The SmartRain package, available for an initial fee followed by an annual charge, enables users to monitor just one or several of Bauer Rainstar reel-type and Centerstar pivot irrigators, as well as Bauer diesel irrigation pumps.

“ By receiving information remotely about the progress of irrigation sessions and any problems that arise, managers can save a lot of time and focus on other tasks safe in the knowledge that their systems are being monitored at all times,” says Adrian Tindall, Bauer UK & Ireland sales manager.

“ On farms with multiple irrigators, the manager can receive status reports from all machines”

Bauer’ s leading range of reel irrigators extends from the compact Rainstar T Series, which starts with the T32 handling Bauer PE pipe in 65-85mm diameters from 220-350m in length to the fullsize E Series, which tops out with the E55 XL carrying pipe lengths of 560-740m in 125-140mm diameters.

The Centerstar range of pivot irrigators is based on three sizes of fixed or mobile towers with boom configurations of up to eight spans covering 60ha and 150cu m / hr; 14 spans for up to 150ha and 400cu m / hr and 16 spans covering up to 220ha and 600cu m / hr.

All can be serviced by a diesel irrigation pump from a six-model range equipped with Caprari or Rovatti pumps and FPT Industrial or Deere Power Systems engines.

The SmartRain system requires installation of a solar-powered GPS controller, mounted on the chassis of a Rainstar reel irrigator or the Universal PRO-G control unit on the central tower of a centre-pivot system. Access to the SmartRain internet platform is by personal login from a computer.

The mobile application, which is available for Apple iOS and Android mobile devices, provides remote control access to the irrigators and pumps, and receives SMS or email messages on designated mobile phones.

“ On farms with multiple irrigators, the manager can receive status reports from all machines but to avoid information overload, status messaging from particular machines can be sent only to the individual team member looking after them,” explains Adrian Tindall.“ That way, operators on the ground get only the information they need; simply knowing which of several irrigators will finish next and when can save a lot of time.”

The company’ s R46 hosereel mounted boom can now be moved from one run to the next without being folded, saving time in fields without headlands. The boom is carried on the hosereel, alongside and parallel to the tractor, minimizing the width of the overall rig.

Current R46 developments also include a self levelling system, full 360o turntable to allow rotation around obstacles and a hydraulic lift system. This last feature is mainly for the export market where tall crops are more likely to be irrigated.

Briggs Irrigation has also made it easier for farmers and growers to manage irrigation systems remotely. Using the Raindancer GPS tracking system, operators can see the status of different

machines on a Smartphone or PC. They can also monitor progress, water pressure, estimated completion time and take control if there is a problem. The system records irrigation data and as it is GPS based, it provides added security for remote farm equipment.

The system comprises a GPS solar module with a pressure sensor and the operating software. The module is attached to the boom or raingun. By overlaying the colour coded irrigation runs on the satellite image of the farm, the activity of each unit is shown in real time. The unit continues to work at night, sending a signal at regular intervals.

Briggs Irrigation Director Adrian Colwill said:

“ Farmers cannot afford to waste water and need to operate their irrigation systems as efficiently as possible. The Raindancer not only shows the status of each machine, it sends a text message when the irrigator stops moving, the pressure falls below a preset range or a critical area is reached, such as roads or railways.”