Fine tuning system alignment

Categories: Operation and Maintenance

pivot tower box: micro switches and came plateAlignment is an important factor in the operation of a center pivot irrigation system. A misaligned system develops high stresses which can cause structural damage along with reducing motor and gearbox life.

The system alignment should be checked and fine tuned if needed on its first revolution of the year. If the alignment is changed after a wheel track is established, the compression and/or tensions are magnified because te system is trapped in its wheel tracks.

The effects misalignment has on the system:

Trailing bow. This situation is most critical as it causes a compression of the entire machine. When the spans are compressed, they tend to lose their inherent strength.

Leading bow. A leading bow can cause problems by creating extreme tension or pull that could cause structural damage.

A trailing bow is not acceptable, but a slight leading bow is tolerable. However, if the system is operated in forward and reverse, the leading bow in one direction is the trailing in the other direction. Therefore, such a system should be aligned to operate in as straight a line as possible.

Factors contributing to misalignment

If your system will not hold the alignment you have set, you should check the following:

Ensure the switch pivot arm and adjusting tab takes no more than 1/2 lb. of pressure to rotate. It is necessary to remove the control bar and cam plate spring (inside the box) to check this. Repair will require some disassembly of the tower box.

Ensure all of the hitch balls are tight. A loose ball allows the span connection to change. This in turn changes the micro-switch reaction times.

Make alignment checks part of annual spring start up, because proper alignment contributes to extended structural life.

System realignment procedure

Set the percentage timer between 50% and 70% (depending on your pace) and start the Pivot irrigation system in either direction (forward or reverse). Beginning three drive units from the Pivot, one person sights an imaginary line from the center of motor 3 to the edges of motor 1 (looking toward the Pivot).  Motor 2 is to stop at position A and start at position B. The adjustment is correct when motor 2 starts and stops equal distances relative to motor 1. The first drive unit can be aligned by sighting between motor 2 and the vertical riser pipe of the Pivot.

Pivot system realignment procedure

If adjustment is necessary, the tower is realigned by adjusting nuts and bolts for each drive unit. Precautions to take into account: never adjust nuts more than 1/4 turn at one time; always adjust, retighten bolts and allow the tower to cycle twice (stop and start) prior to making additional adjustments.

3 responses to "Fine tuning system alignment"

  1. Steve Karl Posted on 22 March, 2015 at 17:18

    Hello, I am looking to start a career in Pivots. I’m interested in information on center pivots for trouble shooting, most common issues, etc.

    • Joshua S. Clark Posted on 7 December, 2017 at 4:01

      This post is very informative and easy to understand. It was very helpful for me in performing one of the most important tasks in Pivot maintenance: span alignment.

  2. Bethel Smith Posted on 23 September, 2017 at 18:48

    We’ve had some trouble with misalignment with our Pivot irrigation system. By the sound of it, this could be due to trailing bow. It needs to be replaced.

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