Checklist for irrigation winterization
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EmailProper winterization gets irrigation off to a good start for next year and lessens winter equipment damage.
It’s that time of year to winterize. Often, next year’s irrigation startup problems are due to winter damage that can be prevented. Time spent now will prevent damage and lead to a better start on next year’s irrigation season. Inspecting the system now allows you to make improvements and repairs in the less costly off season and get irrigation problems out of the way for spring planting season when everyone is busy.
Park pivots in a safe location
When choosing a location to park the system for the winter, consider the three most common potential sources of damage:
- Wire theft is less likely in a visible but inaccessible area of the field.
- Wind damage is less likely if pivots point into or away from the wind direction rather than perpendicular to the wind direction.
- Damage to span wire from squirrels and other rodents is rare when pivots are 100 feet from the tree line.
Drain pivots
- Most of the currently designed pivots have automatic frost drains that drain the main overhead pipe. Plugged automatic frost drains can lead to major repairs if not caught in a fall inspection.
- Rock traps need to be cleaned and drained.
- Pivot supply lines, end gun supply and hydro control hoses are often installed to allow drainage, but the hose may sag and hold water which can lead to damage.
- Remember to cap all large openings into the system to prevent bird nesting.
Drain travelers and big guns
- Travelers and stationary big guns often have portions of their system that may hold water. Drain and roll-up hoses, unhook and drain end couplers and drain water drive piston and motors that may be damaged by freezing.
Pump down or drain underground pipelines
- Most underground pipelines are buried deep enough to prevent freeze damage but often require pumping or draining enough water from them to empty the upper portion of Z-pipe risers and pump manifolds. This is typically done by purging the system with air or modifying a fertilizer transfer pump to pump system at its lowest outlet or inlet points.
- Remember to cap all pipe inlets and outlets to prevent rodents from entering.
Drain the pumping plant
- Drain pumps and manifold to the lowest point they can hold water.
- Replace brass drain plugs if damaged. Well-designed pump installations will be easy to drain without stripping drain plug threads or the need for air purging.
- Inspect gauges, supply and control wire for need of repair.
- Service engine with attention to engine oil, bearing and seal lubrication.
- Check cooling system for adequate anti-freeze level and concentration.
- Drain fuel tank to reduce water accumulation in fuel tank and potential theft.
Inspect and lock down electrical power supplies
- Locking down electrical power supplies helps prevent vandals from turning wells and pivots on midwinter and minimize potential electrical system damage.
- Inspect each electrical box in the system from power supply to the last pivot or disconnect on system line for damage and holes that may be an access for rodents.
- Now is an excellent time to inspect grounding connection and grounding rod and test resistance.
Create a winter work list for each system
- While it is fresh in your memory, list the improvements and repairs needed for each system. As you are inspecting and winterizing your system, add any other areas needing attention to the list of repairs needed such as the U-joint between the gearbox and gear motor, tires, sprinkler packages (nozzles, pads, regulator), etc.
- Assign the repair to someone, whether it is your people or the local irrigation dealer repair crew. The sooner it gets into the plan the better and more efficient it can be.
Inspect tires and wheel track
- Check for correct air pressure in each pivot tire.
- Consider filling or tilling any rutted pivot wheel tracks, which will allow your center pivot irrigation system to run properly and reduce stress on tillage and harvest. If your wheel tracks are too deep, consider an improved flotation (other tires) option.
Explore options for reducing monthly energy bills
- Our utility company may offer an opportunity to turn the power system off to save energy cost during winter months. Consider contacting your power supply company to investigate this option.
