Prepare Your Irrigation Equipment for Storage - Fall is Here!

Make it a priority this fall to take a good look at your irrigation equipment before storing it for the winter. All components of your system need maintenance and some may require repair or replacing. Your user’s manual should help you decide on the regular maintenance your equipment requires.

Here are a few general tips for preparing your irrigation system for storage.

If possible, remove equipment from the field and store it in a clean, dry, covered storage area.

Sprinklers

Big guns

• Check nozzle for wear
• Use machinist’s calipers to check ring nozzle for appropriate diameter
• Replace ring if worn
• Cover the inlet of the gun to keep out dirt or small animals

Sprinklers

• Check nozzles for wear
• Replace dented or worn brass nozzles
• Replace cracked, chipped or worn plastic nozzles
• Tape over the sprinkler nozzle and pipe base to keep out dirt, small animals or insects

| Top of Page |

Travelers

• Drain the hose, use compressed air if possible (rolling the hose up dry is an option however, it can cause damage from miswrapping)
• Check hose for any cracks, damage or loose connections
• Open gate valve and drain plug on turbine assembly
• Complete all lubrications recommended in your operation and maintenance manual
• Disassemble, clean, inspect and re-pack the main chassis wheel bearings
• Touch up any scratched, chipped or rusted areas of chassis
• Check tires for wear and cracks
• Reduce tire pressure to 25 psi for off-season storage
• Change engine oil
• Clean or replace engine air filter

Pumps

• Flush suction and discharge lines
• Check for leaks and replace worn gaskets
• Remove lowest plug on pump and drain casing
• Complete all lubrications recommended in your operation and maintenance manual
• Clean surface of pump
• Prime and paint any exposed metal
• Seal all pump openings to keep out dirt, small animals or insects

Follow the maintenance schedule as laid out in your equipment manual

| Top of Page |