Irrigation & Maintenance FAQ

Are you having trouble with any of your irrigation equipment? Check the list below for solutions to many of the most common problems we come across in the fied.
If you cannot find the answer you need, please contact us and our factory trained service technicians will meet your unique service requirements.
Whenever attempting to inspect or service your equipement, remember that
safety comes first!

The following issues are addressed on this page.
1 - General questions & answers.
2 - Possible causes of hard priming of Irrigation Centrifical Pumps
3 - Zimmatic Spring Maintenance Checklist

General Questions & Answers

Possible causes of hard priming of
Irrigation Centrifical Pumps

Cause 1: Loose Packing.
Remedy: Tighten packing, add or replace packing ring.

Cause 2: Packing dry.
Remedy: Lubricate packing by tightening grease cape or adjustable greaser.

Cause 3: Air leak at suction or discharge gasket.
Remedy: Tighten bolts or replace gasket.

Cause 4: Air leak at either end of suction hose.
Remedy: Tighten King clamps or seal ends with caulking compound or silicon sealer.

Cause 5: Leak at dresser coupler or dresser elbow.
Remedy: Tighten bolts or replace gaskets.

Cause 6: Crack in weld or hole in suction pipe.
Remedy: Repair crack or hole.

Cause 7: Collapsed suction hose liner.
Remedy: Replace hose.

Cause 8: Air leak through wall of suction hose.
Remedy: Replace hose.

Cause 9: Suction pipe slipped to bottom of screen.
Remedy: Move suction pipe up to at least 1 << times diameter of suction pipe.

Cause 10: Plugged suction screen.
Remedy: Remove and clean screen.

Cause 11: Leak at discharge priming valve.
Remedy: Repair or replace clack or replace butterfly and/or seals if worn.

Cause 12: Leak at volute housing gasket.
Remedy: Replace gasket.

Cause 13: Plugs loose on volute housing.
Remedy: Tighten plugs.

Cause 14: Primer retainer bolts loose.
Remedy: Tighten bolts and replace gaskets.

Cause 15: Warped end cap of primer.
Remedy: Replace cap or primer.

Cause 16: Suction tube incorrectly set.
Remedy: Adjust tube to project in to suction opening 1/4 of diameter of suction inlet.

Cause 17: Valve on primer not opening.
Remedy: Replace valve.

Cause 18: Suction tube from engine plugged or too small.
Remedy: Replace tube.

Zimmatic Spring Maintenance Checklist

Follow all safety statements published in your Zimmatic operational manual when operating your Zimmatic system. New-way Irrigation has factory trained service technicians to assist with your service requirements.

1: Drain Condensation out of gearboxes and motors, and refill with genuine Zimmatic gear oil available at your local Zimmatic dealer. At this time the maintenance schedule should include the inspection of all seals to be sure there are no severe oil leaks present.

2: Check tire pressure (recommended pressure for each tire size can be found in the Zimmatic operation manual).
- Check valve stem assembly.
- Check rim for dents in bead area.
- Check tire for deep weather check or severe cuts.
- Check lug bolts for proper tightness. (Note: check again after 1 or 2 passes)

3: Grease pivot head and Ell assembly at pivot point.

4: Check main control panel with power off.
- Look for loose wires, winter damage, blown fuses, etc.
- Check to make sure #6 bare copper wire is connected to main panel and ground rod.

5: Check main panel with power on and water off.
- To use the system analyzer, a series of lights can assist in determining what part of the system may need repair. To use these lights, you must energize the main control panel. While the panel is energized, always keep the inner door closed and never override the latch and open the door. Once the part of the system to be checked has been identified, shut the main power disconnect off, lock and tag it off while working on the system.
- Check voltage using the Zimmatic volt meter in the main control panel (the volt meter and light "A" will check all 3 phases at approximately 480 volts.)
- Check magnetic starters, forward and reverse for proper operation.
- Check all circuits using system analyzer. (See owner's manual)
- Check tower read out meter. (Optional equipment)
- Check center drive and gearboxes for unusual noise.

6: Check collector ring with power off.
- Clean and polish brass rings with emery cloth and spray with LPS #1 only or leave dry. Do not use contact cleaner.
- Check for loose wires.
- Check brushes and brush holder.

7: Check tower control box with power off.
- Check magnetic starter for loose screws.
- Check for loose wires.
- Check CAM for free movement.
- Check alignment linkage for proper adjustment and that all parts should operate freely.
- Check safety switch and adjust accordingly.
- Be sure tower panel shield is in place and latched properly.

8: Check main panel with water on.
- Flush system and replace sand trap.
- Check tower couplers for leaks.
- Check sprinkler heads for proper operation - be sure to check for leaks.
- Check quick drain valve at each tower.
- Check and adjust low pressure shutdown.
- Check that the pump shutdown circuit is operational (pump stops when pivot stops.)

9: Other items to check.
- Check for loose bolts throughout system.
- Check all pivot tie down bolts to be sure they are drawn up tight.
- Check to see that all span cables are secured to the pipeline.
- Field obstructions should be removed or checked to make certain the system will have proper clearance.