It’s always a good idea to check out your center pivot before you turn it on to start the season. A few things you should look at before you start the system are:

  • Walk the pivot and observe the applicators to assure they are good working order. Look inside the nozzles to assure they are not worn or clogged.
  • Secure a copy of the printout to assure the nozzles along each span correspond to what your printout indicates.
  • Check to assure the end gun has the correct nozzle.

Then go ahead and start it up and:

  • Observe filters and drains to assure they are not clogged.
  • Observe system for leaks.
  • Observe sprinklers to make sure they are working properly. Inadequate pressure to the sprinklers can cause problems,
  • Check pressure regulation. Is the pressure above the regulator what it is intended to be or does the system pressure need to be adjusted? Is the pressure the same immediately before and immediately after the regulator?
  • Observe system for overlaps. If things don’t look right, you may want to set up a uniformity test with catch cans
  • Observe end gun to assure it is operating as it should. Adjust the part circle stops if needed.
  • Check system speed at 100%.
  • Check system flow.
  • Check pivot pressure and end pressure.

If a 15 psi pressure regulator is malfunctioning located 1170 ft out on a ¼ mile 800 gpm package with 40 psi pivot pressure, that outlet would produce 31% more flow affecting the uniformity on almost 10 acres of crop.

If two sprinklers are plugged at 1170 ft from pivot point with a performance diameter of 56 ft, almost 10 acres are affected by these 2 plugged nozzles which will result in decreased yields.

Senninger stands behind their products with the best sprinkler warranty in the industry—two years on materials, workmanship and performance. The nozzles carry a five year warranty to retain orifice size.

For more information go to www.senninger.com