how does tractor sprinkler work

Tractor sprinklers are modern irrigation machines that have revolutionized the way farmers irrigate their crops. These machines use low-pressure water jets to ensure water is aptly distributed to crops. This article discusses the workings of a tractor sprinkler in detail.

The Features of a Tractor Sprinkler

A tractor sprinkler consists of a three-wheel tractor with a water pump system, an irrigation system, and a controller. The sprinkler can move in a straight or circular path to water acres of land in an organized way. They use hoses to pull water from a water source and transmit it to the crops’ root systems, assuring adequate irrigation to crops.

The Hydraulic Power System

Tractor sprinklers utilize a hydraulic power system to operate the water pump. This system converts the engine's mechanical energy into hydraulic energy; by extension, the hydraulic energy operates the irrigation system's water pump. Driven by the tractor's engine shaft, the hydraulic power system is, in effect, a small hydroelectric generator that powers the water pump by generating pressure and flow in the system. The water pump propels water from the water source for irrigation.

The Irrigation System

The irrigation system of a tractor sprinkler consists of a series of pipes that carry water to the sprinkler heads, which are mounted on the tractor's slewing arm. These sprinkler heads break water into tiny droplets, which are akin to rainfall and can cover lots of land adequately. The droplets then fall on the crop roots, providing sufficient irrigation. Some models have multiple spray heads, which increase the output water flow rate, making it easier to irrigate more areas.

The Controller

The controller is the brain of the tractor sprinkler's irrigation system and coordinates the various components' operations. It manages the tractor's speed, the irrigation coverage area, and water pressure and flow. A modern control system has a global positioning system that coordinates the tractor's speed, ensuring it moves seamlessly from one section of the land to another, optimizing irrigation.

Conclusion

Tractor sprinklers provide an efficient and cost-effective way of irrigating crops. By recognizing the hydraulic system, irrigation system, and the control mechanism's workings, farmers can effectively use tractor sprinklers to irrigate their crops, increasing harvest yields and profitability.