Inspecting flooded centre pivots
Centre pivot irrigation systems can be affected by flooding in a number of ways.
After floodwater has receded and it is safe, inspect the entire system. Any caught debris should indicate how high the floodwater rose. It is important to note any structural damage at this stage, as well as any soil erosion that may undermine the centre pivot.
You should also seek advice from a licensed electrician before repairing or using systems that have been submerged or affected by floodwater in any way.
If you will be making an insurance claim due to flooding, you should keep a record of any damage to the centre pivot (e.g. take photos). Before attempting any repairs, you should also talk to your authorised dealer to ensure you do not void your insurance or warranty.
Pat Daley from Daley Water Services, and corn and cotton grower Nathan Bradley, show how to:
- inspect a centre pivot's mains control box
- inspect a flooded centre pivot's sprinkler package
- prevent damage to a centre pivot during a flood.
Mains control box
Sprinkler package
Pat explains how to inspect the static plate, nozzle housing, adaptor and regulator of a centre pivot on corn and cotton grower Nathan Bradley's property.
Preventing flood damage
Taking preventative measures before a flood can:
- help you avoid costly repairs
- save you plenty of work when cleaning up
- ensure your centre pivot is back to normal operations quickly.
Pat inspects a centre pivot on corn and cotton grower Nathan Bradley's property.