Precision corner~(TM) mechanized irrigation machine offers many new features and benefits to growers

摘要

The new technology incorporated into the Valley Precision Corner~(TM) will revolutionize the mechanized irrigation industry. Growers will realize several new features and benefits: 1. ECONOMICS -The addition of the corner machine to a standard length pivot can increase irrigated acreage by as much as 15 percent on a 1/4-section field. These extra 20 acres (8.1 hectares) make economic sense when they are otherwise idle or producing lower yielding crops. 2. RELIABILITY -Three-dimensional movement of the corner arm is absorbed by a ball-and-socket joint at the last drive unit of the pivot. This minimizes the stresses on the span and also provides for twice the slope absorption on rugged terrain of other comer machines. Its simplified design eliminates bearings, oscillating components, mechanical switches, and plastic cams common to previous corners. This reduces maintenance, improves reliability, and makes it adaptable to most center pivots. 3. WATER APPLICATION -Two on-board computers with customized Compu-Spray~(TM) software control sequencing of the corner sprinklers for uniform water application. A pressure transducer is utilized on non-pressure regulated machines, along with the software, to control machine speed. As the comer extends, sprinklers are sequenced on, system flow rate increases, and line pressure subsequently drops. With each change in pressure, the software, along with variable frequency motor controllers, can adjust pivot speed to maintain uniform water application. 4. CHEMICAL APPLICATION -The software ensures uniform chemical and fertilizer application with a special chemigate mode when using a common fixed rate chemical injection pump. It constantly calculates irrigated area, and as the corner extends and retracts, thepivot speed is continually adjusted to compensate for the change in irrigated area. 5. DIAGNOSTICS -An LED screen and indicator lights on the corner arm provide diagnostics and machine status.