Sprinkler Irrigates Steep Side Slopes

Sprinkler Irrigates Steep Side Slopes IRRIGATION Irrigation Systems 2-3-15 "I designed it myself and have tested it for 8 years. I know it works," says Alton Filan, Waitsburg, Wash., farmerirrigator and inventor of the side slope traveling irrigation system. The diesel-powered slope water rig is self-propelled and works unattended as it travels a programmed route and rate of speed. It applies 1/2 in. of water at 700 gpm on 60 acres per day. It irrigates slopes up to 45? and automatically levels itself for uneven terrain. It also shuts itself off automatically at the end of the run. You simply start it, leave it to attend to other jobs, then return at the end of the run. When the run is completed, you simply throw a lever to eject all water back to the main line. This allows moving the Slope Water rig without any additional equipment. It irrigates almost any crop, to any growing height, and on almost any soil, according to Filan. He notes that the Slope Water can't bog down because it always runs on dry ground. The sprinkler head can be set to leave a "wedge" of dry land in front of the machine. The winch is synchronized to the wheel for maximum pull - enough to move the machine over most any terrain. It is easily adjusted for any part of a circle from 30 to 330?, and can also be set for full circle coverage. Fast reverse action eliminates excessive watering near the sprinkler. "A lot of people have expressed an interest in this kind of system. I've had visitors from as far away as South America and Australia looking at it," Filan told FARM SHOW. He is evaluating various alternatives for getting his invention into commercial production and would welcome inquiries from interested manufacturers, dealers and irrigation farmers. For more details, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Alton Filan, Pres., Filan Mfg., Route 1, Box 69, Waitsburg, Wash. 99361 (ph. 509-337-6590).

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