Irrigation Q&A

New-Way Irrigation Ltd. has the answer.
If you don't see it here - contact us

Questions & Answers
Possible causes of hard priming of Irrigation Centrifical Pumps
Zimmatic Spring Maintenance Checklist

Question	:	Why won't my end gun shut off?
Answer	:	- plugged solenoid - split 1/4" line to end gun valve - plugged strainer filter

Question	:	A pivot tower will not move
Answer	:	- tower stuck - fuses blown - bad microswitch - defective contactor - flat tire - drive shaft fallen off - defective motor or gearbox

Question	:	Pivot system will not continue to move after for/rev switch is released
Answer	:	- tower misalignment - open safety other than misalignment - defective safety relay - tower box turned off

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 cap 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

NOTE: To assist in finding problem, start motor and prime as much as possible. (Water will most likely fill primer glass even if not properly primed). Shut engine off and listen at all points listed above. As water goes back down suction pipe it will suck in air at Leak and can be detected in this manner.

Zimmatic Spring Maintenance Checklist

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 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

REMEMBER - Safety Comes First. Follow all safety statements published in your Zimmatic operational manual when operating your Zimmatic system. Your Zimmatic dealer has factory trained service technicians to assist your detail service requirements.