Spring Start Up Guide for Center Pivot Systems
Winters in Michigan can be tough on your irrigation systems. Freezing and thawing, critters looking for refuge and late season mishaps long forgotten after harvest can create unwanted challenges. A little time looking and repairing before the spring field work begins will reduce frustration and downtime when it’s time to water.
Above all else Safety First. Electricity can be deadly and damaged structures can be dangerous. Make sure the power is off and disconnects are locked and tagged when moving to another site.
Here are a few suggestions from Rich Haviland, Service Manager Michigan Valley Irrigation / Battle Creek.
Power-Public or Generator (Power Off)
Check all disconnects for rodent damage
Clean out any rodent debris and repair damage
Seal all holes to stop future rodents and damage
Check all grounding connection from ground wire to rod, (NEC recommends 25 ohm’s or less)
Check for corrosion, make sure wire connections are tight
Make sure disconnects operate correctly
Generator Engine
Check belts, battery, oil, coolant, etc.
Generators need to be grounded, (NEC recommends 25 ohm’s or less)
System
Check pivot panel for rodents and damage
Repair any damage, check for wire corrosion, make sure wire connections are tight
Grease pivot point
Check all tower boxes-wires, contactors, grounding
Check tire pressure
Check for bad u-joints
Check for water in gear boxes, look for seal leaks, make sure gear lube is at proper level
Remove debris from sand trap
Check for sand in overhang- (sand in overhang, remove end gun plate and flush with water)
Check end gun filter, check filter for sequencing on corners
Corner
Grease corner rollers and legs
Check fuses in solenoid valve box
Make sure all tubing is hooked up to aquamatics
Power On
Check incoming voltage at main disconnect, pivot panel and pump panel
Run system and listen for noisy gearboxes and contactors
If equipped w/EOFS arms, manually operate them to make sure they are functioning.
Check integrity of EOFS barricades, make sure height is appropriate for EOFS arms
Start Well
Make sure well control works in auto
Flush system with sand trap removed, and end gun plate if sand in overhang
Once flushed replace the sand trap and end gun plate if it was removed
Pressurize system- check for leaks-repair as needed
Check sprinklers for any plugged, or not rotating, check end gun rotation
(Corner) With water make sure all sprinklers turn on and off
With water, does system pressure match chart w/everything on, should be within 10% of chart
Misc. checks
Check boundary of field for over grown trees that overhang may hit
Inspect bridge crossings
