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
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
