Routine Maintenance Content and Steps for Agricultural Sprinkler Irrigation Equipment

Routine Maintenance Content and Steps for Agricultural Sprinkler Irrigation Equipment

Maintaining the good operation of agricultural sprinkler irrigation equipment is not about complex repair techniques, but rather about establishing regular inspection, cleaning, and simple maintenance as standard daily operating habits. This routine work aims at "prevention first," addressing small problems before they escalate into major malfunctions or lead to water waste, thus ensuring the continuity, uniformity, and overall efficiency of the irrigation system.

The first step in daily maintenance is routine inspection and preparation before and after each irrigation cycle. Before starting the system, operators should spend a few minutes walking along the pipeline for a visual inspection: checking for obvious leaks or spraying at the main pipe and branch pipe connections and valves; checking if the ground near the water pump is unusually wet; clearing weeds, soil, or crop residue around the sprinklers to ensure they can rotate or spray without obstruction; and checking the inlet screen or filter, removing any trapped debris to ensure smooth water flow. For water pumps using belt drives or diesel engines, the belt tension and engine oil level should also be checked. After starting, let the system run briefly at low pressure, observing whether the sprinklers are working properly, whether the spray pattern is uniform, and listening for smooth water pump operation.

Observation during operation and immediate cleaning after shutdown are key aspects of maintenance. During irrigation, pay attention to patrolling the field. If you find continuous water accumulation in a certain area or a sprinkler that is not rotating at all or rotating abnormally, record the location and troubleshoot it promptly after shutting down the system. After each irrigation cycle, if the water source is relatively turbid, it is recommended to run the water pump with clean water for a few minutes to flush out any sediment that may have accumulated in the pump and pipes. Then, turn off the power, wipe the water pump casing with a damp cloth to remove dirt and facilitate heat dissipation. At the same time, manually drain any water that may have accumulated at the end of the pipeline or in low-lying areas (especially in cold seasons to prevent freezing and cracking), and check for damage to quick connectors and other connections.

Performing periodic in-depth maintenance and keeping records is crucial for ensuring long-term reliability. Based on usage frequency, more comprehensive maintenance should be performed every one to two weeks or monthly: apply the appropriate amount of lubricant to parts requiring lubrication, such as the water pump bearings, according to the instruction manual; check and tighten all anchor bolts and pipe clamps; for the sprinklers, remove a few to check the internal filters and rotating parts for wear or blockage, and clean or replace them as needed. Establish a simple maintenance log for the entire system, recording the date of each inspection, the problems found, and the corrective actions taken. Before the end of the irrigation season and before long-term storage of the equipment, thorough maintenance is essential: drain all water from the pipes and water pumps; apply rust-preventive oil to metal moving parts; and store the equipment in a dry place. Through this complete process, from daily to periodic maintenance, and from inspection to record-keeping, the lifespan of the equipment can be maximized, ensuring that every drop of water is used efficiently for crop growth.