary to remove the plug from the lower elbow to completely drain the water from the riser. Replace all plugs after draining to prevent rodents from entering the system.
Hinge lubrication
The joint must be lubricated with grease after every 5-10 revolutions of the machine.
Cleaning the solenoid valve strainer
The strainer must be cleaned at least once a year. This strainer prevents clogging of the solenoid valve that controls the shut-off valve of the end jet.
Tow Hub Lubrication
The towing hubs of towed vehicles must be lubricated at least once a year (preferably in autumn).
Checking the tightness of the wheel nuts
All wheel nuts should be tightened to 125 lb-ft (170 N • m) annually.
Parking Recommendations
Steel expands when the temperature rises and contracts when it falls. As long as the irrigation system is working, this phenomenon does not pose any danger. However, when parking in a wheel track that has developed over the course of a year, the shrinkage caused by the compression of the steel can lead to structural damage.
The stresses caused by the compression of the steel increase with the length of the machine. Cars from 1500 feet (457 m) in length are subject to these stresses, especially when temperature fluctuations (+90 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit) and wheel track parking problems occur.
When parking the machine during the off-season, the operator can use one of the following methods:
1. Park cars in an area where the wheel track has been filled up.
2. Cover the wheel track with wooden planks (2 "X 12" [51 X 305 mm]). Park your car with your tires centered on the board.
3. Towed Sprinkler System - Place every third drawbar wheel in the towing position.
4. Recommendations for runner irrigation - release the anchor chains and, as in the previous case, park the machine in the area where the wheel track was closed.
5. Close all tracks and move the irrigation system 100-200 yards (91-182 m) monthly. Operate the irrigation system only at temperatures above 40 ° F (-4 ° C).
6. Vehicles with spans over 8-10 feet (2,5-3 m) must be disconnected. The spans should be secured with chains for cold weather compression.
General description of preparation for winter
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when preparing for winter all types of accessories: pumps, power supplies, pipes and hoses. Typically this includes: greasing, cleaning drain pipes, plugging holes to keep rodents out, general weather protection.
Thorough flushing of the pipeline after removing all drain pipes should clear the irrigation system of accumulated sand and debris. Replace all drain pipes and make sure the water is completely drained from the main line. Any low section of the main piping above the freeze line between the pump and the irrigation system should be fitted with a riser installed at the lowest point; this will provide access for pumping water out of the pipe.
Based on materials from Valmont Industries