Understanding Winterization and Preventative Maintenance: Key Differences and Their Importance

     As the irrigation season is winding down and harvest approaches, it is time to start thinking of winterization and preventative maintenance on your irrigation systems.  These are two terms that often get used interchangeably,  but have two different meanings within the service industry.

 Winterization is preparing your irrigation system for the season’s colder temperatures in keeping any water from freezing within your system, which can cause extensive damage.   Winterization includes pumping your mainline, parking the machine in a place so it may withstand the seasonal storms, pulling the intake if necessary, draining hoses and aquamatic lines, and cracking all of your systems valves.  MVI’s Winterization will set you up for a smooth startup in the spring with peace of mind free of costly winter damage.

     Preventative Maintenance is a strategy aimed at preventing equipment failures, reducing downtime, and extending the overall lifespan of your equipment.  Center-Pivot Preventive Maintenance begins with greasing the center-point swivel, tightening anchor bolts, span pipe drain inspections and flipping over the internal puck, all water drained from gearboxes and center drives and topped off with oil, and the gearbox ventilation chamber inspected with breath holes  unplugged.  This list and many more key measures are taken to extend the life of your machine when you need it most.

Both Winterization and Preventative Maintenance are key elements to the success of your next season. Stop by our shop to pick up a complete checklist of items – We want to ensure everyone has the tools to grow.  Montana Valley Irrigation is also happy to assist with one or both of these services, so you may focus on other important areas of your operation.

Please call our Great Falls shop at 406-761-8195 or stop in today – Happy Harvest!