Benparts Blog

So....What exactly is a Centre Pivot?

Centre Pivots have been popular in the irrigation industry for decades. As the name suggests, centre pivots irrigate in a circular pattern around a central pivot point. Pivots are capable of applying water only or fertiliser, chemicals, and herbicides mixed with the water. This versatility can improve the efficiency of irrigation practices by using a single piece of machinery to perform several functions.

The correct use of a centre pivot machine can lead to increased production and less wasted water in comparison to other traditional methods of irrigation such as flood. In today's world we are acutely aware of the need to sustain and maintain our precious natural resources with water being one of the main focuses. Commissioning centre pivot systems that ensure that every drop of water applied is used to maximum efficiency is essential!

Here is a closer look at the components of a centre pivot to explain how their efficient use can ensure 'every drop counts'

Pivot Point – The centre point of the irrigation system from where all the components move. The water enters the pivot pipes at this point and is where the control panel to manage the operation of the pivot is situated.

Control Panel – This is a piece of hardware attached to the pivot point, or the cart, that gives commands to the centre pivot machine. Control panels are considered the 'brain' of the machine. The control panel is responsible for starting and stopping the machine, the amount of water applied, changing directions, running wet versus dry, and much more. A variety of control panels are available, and you can choose panels with very basic capabilities or digital panels that can be programmed to work with advanced irrigation technologies, like FieldNET.

Drive Unit/Drive Tower – A drive unit or drive tower is the part of the machine that touches the ground, and contains the necessary components for the machine to move.

Span - The long pipes between drive units are called spans. Spans consist of the main water line, emitters, and a supporting structure of trusses to hold the weight between towers.

Tower Box – Located at each drive unit is a tower box. This compartment controls the drive unit components, telling it to move in the right direction and for how long.

Last Regular Drive Unit – The Last Regular Drive Unit, or LRDU, is the last tower on a regular pivot or lateral move or the last tower before a corner arm or pivot add-on that extends your irrigated area.

Emitter/sprinkler packages - emitters/sprinklers usually consist of a pressure regulator, a nozzle, a distribution plate and a weight fitted together and suspended from a flexible rubber hose called a 'drop' or 'dropper'. A full package specifies the precise set of these components for each sprinkler outlet along the entire system. The wide range of options for different crops and conditions, the ability to select for each individual outlet and the generally low operating pressures for these packages are a major factor contributing to the success of centre pivot.

With over 30 years of combined experience in irrigation the team at Benparts can work with you to tailor an irrigation system that suits your individual needs. Helping you to apply water, chemicals and fertilizer in the most intelligent and efficient way. Water is a precious resource and the importance of applying the right amount of water or nutrients to your soil at the right time is of the highest priority.

Benparts uses state of the art mapping software to design your irrigation system and with our dedicated team of qualified electricians we can install your custom designed irrigation solution from start to completion.

Our design, sales and service includes educating you on the latest technology available to maximise your irrigation system including industry leading FieldNET and Agua

credit to www.irrigationeducation.com for some information