ATV Tows Half-Acre Sprinkler And Hose

ATV Tows Half-Acre Sprinkler And Hose IRRIGATION Irrigation Systems 34-2-11 Pete Haugland irrigates his fields with home-built mid-size irrigation guns, towing them into position with his four-wheeler. He says his ATV can pull a gun and 250 ft. of hose without shutting down or draining the system. "I use a rope to tow the system so I don't get wet and the ATV isn't on wet ground," says Haugland. "It's easy to pull, and I've never ripped a hose apart." Haugland built his first mid-size guns for himself. When neighbors saw how well they worked, he began building them to sell. "Each one covers a 150 to 180-ft. circle depending on water pressure," he says. Haugland has been using brass 3/8-in. Nelson nozzles for the guns. On future units, he plans to switch to an Australian brand that will shoot 10 to 15 ft. farther. "With a pressurized water system, these guns would easily make a 200-ft. circle," says Haugland. "On my gravity fed water, I use a 5 hp pump to feed two sprinklers." He centers the guns on back of the three-sided carts, which are fabricated from 5-ft. lengths of 3-in. square tubing. The lead wheel is mounted on a leg made from 1 1/2-in. steel. It swivels for easy turning. To mount the rear wheels, Haugland uses simple pipe in pipe bushings. One pipe is welded to a steel plate drilled to match three lug bolt holes on the wheel. A slightly smaller pipe is welded to legs that drop down from the rear corners of the cart. "I cover the smaller pipe with grease before sliding the larger pipe over it," explains Haugland. "A bolt through the plate and the leg holds the pipes together. I don't pull a gun more than about a mile a year, so the single application of grease is all I've needed." He keeps prices down by using second hand wheels and free tires. Haugland sells the irrigation guns with 300 ft. of 2-in. rubber and nylon hose for $1,200. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Pete Haugland, P.O. Box 675, Benton City, Wash. 99320 (ph 509 588-4659).

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