Irrigation

[blueriver]

Anyone have a "water reel" irrigation system? If so what brand and how do you like it.

I am looking at this one.

http://amadas.com/irr/T200L_2008.pdf

 

[blueriver]

Well I went with Smith Irrigation Waterreel ... bought the Reel, the PTO pump and the main line. Should be set up first part of next week.

I'll shoot some pictures and report in.

 

[blueriver]

I guess no one has anything to share. Surely someone is irrigating ...

I wonder if 24 hrs a day will be good or should I only water at night ...

 

[hrcarver]

We have a couple 3.75" cadman reels (3750s). These are driven from a little 5hp honda motor. Also have a new 3.75" abi reel that is turbine driven.

The cadmans are easier to move. I dont care much for the hydraulic stabilizers on the abi. I'd rather just drop them with out hooking up the hoses and climbing back in the cab. No complaints about the turbine drive, it has outlived a couple honda engines.

Also have a ancient irrifrance that must have been the first one ever produced. Also water driven, but I dont think I'm replacing the hose on that one when it wears out. The gun body has rusted out and been patched, and it is a real PITA to move.

 

[RPW]

I'd love to be able to irrigate but with our weather and that I only have a shallow well I can't afford to water and the horses come first.

 

[TRR]

I've just started looking at irrigation. We will need a pump and well and piping and lots of stuff, so I'm not at the point where I can help much. I'm leaning toward a traveler because the slope of the land and the tree locations. Our neighbor runs the reel style on part of his land. He's just installed a circular pivot in one of his fields. He says it uses less water than the travelers. I'm looking at one with 600' of hose.

What are you using for a pump and water source - looks like you need a lot of water and a lot of pressure. Have you had someone demonstrate it for you? I've heard it takes a lot more to set up than the "minutes" they claim. Also, 2000 pounds is a lot to "... can even be moved short distances by hand." Although a small garden tractor should be able to do it easily on level land.

 

[blueriver]

I've just started looking at irrigation. We will need a pump and well and piping and lots of stuff, so I'm not at the point where I can help much. I'm leaning toward a traveler because the slope of the land and the tree locations. Our neighbor runs the reel style on part of his land. He's just installed a circular pivot in one of his fields. He says it uses less water than the travelers. I'm looking at one with 600' of hose.

What are you using for a pump and water source - looks like you need a lot of water and a lot of pressure. Have you had someone demonstrate it for you? I've heard it takes a lot more to set up than the "minutes" they claim. Also, 2000 pounds is a lot to "... can even be moved short distances by hand." Although a small garden tractor should be able to do it easily on level land.

My water source is 3 large ponds .. one in each field. The pump is a PTO pump .. I went with the larger pump that has the ability to run 2 of the reels in the case I expand. I did not get a demonstration ... watched alot of videos and must have sent a few hundred emails with question after question. Called a guy in NC who runs one and got good info from him.

I am hoping when it comes in that I can revive my bermuda fields for a late fall cutting and plant winter rye for a spring cutting.

 

[blueriver]

We have a couple 3.75" cadman reels (3750s). These are driven from a little 5hp honda motor. Also have a new 3.75" abi reel that is turbine driven.

The cadmans are easier to move. I dont care much for the hydraulic stabilizers on the abi. I'd rather just drop them with out hooking up the hoses and climbing back in the cab. No complaints about the turbine drive, it has outlived a couple honda engines.

Also have a ancient irrifrance that must have been the first one ever produced. Also water driven, but I dont think I'm replacing the hose on that one when it wears out. The gun body has rusted out and been patched, and it is a real PITA to move.

Are you irrigating day and night?

 

[hrcarver]

Are you irrigating day and night?

Na, from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm this time of year. Have a turf and tobacco farm, need rain when I want it or I'll be broke in a hurry.

 

[blueriver]

Na, from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm this time of year. Have a turf and tobacco farm, need rain when I want it or I'll be broke in a hurry.

I'm reading that daytime irrigation you loose water due to winds and evaporation, whats your thoughts on that?