WHEELINE

What is wheel line?

Quite simply, a Wheel Line is an irrigation system that moves through a field, from one set position to another, under its own power. The primary element of this system consists of the LATERAL WHEEL LINE, the POWER MOVER and the MAINLINE.

Wheel line is:

The LATERAL WHEEL LINE is composed of 4 or 5 (101.6mm or 125mm) thick-wall aluminum irrigation pipe with large wheels attached so that it may be rolled through the field (above the crop) automatically. The pipe itself is actually the "axle" for the entire system. Each section of pipe has one wheel attached at its center, and each length may be quickly connected to an adjoining length by a special Torque Coupler and clamp band. Simply connect as many lengths of pipe as are needed to cross the field (up to ½ mile or .805km). At each Torque Coupler joint is a rotating impact sprinkler head and a Self Leveler which automatically keeps the sprinkler head in a steady upright position.

The POWER MOVER is located in the center of the rolling LATERAL WHEEL LINE. By means of an air-cooled gasoline engine geared to rotate the pipe (like an axle), the entire LATERAL WHEEL LINE may be moved across the field by a single person.

The MAINLINE transports water from the pump to the field. It is a pipeline perpendicular to the LATERAL WHEEL LINE located either in the center or along one entire edge of the field. Every 50' or 60' (15.24m or 18.29m) along the MAINLINE are outlet Valve Stubs from which a flexible pipe or hose is used to connect the water source from the MAINLINE to the LATERAL WHEEL LINE.

Once the actual Wheel Line (lateral & power mower) is placed in the field, a flexible connection is attached between one end of the LATERAL WHEEL LINE and the first MAINLINE outlet valve (Valve Stub). The water is then turned on with a special Valve Opener and the first section of the field is sprinkled for the required amount of time (determined by the crop and soil). When it is time to move the LATERAL WHEEL LINE to the next station (50' or 0'/15.24m or 18.29m), the operator simply turns off the mainline valve and allows the Lateral Line to automatically drain itself of water via pressure activated Flapper Type Drain Valves located at each pipe connection. (A WHEEL LINE MUST NEVER BE MOVED WITH WATER IN THE LATERAL PIPE LINE.) When the flexible water source is disconnected, the operator then starts the POWER MOVER and the entire line is driven down the field to the next mainline valve position. At the next valve, the flexible water source is reconnected, the water is turned on, the pressure automatically closes the Drain Valves, and the sprinkling procedure is repeated.

Once the Wheel Line reaches the end of the field, it is put into reverse and power driven the entire distance back to the beginning of the field where the cycle is repeated.