Irrigation season has wrapped up here in Nebraska.  Now is a good time to evaluate you center pivot to make sure it is ready for winter and for another growing season.  Here is a quick list of things to look at before winter sets in. 

-  Flushing the system

• If you have water quality issues or if your well is pumping some sand
• Clean out the sand trap

-  Drain water from all pipe above ground

-  Panel boxes

• Check for loose or damaged connections
• Seal up openings to avoid rodent damage

-  Structure

• Check sprinkler chart for proper sprinkler placement
• Check for worn or broken components, sprinklers and regulators
• Replace every 7,000 – 10,000 hours
• Check for boots, gaskets, and mid-drains for leaks

-  Drive train

• Drain water from gearboxes and top off with the proper lubricant
• Check knuckles for wear and make sure shields are in place
• Check tire pressure

-  Pivot tracks

• Fill tracks in the fall so they can firm up over the winter

-  Park pivot

• Positon system parallel to prevailing winds
• Park on level surface not in an old track so the system can expand/contract with the freezing temperatures

-  Lock out and secure system

• We don’t want the system to be turned on during the offseason without the grower’s knowledge.  Ice buildup could take the system down.

-  Clean up vegetation

• Around pivot point and well
• Make the space less inviting to rodents

-  Chemigation pumps

• Drain and clean pump and hoses

-  Protect from cattle

• If grazing cattle on stalks, protect the system and pumping plant from cattle

It is a good idea to make notes of problems that you encountered during the growing season while they are fresh in your mind!