Irrigation View “Why they say pivot irrigation is the

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IrrigationView
December 2002
Leading the Pack
1-2
Make or Break
4-5
California Linear
6-7
PMDI Technology
8-10
Pump/Power
11-12
System Advantages
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“Why they say pivot irrigation is the
only way to go - with T-L Systems
Leading the Pack.”
By Chester Peterson Jr.
Typical of many farmers in his region, the
ground that Warren Fox, Plains, Kansas, farms
is sandy, loamy soil on rolling hills. So, when
he began irrigating he didn’t even consider
LEADING The Pack
flood irrigation.
As he notes, “Even if flood irrigation would
have worked, which it couldn’t due to the
In addition to raising corn,
soybeans and wheat, Warren
Fox, Plains, Kansas also pivot
irrigates grass for hay to be fed
to his cowherd.
expense of leveling alone, it just wasn’t
efficient enough and I didn’t have the necessary
labor.” Now he has 30 center pivot systems on
the move during the growing season.
Fox had experience with irrigation systems
from half a dozen manufacturers over the years.
This eight-year-old field of
WW Spar and Ironmaster is still
yielding well despite its age.
Fox takes off two cuttings after
grazing it until June each year
with his cows and spring calves
by side.
Twelve of his present pivots are T-L Irrigation
Warren Fox of Plains, KS
Co. units, with more to follow, he predicts.
He bought his first T-L in 1988. He’d talked with his neighbors using T-L systems who told him
they were getting along pretty well with them.
“I was looking for simplicity,” Fox points out, “In short, a pivot that would keep on making
circles without a lot of repairs and expense. I also liked T-L’s continuous movement, no start-stop
like an electric system that can make an uneven water pattern. What I’ve found is that T-L is a stout
machine with a structure that can’t be beat.”
He irrigates two such grass
circles from one well, with the
pivots making a round every
two days.
Fox likens the continual starting and stopping of electric systems to using an impact wrench on
the unit’s parts since it starts at 100% speed and shuts off the same way. Electrics are just not the
low maintenance machines that T-L’s are, he believes, based on experience. “If I could take a
vacation with all the money I’ve spent on T-L parts and labor over the years it would be pretty
short”, Fox smiles.
During the thirteen years he’s been using his first T-L system the only repairs it has needed have
been one gearbox and a couple of 3/8 inch bolts in the driveline. According to Fox, “That system is
as dependable as the first day I bought it.”
T-L IRRIGATION COMPANY
P.O. Box 1047
Hastings, Nebraska 68902-1047 U.S.A.
Ph. 1-800-330-4264 • FAX 1-800-330-4268
Ph. (402) 462-4128 • FAX (402) 462-4617
www.tlirr.com
“Look at the storage bins in my shop and you’ll see only a handful of T-L parts, and I have had
bins full of electrical pivot parts”, he adds.
“I almost always check my T-L systems last every morning, because I know
(continued on pg. 2)
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and I haven’t regretted it. In eight years the total of downtime with our 11
units has been only five or six hours.
“I’ve liked the T-L strength and reliability,” he continues, “since they
seem to be built good and hold together well. I also like being able to keep
everything as safe as I can for my employees and me. I wouldn’t want
Tom Wright IV of Lakin, KS
either of us working on an electric system.”
Efficiency is also important to Wright since his wells range in capacity
they will be running and won’t require maintenance. I don’t
find that with my electric machines.”
It’s difficult to calculate the true cost of a repair shutdown,
from barely 300 gallons a minute to 450 gallons a minute.
He’s also noticed none of the “spoking” effect typical of the continual
starting and stopping of a neighbor’s electric pivots. This can leave
Fox says, but he thinks that crop losses due to three or four
portions of a crop wilted immediately after the pivot has moved on. The
shutdowns a season while the unit sits a half-day or more, can
start-stop factor no doubt contributes to increased wear, too, he reasons.
quickly add up to affect his bottom line.
On the other hand, Tom Wright IV of Lakin, Kansas, started
with flood irrigation. His methods evolved from ditch, to pipe,
to surge valves over the years, yet he still wasn’t satisfied. “I
As for his T-L dealer service, Wright says it’s gone from good to even
better. And, he likes the full service offered that enables him to deal with
just one firm for everything from irrigation well to pipe to sprinkler.
Summing up his experience with T-L pivot systems, Wright says, “You
was looking for more efficiency and labor savings,” he recalls,
can buy cheaper systems, but you get what you pay for. I’m also a Pioneer
explaining why nine quarter-mile and two half-mile systems
seed salesman and here also you can buy cheaper seed elsewhere, but you
have replaced flood irrigation on his land.
can’t count on the best yields with it.”
“The 60 to 80 acres we could typically handle under flood
Another grower, Stan Reiss, who operates near Plains, Kansas, has an
irrigation expanded to 180 acres under pivots and meanwhile
even dozen T-Ls and solid reasons why they are the majority of the
increase our yields.” Wright continues, “Pivot irrigation is also
systems he operates: “Simplicity, and an even water pattern for better
a lot easier on the body. Since I quit flood irrigating I don’t
yields. This plus our being a John Deere dealer gives me an
have back problems.”
understanding of the importance of service. T-L has supplied us with
In contrast to Fox, all of Wright’s pivots are T-L units. He
excellent service.”
says, “I decided in the beginning to go with the hydraulic T-Ls
For more information - mark “Leading The Pack” on reader response card pg 8-9.
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The T-L Difference.
SIMPLE HYDRAULIC VALVES
(NO MICROSWITCHES)
(NO CONTACTS)
(NO FUSES)
NO EXPOSED MOVING PARTS
(NO UNIVERSAL JOINTS)
(NO CENTER DRIVE)
(NO EXPOSED DRIVE SHAFT)
CORNER
SYSTEMS
LINEAR
SYSTEMS
TOWABLE
SYSTEMS
The choice is simple.
We provide custom designed irrigation systems to professional producers. That means producers
purchase our irrigation systems because they provide continuous movement, are simple to operate and
maintain, are safe from high voltage, and deliver non-stop performance. Once you talk with your local
ISO
9001
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T-L dealer… you’ll quickly realize the T-L Difference. To find out more, call 1-800-330-4264 or visit
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our web site at www.tlirr.com.
for
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MAKE OR BREAK
Irrigation
Krueger has converted almost
all of his center-pivot irrigation
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well in the midst of the “dirty ‘50s” as
“nice day” there may not be much
his “make or break gamble”.
half-century later his son, Paul Krueger
unfortunately there just isn’t enough
III, is still farming the land—and has
such ideal weather in his area.
hopes one of his three sons will continue
the tradition, too. Now the operation near
coming off a top nozzle system
misting off into the distance,” he
observes.
K
Thanks to that foresight, close to a
top nozzles and drop nozzles,
you can see the water pattern
A
Retired farmer Paul Krueger Jr. still
refers to his installation of an irrigation
wind is blowing 30 miles an hour
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By Jim Kostal
nozzles. While he allows that on a
“On a 100-degree day when the
R
Father’s “Make or Break” irrigation
gamble continues to pay off.
systems to reduced pressure drop
difference in effectiveness between
B
Bladen, Nebraska, has expanded to 2,200
Paul Krueger III, Bladen, Nebraska, operates 15 T-L systems on corn
and soybeans.
acres with 15 T-L center-pivot systems, the first being installed in 1982.
And, oh, yes, that original center pivot T-L unit is still applying water in its 21st season. The
younger Krueger says he finds this interesting for several reasons.
“First,” he comments, “in spite of inflation and even though the latest systems have been refined
and upgraded, the last T-L sprinkler we bought this past year cost just $2,600 more than my father’s
original one. That amazes me.
“Meanwhile the drop nozzles
are getting the water right onto
the soil,” Krueger says. “I think on
“Not only that, but in addition to routine maintenance we figure we’ve spent less than $500 total
in repairs on it over more than two decades,” Krueger says. “Now that’s reliability.”
Krueger minimum-tills and no-tills his dryland acres, and ridge-tills the irrigated ground. Under
such a day there’s at least a 30 to 40
irrigation his corn averages 185 bushels an acre and his soybeans in the low 60s. Average rainfall
percent savings in water with drop
ranges between 18 to 24 inches annually, but half may arrive in a single month.
nozzles, and maybe as much as 50
percent.”
“Our soils are productive, and irrigation is what lets us capitalize on them and so maximize our
yields,” Krueger explains.
His father also experimented with gravity irrigation for many years. All those fields have since
been converted to sprinkler irrigation, with great justification, not to mention relief, according to
Krueger.
“You can stretch a sprinkler’s water so much further,” he notes. “For example, a 600-gallon a
minute well that maybe would be lucky to do 80 acres under gravity can easily cover a full 130
acres through a pivot system.”
Then there’s the indisputable fact that gravity systems are extremely labor intensive. Krueger’s
now getting all the farm work done with the help of one hired hand.
If he had the same number of acres under gravity irrigation he says he’d need at least one more
One of Krueger’s landlords has
established a wildlife area in a
corner of a field. Krueger stands by
a Pheasants Forever sign in an area
fronting the adjacent main road.
full-time man plus “a bunch of seasonal help and we’d still be running ourselves ragged at times.
“With the sprinklers, we just turn’em on and then drive around to check them a couple of times a
day,” he smiles.
The 15 T-L sprinklers can also readily handle all the ups and downs of the topography. However,
in contrast, in one 80-acre field under gravity irrigation they were compelled to put in even more
effort since the water had to run in all four directions.
There are also some things that a gravity system just can’t do that’s simply part of a sprinkler’s
package of benefits, according to Krueger.
One rotation of the sprinkler is enough to activate the applied herbicide if no rain falls nor is
forecast immediately after planting. Also, chemicals and fertilizer can be applied with later
waterings.
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“We like to put on 30 to 40 additional pounds of
“We’ve
nitrogen through the systems just before the corn ears start
learned, too,
filling,” Krueger adds. “That can be a pretty good bang for
that our T-L
the buck.”
systems go
A neighbor’s soybeans last year averaged in the upper
even further
40s in a field adjacent to a Krueger field that averaged 65
than other
bushels an acre. The main difference: The head end of the
sprinklers in
neighbor’s gravity-irrigated field averaged 80 bushels an
providing this
acre while the low end dropped into the low 30s.
better
Meanwhile, the Krueger soybeans yielded about the same
uniformity,” he
throughout the field.
continues.
Then there’s the question of reaching the end of the
“They move
Still going strong and irrigating reliably in its 21st growing season, this T-L
sprinkler is the first one installed on the Krueger farm. The center-pivot
showed so many advantages that it eventually replaced every gravity irrigation
setup on the farm.
growing season and there isn’t enough moisture to finish
continuously as
off the crop. Under gravity irrigation there’s no choice but
opposed to a
to pump out a full soil profile.
start-stop electrical system. There are none of the ‘spikes’ you see when you
However, a sprinkler system can be cut down to apply
only .75-inch or so of water, according to Krueger. This
last irrigation would be enough for the crop’s needs, yet
wouldn’t waste water.
look at the water pattern drying up behind an electric sprinkler unit.
“The T-L’s more even water application is bound to translate into extra yield,
which adds dollars to our bottom line,” Krueger says.
You often hear farmers complaining about having to do their irrigating. Not
“Compared to gravity irrigation, I think in an extreme
Krueger. Because, as he points out, “Since we can’t depend on Mother Nature
year you can probably bank on 20 bushels an acre more
cooperating year-in, year-out, if we couldn’t irrigate, we would be growing
corn from a sprinkler-irrigated field,” Krueger is
wheat and grain sorghum instead of corn and soybeans.
convinced. “There’s no argument that sprinklers provide
“I look forward every year to starting up our T-L sprinkler systems.”
much more uniformity that results in higher yields.
For more information - mark “Make or Break” on reader response card pg 8-9.
You’re growing and
so are we.
T-L Home Office at Hastings, NE
Precision Point Control
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(Precision Mobile Drip Irrigation)
Hydraulic Swivel
With a 150,000 square foot plant expansion, innovative products being tested daily and family
U A LI T
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Linear irrigation is the key to
“keeping the plants happy.”
By Chester Peterson Jr.
To paraphrase a well-known stock
broker’s motto, when Rick Mallory
talks about irrigation, people listen.
That's because his credentials
include almost 20 years employed in
irrigation management, as an
irrigation specialist in California.
Just about every possible type of
irrigation system is used, too: border
strip, furrow, both surface and
subsurface drip, solid set sprinkler,
center pivot sprinkler, and linear
LEPA sprinkler. The bottom line,
according to Mallory, involves doing
By putting on small amounts of water at
frequent intervals – also fertigating and chemigating,
depending on the crop – this T-L linear system
provides optimum plant growth that have resulted
in improved yields.
everything possible in “keeping the
plant happy”. While there are certain
advantages with each type of
irrigation system, he believes,
“Linear move irrigation is the best overall irrigation system for most crops. It’s
also the most flexible irrigation system.”
Linears can be used with certain crops such as onions, he points out, to
sprinkle overhead to germinate. Later in the season it can provide the equivalent
of furrow irrigation via LEPA drag socks-yet with almost perfect uniformity of
water application. It’s almost like having two different systems for the price of
one, he thinks. The difference in water usage efficiency and yields can be quite
impressive: With onions irrigated this way at one location the linear system was
up to 50 percent more efficient. Yields were hiked by four to five tons an acre,
too. “Watering with a linear system is kind of like spoon-feeding the plant,”
Mallory comments. “Frequent light irrigation is the key to higher yields. Linears
also just outshines every other kind of system in terms of uniform water
distribution.”
His detailed computer charts of soil moisture at the one-foot and two-foot
depths illustrate what’s happening at the plant root level. Other irrigation systems
typically show big “spikes” of periods of either too dry or too wet. However,
under linear irrigation, the line representing soil moisture is basically flat. Soil
moisture is pretty much the same day after day, and neither too dry nor too wet.
Rick Mallory, Irrigation Specialist in California, inspects a field of growing cotton
EFFICIENT Irrigation
Even though they’re designed to handle only 160 to 200
acres, the farm has been operating each of its T-L linear
irrigation systems on 300 acres. Actually, each unit is
managed to handle two 300-acre fields.
“For example, we’ve seen a dramatic increase of a little more than 400 pounds an
acre in pima cotton with a linear versus border strip irrigation. At $1 a pound,
that's $400 more an acre,” Mallory smiles. “It’s virtually impossible to vary the
The result? “Last year we had a 622-pound an acre increase
with our upland cotton under linear irrigation rather than one
of the other irrigation systems,” Mallory reports.
application rate with border strip or furrow irrigation. On the other hand,” he says
“if soil type or other conditions call for it, a linear system’s travel rate can be
slowed to increase the water application rate.”
Linear system and border strip distribution uniformities are comparable in area,
6
“This means a new T-L linear system pays for itself in less
than a year-and-a-half on 300 acres,” he adds. “We also had a
400-pound an acre increase in pima cotton and more alfalfa
tonnage. So, these yield increases would also pay off a
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T-L linear system that handles 300 acres.
although the latter is, in essence, a big slug of water. Overall, Mallory pegs
water savings at least a third over the other systems. The efficiency champion
by a small margin is still drip irrigation, either surface or subsurface, he admits.
Yet he’s found that a linear system is so much more flexible. For instance, the
farm may germinate a tomato crop with a linear system, then move the unit two
miles to an onion field. That can’t be easily done with drip tapes.
One initial cost comparison he makes is a linear system at $500 an acre for
300 acres. However, a solid set sprinkler for the same acreage would double the
investment, yet lack the flexibility while delivering less uniformity. The linear
also comes up with a good environmental grade, he points out. There’s no
run-off nor a tailwater return pit that must be routinely pumped out. Although
he notes that the learning curve is rather high at first, Mallory says that linear
irrigation is also ideal in modifying a plant's growth and internodel spacing
through deficit irrigation.
Another advantage he mentions for linear irrigation is its almost complete
lack of required labor. In a single season, compared to some of the more labor
intensive systems, a linear can save $40 to $70 an acre in labor costs, he
estimates. Meanwhile, the problem of hiring people to irrigate continues to
worsen.
A linear irrigation system is ideal for fertigation and chemigation-applying
fertilizer and chemicals with the irrigation water, according to Mallory.
He says a linear system can put on fertilizer in 15 or 20 applications during the
growing season, a little at any one time. This type of management has been
especially rewarding with cotton. Not only is this ideal for the plant, but there’s
no runoff to worry about either. And, it’s possible, he says, to chemigate in 20
mile an hour winds, something that would almost certainly require shutting
that’s irrigated by a T-L linear system.
down an impact sprinkler.
“With our linear irrigation systems we’ve had both savings of water and
labor,” Mallory sums up. “Even more important, we've increased yields on
new T-L linear in a year-and-a-half or less. That’s pretty
significant.”
every crop we've watered with them.”
Mallory thinks that a T-L linear is more user friendly since
it’s hydraulically operated rather than run by electricity. He
likes it that T-L is simple and doesn’t require an electrician to
repair. And, while he expects downtime with electric
machines, a T-L linear near Bakersfield hasn’t been shut
down once in its four seasons of irrigating. “The one thing
we can’t afford is downtime. An electric machine may be
down two days, and that hurts,” Mallory adds. “Add in a
couple of windy days, and pretty soon you’re so far behind
you can never catch up again.”
For more information - mark “Linear Systems” on reader response card pg 8-9.
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IMPROVING Efficiency
Mayo is a member of the Kansas
Water Authority that answers to the
Governor. It makes plans and
policies for all waters of the state,
whether surface, such as lakes and
rivers, or underground.
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“Fourth Generation” irrigation
system pays off in lessened water
usage and improved yields
By Chester Peterson Jr.
You could call the extremely uniform stand of alfalfa under one of the circles Cliff Mayo and
his son, Steve, grow the payoff from “fourth generation” irrigation on their farm. They farm
While there are concerns about
pollution, the main emphasis in
Western Kansas is on improving
efficiency. “I hope my kids and
grandkids will be farming and
irrigating years from now.”
approximately 2,500 acres near Garden City, Kansas, consisting mostly of alfalfa with just enough
“However, I see some of the
wells out here have dropped to the
point where we must conserve,”
Mayo says. “And, we must save this
water in order to maintain the
economy in Western Kansas,” he
adds. “We’re dependent on
irrigation, that’s just the way it is.
Our economy relies on irrigation.”
decade or so to center pivot irrigation (the second
Fifteen years ago many wells in
the region began to deplete quite
rapidly. Although during the last five
years the drop has begun to
stabilize, conservation and
efficiency must be given more
attention, according to Mayo.
“I’ve given a talk to Leadership
Kansas on ‘Water old as dirt and
treated that way’,” and Mayo says
you can read into that anything you
want. However, his approach is that
we’ve learned how to farm the soil
to make it so much more productive.
wheat to rotate out of alfalfa every four to five years.
Next spring will see the completion of a half-century
of irrigation begun by Mayo’s father. Their flood
irrigation (the first generation) began to give way after a
generation). This was a dollar-driven decision,
according to Mayo. At first the conversion to pivot
systems was primarily due to greatly enhanced labor
efficiency. But, then as the 2,000-gallon a minute wells
slowed to 700-gallons or even less, the water
conservation benefits of pivots became even more
apparent.
Incidentally, from the start all of their center pivots
have been T-L Irrigation pivot systems. The Mayos
report they’ve stayed exclusively with T-Ls due to the
simplicity and low maintenance needs of the units. The
“third generation” came about with the addition of LEPA
Cliff Mayo, Garden City, Kansas, with his
PMDI-equipped T-L pivot system operating on a
circle of alfalfa.
nozzles to their sprinklers. This modification reduced both evaporation and the effect of strong
winds on water distribution. Then it became time to experiment with a circle devoted to “fourth
generation” irrigation. Actually, this is an innovative adaptation of the basic sprinkler system
offered only on T-L systems either new or so-modified.
PMDI stands for Precision Mobile Drip Irrigation. Rather than standard nozzles of any sort,
thin black drip hoses spaced every 30 or 60 inches, depending on soil type, follow the continual
movement of the center pivot system. In essence, the PMDI drip hoses provide almost the same
water efficiency as subsurface irrigation drip tapes. Plus, they have several big advantages. For
Now we have to learn how to
take care of the remaining
groundwater if the region's
economy is going to be sustained.
He also notes that the next
Federal Farm Bill may encourage
voluntary water conservation
through incentive payments.
8
one thing, the cost to modify a T-L system is only a fraction of the installation of a subsurface drip
system that can run up to $700 to $800 an acre. For another, leaks caused by pesky chewing
rodents don’t have to be dug out and repaired.
The Mayos invested $18,000 in having one of their T-L systems converted. However, this
amount included the option of making the unit a dual system. This allows (continued on pg. 10)
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The T-L Difference.
“Even Water Application!”
“PMDI”
Precision Mobile Drip Irrigation.
Only from T-L
Patent No. 6, 343, 749
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The choice is simple.
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Cliff Mayo's pivot systems all provide even water application, improved water
conservation, simplicity of operation and low maintenance. That's because Cliff uses T-L
Irrigation systems with the latest in irrigation technology. T-L’s patented “Precision Mobile
Drip Irrigation” (PMDI) is saving water and fuel on the High Plains, and is quickly being
discovered as a means toward better management and bottom line results. Find out more.
Talk to your T-L dealer or connect with us at 1-800-330-4264 or www.tlirr.com.
Patent No. 6, 343, 749
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Comparing corn
irrigated with PMDI
from a 300 GPM well,
to fields receiving
double or more that
amount of water,
he estimates the
yields will be about
the same.
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them to make a quick switch to above-crop chemigation for a circuit before changing back to the
drip hoses for irrigating. After almost a full season of experience employing PMDI, Mayo is
enthused about their results. “Compared to an adjoining, similar alfalfa field we're estimating an
increase in yield of a least a ton of alfalfa hay for the PMDI circuit,” he comments. “At current
hay prices that’s like saying it’s returning us another $100 an acre. And, not only that,” he adds,
“but while the other circle’s well is pumping 700 gallons a minute, the PMDI circle’s well is
pumping only 450 gallons a minute. So, the PMDI-watered crop is yielding better on 250 gallons
a minute less water!”
“Another fringe benefit, but an appreciated one,” he says, “is that no longer are there deep
“I’m pretty impressed with my
wheel track ruts circling the field. Since the tires run ahead of, rather in the middle of the water
PMDI installation with 30-inch
application, they neither dig into the soil nor get stuck.” Mayo also points out that the improved
spacings. And, while I don't know
distribution of water shows up in greater uniformity of the growing crop. In other words, the field
for sure, since no water is being
looks more nearly “level” rather than slightly undulating. Some of this he thinks is because the
sprayed into the air I’m guessing
drip hoses put out water on the surface which is shaded by plant growth. This further reduces
efficiency is close to 98 percent,”
evaporation.
Danny McMillan, Garden City,
Kansas, remarks.
“At first glance when you closely follow behind the system you might not think coverage is so
good,” Mayo explains. “But, all the while the water is soaking through the soil under the surface.
Move back a few feet and you can see the darker moisture go all the way across.” He thinks the
Comparing his corn watered
with it from a 300-gallon a minute
well to fields where the systems
PMDI or what he calls “surface drag” system can be a really viable option in conserving precious,
dwindling groundwater.
For more information - mark “PMDI Technology” on reader response card pg 8-9.
are pumping double or more that
amount of water, he thinks the
yields will be right up there with
corn irrigated from his best well.
“The PMDI system costs a little bit
more than a standard nozzle T-L
package,” he says, “yet I think it
will pay off after just a couple of
seasons.”
McMillan also says he noticed
all through the growing season
exceptional uniformity of the corn
crop with the PMDI system.
“Efficiency is what it’s all about,”
McMillan sums up. “You need to
T-L Irrigation is proud to
introduce the latest in
irrigation technology.
At T-L our motto has always been “The Choice is
Simple.” With the simplicity of hydraulics and the
continuous movement of a T-L we have the best water
application you can get. T-L has gone one step further in
combining the simplicity of hydraulics. This new application
is called PMDI™ (Precision Mobile Drip Irrigation).
T-L’s newly patented technology has successfully married center pivot technology with drip irrigation.
PMDI™ consists of in-line drip hoses spaced at 30” or 60” between lines being dragged through various
crops by a center pivot or linear move irrigation system. PMDI™ combines the efficiency of surface drip
irrigation (95%) with the flexibility and economics of center pivot irrigation.
utilize every drop of water that you
pump out of the ground, and I feel
with PMDI we’re doing just that.”
GOOSE NECK
HOSE
Danny McMillan, Garden City, Kansas, is
irrigating 120 acres with a PMDI hose
system, T-L pivot. and only a 300-gallon per
minute well.
10
WEIGHT
REGULATOR
IN LINE DRIP HOSE
EMITTER EVERY FT.
The PMDI™ Design is patented.
Patent No. 6, 343, 749
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P
U
M
P
/
P
O
W
E
R
T-L DIVISION Provides
Design Know-How Plus
Components
“T-L Pump/Power Division successfully
revamps pumping installation.”
“Our goal,” emphasizes Harold
Poppe, “is to work with T-L dealers in
designing sprinkler systems that make
their farmer customers happy—and
that also increase their yields and net
income.”
He’s the manager of the T-L Pump,
Power & Engineering Division that was
established last fall. One of its purposes
is to stock and have readily available for
shipment John Deere and Cummins
engines, Cornell and Berkeley
centrifugal pumps, self-cleaning suction
screens, suction filters, and a complete
line of fittings.
But, perhaps even more important to
farmers, is how the division
complements the complete line of T-L
irrigation equipment. For instance, an
entire combo “package” of sprinkler,
engine, and pump that are known to
work both reliably and well together
under varying conditions can be
provided for new installations.
An added benefit is that the farmer
saves shipping costs if, for example, an
engine accompanies his new sprinkler
system being sent out from the factory,
that saves him the typical hefty $500
to $800 freight charge for shipping an
irrigation engine by itself.
A majority of the division’s work
involves assisting T-L dealers in
designing the most effective and efficient
pivot system installation that’s possible
for a certain situation.
“We like to start working at ground
zero.” Poppe says. “We’ll check where
the water is and calculate how much is
available. Once we have the water
supply pegged, we proceed to designing
the delivery system in order to exactly
provide the required pressure and
gallonage for the sprinkler. This includes
determining the proper horsepower
required to do the job.”
Some of the division’s projects also
involve diagnosing why a pre-existing
pump, engine, and pipe setup isn’t doing
the job it’s supposed to.
As Poppe observes, “When we trace
it back we usually find that a redesign
is needed.” This may involve replacing
the engine, pump, pipes, or perhaps a
combination of changes. The result, he
says, is an installation that takes
advantage of the best that a T-L
system can provide.
By Chester Peterson Jr.
As Steve Peterson, Clay Center,
Kansas, learned, there’s more to T-L
Irrigation Company than being a
manufacturer and marketer of pivot
systems.
Farming 1,500 acres and pumping
water from a river, he had seven non-T-L
sprinklers—and a continuing problem.
His setup simply couldn’t provide the
necessary capacity that would allow him
to apply water over his cropland fast
enough. Besides being behind all the
time, he also kept having pump bearing
Riverscreen™ inventor and manufacturer Bob Wietharn was
stimulated to develop the concept due to so much time wasted
unplugging sprinkler nozzles and filters.
problems at the worst possible times.
Then he started talking to a neighbor,
Bob Wietharn, who in addition to farming 1,200 acres of corn and soybeans was also a T-L dealer.
While the easiest redo solution would have been to start completely from scratch, that option
wasn’t feasible due to prohibitive costs.
So, Wietharn worked with T-L’s Pump/Power Division, blending his knowledge of the area and
Peterson’s specific needs with T-L’s expertise. Although usually helping design new irrigation
setups, the Pump/Power Division can also be called on to suggest improvements for existing
sprinkler irrigation installations.
The primary teamwork objective in this instance was to come up with a solution that would get
the water on when needed and utilize some less expensive alternatives. Peterson quickly
implemented the primary recommendation of replacing his two existing pumps with a pair of
Cornell pumps.
And, what a payoff! As Wietharn explains, “This change alone increased his efficiency enough
that each of his twin John Deere six-cylinder engines and Cornell pumps were able to, almost
double the amount of water available (from 750 gpm to 1400 gpm) at 100# discharge pressure at
the pump.
“The reason for that much pressure was that some of the water has to be pumped two miles
through a pipe not really designed to handle so much water.” he adds. “Now his pumping setup is
efficient enough to run four pivots instead of two, as before.”
Oh yes, thanks to the additional capacity available, Peterson was able to install an eighth
sprinkler system, another T-L. Although it’s still making its first circles, one feature has already
caught his attention. As he notes, “Once I turn on the water I like not having to go out and punch
buttons to turn on the pivot, too. The pressure switch automatically does this for me.”
“Customers may at first think that a T-L installation costs more,” Wietharn observes. “But,
we’re always looking long-term and designing a system to get the quickest payback.
“You know,” he continues, “you can buy something cheap and then pay for it in the long run.
Or, you can buy something maybe a little more expensive that’s also more efficient that returns
your money sooner. That’s why a farmer should look at a T-L system as an investment rather than
an expense.” (continued on pg. 12)
11
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Page 12
Incidentally, Wietharn also ran non-T-L electric
Another option is a
sprinklers for a number of years. What caused him to
galvanized lifting boom with
change to T-L was the continual headache of being forced
a brake winch. This boom
to replace electric motors and gear boxes. Then, too, his
lets one man quickly swing
brother-in-law’s two T-L systems had recorded only one
out and gently lower the
stop in a combined 35 years of operation. That was the
Riverscreen™ to the water’s
clincher in his decision.
surface where it floats in
Wietharn’s system benefits irrigators who must pump
from low water rivers or tailwater return pits. He’s the
place on four pontoons.
The screened, rotating
inventor and manufacturer of the Riverscreen , which is
drum measures 32x48
available through T-L dealers.
inches, and rests on an
™
Irrigating from a river that usually can be waded across,
aluminum frame. Four
his sprinkler nozzles kept plugging up with debris that was
inches of water isn’t much,
sucked through the system. Cottonwood fuzz was the
yet that’s enough depth,
worst offender. A screen over the pump inlet that
according to Wietharn. That’s because he designed his unit to draw from an
prevented sticks from entering would then plug up with
area approximately seven times the size of the suction line that typically
the cottony fuzz. Conversely, a screen large enough to let
operates on a velocity of less than five feet per second.
the fuzz through also allowed larger debris to enter.
“At certain times I’d have to spend several hours a day
cleaning nozzles, not to mention cleaning filters.”
Wietharn recalls. “I finally decided I’d either have to
One of three Riverscreen™s used by Peterson cleans water of
debris and sand before entering the dual Cornell pumps.
As a result, the Riverscreen™ can operate anywhere there is four inches of
water above a stream’s bottom. Water moves past a series of paddles which
force the drum to rotate and clean itself of debris.
Six, eight, and ten-inch models are available, also a four-inch unit with an
come up with something different or quit watering through
18x24-inch drum is available on special request for low gallonage pumping
a sprinkler.”
into high pressure end guns.
His answer was the Riverscreen , which can allow
™
“The three Riverscreens™ I use have eliminated any trouble I was
pumping from a depth as shallow as a four-inches in
having pumping out of shallow water,” Peterson sums up. “I used to have to
running water. An optional power drive requiring as little
walk my sprinklers every day to unplug nozzles. Now I rarely ever have to
as six gallons per minute can be added for use in
unplug a nozzle, and I can utilize a cost effective pivot sprinkler system on
slow-moving water, tailwater return pits, and manure
my crops.”
lagoons.
Two Riverscreens™ provide clean water to the bank pumping station featuring two 130 horsepower engines and two Cornell pumps on the Steve Peterson farm, Clay Center, Kansas. While
two sprinklers maxed out the system before, now due to vastly improved efficiency he operates four sprinklers from here, including center-pivots located as far as two miles away.
For more information - mark “Pump/Power/Engineering” on reader response card pg 8-9.
12
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The T-L Difference.
PIVOT MANAGEMENT
(FROM WATER SOURCE)
(FROM PIVOT CENTER)
(FROM PIVOT END TOWER)
(OR CELLULAR LOCATION)
Pivot controls for all situations...
(You can even select the location.)
TLC – Features an
exclusive speed
sensor, system on/off
control for speed change or reverse,
chemigation and end gun on/off. Several
measurement options are also available
with the T-L Computer.
Cell Phone–
Offers off site
reports and
controls.
Precision Point Control –
Control your system
speed, direction and
optional end gun from the
pivot center, well location
or from your cell phone.
Manual Speed
and Direction Control –
You can control your
rotational speed and
direction with two simple
hydraulic valves. With years of field-proven
operation, the Manual Speed and Direction
Control option is the industry’s simplest, most
reliable management tool.
The choice is simple.
The level and location of your pivot system controls is your choice. Place them at the water source, pivot
center, end tower or control the system from your cell phone. The choice is yours! Simplicity of operation, plus
TIF
ER IE
ISO
9001
D
C
strength of design, coupled with the advantages of hydrostatic drive result in significant savings in
Y
Q
U A LI T
labor and operating expense to you. To find out more, call 1-800-330-4264 or visit our web site at
www.tlirr.com.
for
over
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N
E
Page 14
W
&
I
M
P
R
“System Advantages”
O
V
E
D
COMMITMENT
Four Speed Controls – Choose a Point Control, Precision Point Control, TLC or standard F.C.D.C
valve to match your needs. You can control your T-L pivot from the end tower, pivot center, power
source or your cell phone.
designing and manufacturing the
Over-Water Shut Down System – Fully automated and eliminates adjustable gauges.
also begins great relationships with
T-L’s commitment doesn’t end with
world’s best irrigation system, it
our customers while watching them
Pivot Alarm System – Designed to alert you by cell phone or business radio of system changes.
Hydraulic Fluid – Specially formulated to be environmentally friendly with enhanced lubrication
to more than triple motor life. Another T-L exclusive improvement designed to reduce your costs.
Hydraulic Motors – Provide continuous movement and smoother operation, your motor will
deliver a longer life with more power.
achieve better bottom line
performance.
Because T-L dealers are committed
to service after the sale, you can rely
on years of dedication and support.
Planetary Gears – Lead the industry in strength and durability and when you combine this with
T-L continuous movement, you have a drive train that can’t be matched. Now there is a new
locking motor option to prevent system roll-back.
Worm Gears – We’ve increased our output shaft diameter to 2 1/4" for improved strength and the
drive shaft is still hidden in our tower design. Nothing is exposed for possible plant hang-up. In
addition to this you get T-L exclusive continuous movement with no U-Joints, no exposed drive
shaft and no center drive to maintain.
Optional High Speed Pivot – Sure the competition can go fast, but the fast starts and stops
demolish their machine life in the process. If you want to go fast, make sure you have the
industry’s only continuous movement pivot system and guarantee high speeds without sacrificing
your systems’ life.
Longest Spans – You must have the industry’s strongest structure if you want to have the
industry’s longest spans. Our exclusive 207’ – 6 5/8" pipe span proves the fact of structural
strength. T-L offers the strongest structure in the industry with increased crop clearance.
Compare our structure to the competition and you’ll agree that T-L is built to last.
New Hydraulic Hose – Has increased UV resistance to sunlight, and provides a much longer life.
Pivot Point Hydraulic Swivel –
Eliminate re-wrapping hoses at the pivot
center. With our hydraulic swivel, you
will never need to wrap hoses again.
End Gun Option – T-L’s optional
hydraulic end gun booster will give you
additional distance and maximum
performance from your end gun. You can
also use a fast-acting and reliable end gun
shut off, another T-L exclusive.
14
Because T-L offers the only
hydraulically driven continuous
movement irrigation system, you
will gain significant advantages that
deliver performance in the field and
to your bottom line.
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Page 15
The sign of another successful season.
(One field at a time.)
Discover the T-L difference.
T-L Irrigation is dedicated to providing irrigation solutions. We concentrate on the problems irrigators face
each day and develop simple, easy to maintain solutions. T-L Irrigation systems offer industry setting differences
such as a complete hydrostatically driven system; electricity-free irrigation units; minimal maintenance features;
and a host of designs to fit virtually any setup. Our dealer network offers a variety of options to help customize your
TIF
ER IE
ISO
9001
D
C
new T-L Irrigation system to deliver expected results. Our products, services, and dealer organization
Y
Q
U A LI T
are a valuable resource to help improve your business results. To find out more, call 1-800-330-4264
or visit our web site at www.tlirr.com.
for
over
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Page 16
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
T-L IRRIGATION COMPANY
P.O. Box 1047
Hastings, Nebraska 68902-1047 U.S.A.
PAID
DES MOINES IA
PERMIT NO 589
The T-L Difference.
Warren Fox is “Leading the Pack”
with T-L Irrigation Systems.
Check out his and many other success stories inside.