Irrigation Sprinklers

Dave_Id · Apr 25, 2009

I see these irrigation sprinklers, very large semi- circle. How are the wheels geared? The wheels on the end obviously have to travel faster than the wheels at the pivot point. I always wondered how they were timed, but never asked, until driving thru central Minnesota and seeing all these systems. I just have to know.

Handyman · Apr 25, 2009

I believe you are refering to a center pivot irrigation system. Only the end tower is run on a timer, the rest of the towers operate off of limit switches which kick on each tower as the pipe passes a set number of degrees out of alignment at the joint over that tower. once back in alignment the switch shuts the tower off.

RayP(MI) · Apr 25, 2009

Most around here are electrically driven, with a motor at each set of wheels. Believe they have different gearing as the radius of turn increases.

twopop · Apr 25, 2009

all the wheels are geared the same.as previously stated,there are alignment switches at all wheels except the end which is controled by a timer.there are also hyd.driven systems where all wheels are moving at the same time,each set at a different speed,the end set(tower)is controled by a percentage hyd valve.

Larry59 · Apr 25, 2009

Interesting... did not know this information. Had wondered about it's operation myself.

Irrigation Sprinklers

Dave_Id

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Handyman

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RayP(MI)

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twopop

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Larry59

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