Irripod - Operating Guidelines

Moving Pod Lines

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The moving pod animation to the right demonstrates a full range of pod movements over an 8 day period. The 'ghost' shadows left behind show the area covered for each days irrigation and the grey lines show the line taken when shifting the pod lines. Using the bright yellow fence markers helps line up each shift for an even coverage over the entire paddock.

Irripod Plus System Management
•	Moving Times – 12 or 24 hours, dependant upon system design.
•	Return Times – Range from 8 to 14 days and are determined by soil structure, pasture/crop type, water availability and local climate conditions.

Moving Irrigation Lines
Irripod Plus lines have been designed to be moved whilst still operating. The system can be moved simply and safely with very little effort.
•	Movement is typically done by an ATV. Do not exceed ATV manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum towing weight.
•	Use markers on the fence to align the irrigation line movements at required increments.
•	Picking up irrigation lines is done using the Hansen Tow Hook and Tow Rope which is secured to the ATV or other farm vehicle.
•	Ensure the ATV or farm vehicle is facing the direction the line is to be towed.
•	In one smooth movement proceed to skid the Pod/Sprinkler line towards the marker sign at the other end of the field, keeping the line within a couple of meters of its self for as long as possible to prevent pod rollover. Once line is in place unhook and proceed to next line.

Example of Moving an Irripod System Steps 1 and 2

Below are a series of illustrations with tips on how to make the moving pod process as smooth and simple as possible.

The aim when moving a sprayline to its next position in the rotation is to minimize the
incidents of roll-over. Even though the sprinkler is protected from roll-over it can still be damaged.
Also roll-over can cause twisting of the Pod pipe.

1.	Approach the end of the sprayline at an angle that will allow you to move back down the sprayline at a distance of around 1-2 metres parallel to that sprayline. Too close and the Pods will try to roll – Too far and the Pods will try to roll. (this will become apparent to the person moving the lines)

2.	When placing spraylines in even day positions (i.e. 2nd shift – 4th shift etc) when reaching the end of the sprayline move across into correct position and proceed to the end of that system area.

Example of Moving an Irripod System Steps 3 and 4

3.	When placing spraylines in odd day positions (i.e. 3rd shift – 5th shift etc) when reaching a point approximately 2/3rds of the length of that sprayline move out to next system spacing and proceed to the end of that system area. Again this procedure will become apparent to the person shifting the spraylines, if they are not moving in or out at the correct point they will find the last 1 or 2 Pods will be out of line.

4.	At the end of the system area rotation (return period) detach the sprayline from the dragline and tow the sprayline back into position 1. Detach the dragline from the hydrant and tow the length of the system area and then back into position and reattach to both hydrant and sprayline. This will allow any twisting of the dragline that has occurred during rotation to be removed from pipe.