Is your irrigation system ready for winter?

Irrigation pivot in a field in winter. The irrigation season has come to an end in Saskatchewan and now it is time to inspect your system and get it ready for the winter months ahead. Here is a checklist every irrigator should carry out in order to get their system ready for winter and the coming growing season.

First of all, complete a visual inspection before anything else is done. This inspection includes checking that drive lines are all attached, checking gearboxes for oil leaks, ensure tires are inflated, the spans are in line and not damaged from the current seasons use. At this stage, fix any problems that would restrict moving the pivot, such as flat tires. Make a note of any other issues and carry out the other repairs when you have time over the winter months.

After the visual inspection, park the pivot in a safe location. On flat fields, this means positioning it parallel with the prevailing winter winds in your area. If this is not done, the pivot could tip over leading to further damage. For rolling landscape, avoid parking the pivot in low spots that can hold a lot of water. Ideally, point the pivot in a downward slope direction versus an upward slope. Be careful if using a shelterbelt as protection. Make sure there is not a tendency of snow drifts to form around the pivot and also remove any dead branches that may fall from trees onto the equipment. There is also a risk of rodent infestation as they seek protection in the shelterbelt, they can cause problems with wiring and pipelines if they get into the equipment. Cover any openings where rodents may enter. Once the pivot is parked, disconnect the power so it cannot accidentally move during the winter.

The next stage is flushing the system. Drain all water from above ground pipes, undo the clamp at the pivot point and leave it loose to allow for expansion and contraction during the winter. The line between the pivot point and the pump should be drained and preferably blown out with air and “foam pig” to remove all the water from the line. Make sure the line clamps at the pump are left loose and pipes not left open for rodents to get access.

If time allows, repairs can then be carried out. Ensure the structure is in working order from the sprinklers, which wear out or get clogged, repair leaks at the gearboxes and inspect and replace any worn knuckles on the drive line. Pivot tracks should be filled, preferably in the fall so they can firm up over the winter. If time doesn’t allow for these repairs to be carried out in the fall then they need to be done in the spring before the new irrigation season starts.

The same inspections and preparation needs to be carried out on the pumps. This includes changing the oil, draining water from the casing if diesel driven, the fuel should be drained and if electric the electrical supply should be shut off. Chemical or fertigation pumps should be flushed and drained and if there will be cattle grazing, protect the system and pumps from livestock.

In addition to these tips, check your user manual or contact your equipment dealer for any system-specific winterizing requirements for your pivot. There is also a handy booklet called Irrigation Pivot Annual Service, which can be found on Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation’s website.