A center pivot is one of the most valuable assets on the farm—and the only machine you own that stays outside 365 days a year. While your planter and combine rest under cover, your irrigation system stands guard through every freeze, storm, and temperature swing.

That’s why preseason maintenance matters. When you take care of your pivot early, you gain peace of mind during the growing season, reduce the chance of midseason failures, and extend the life of your system. Here’s how to do it right.

Why Focus on Maintenance Now?

Preventative maintenance is less expensive than fixing a broken system in the middle of the season. And there’s no crop in the field right now—meaning you can work safely and avoid the risk of yield loss.

A good preseason inspection sets your system up to run reliably and efficiently when you need it most.

“Preventative maintenance is the key to providing reliability and longevity of your pivot system, and making sure it will run when farmers need it most.”
– Todd Merryman, Reinke Manufacturing

The Preseason Checklist

Here are the critical steps every grower should take before turning on the system:

1. Electrical Ground & Hazards

Verify the system’s electrical ground. Inspect for structural or electrical damage from storms or livestock.

2. Pivot Center

Check the pivot pad and anchor bolts. Grease the pivot bearing.

3. Gearboxes

Drain condensation, refill with proper lubricant. Check both center drive and wheel gearboxes.

4. Wheels & Tires

Check tire inflation and wheel lug nuts. Inflate tires to spec from the owner’s manual.

5. Drivetrain Components

Inspect high-torque couplers (pucks have a 5-year service life). Grease steel u-joints if installed.

6. System Alignment

Inspect the alignment mechanism and condition. Check microswitches (10-year service life).

7. Water Conduit & Sprinklers

Inspect boots, clamps, gaskets, and low-pressure drains. Check goosenecks, drops, regulators, and sprinkler heads.

8. Flush the System

Remove the sand trap and thoroughly flush the system with clean water.

“Preventative maintenance is less expensive than reactive maintenance for the farmer because it is done while no crop is in the field.”
– Hunter Walls, Walls Irrigation

Don’t Wait Until It’s Hot

Spring is the time to solve problems—before they become emergencies. You don’t need a technician for most preseason tasks, but if you do, your local Reinke dealer is always available with trained service and Genuine Reinke Parts.

Take the time now, and your system will be ready when the long, hot days arrive.

“Rarely is there a problem with the pivots that we need a technician, but it’s comforting to know they are available through our local Reinke dealers when we need one.”
– Dave Koenig, Koenig Farms

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