A successful growing season depends on robust irrigation systems. Here’s how Motion can help lay the groundwork for irrigation success.
Irrigation is the lifeblood of many Australian crops – particularly through the critical spring-to-summer growing window when rainfall can be unreliable. In 2020-21, farmers used 7.8 million megalitres of water across 1.9 million hectares of land, amounting to a staggering 74 per cent of the nation’s water consumption.
With so much invested in every megalitre, any interruption to water delivery during peak growth can put whole seasons at risk – not to mention farmers’ bottom lines.
Key pain points in the field
Even the best-laid irrigation program can come unstuck if key components fail. Long runs of hose weather tough conditions, centre-pivots and pumps work around the clock – there are many potential weak links that can jeopardise water supply just when crops need it most.
- Hose wear and replacement costs: Layflat, drag and irrigation hoses are dragged across rough ground day after day. UV exposure, kinking and abrasion can quickly cause pinholes or splits, forcing unplanned change-outs and labour costs while precious water drains away.
- Centre-pivot and pump failures: Centre-pivot systems must rotate smoothly and deliver constant pressure. Gearbox wear, seal leaks or misalignment can stall the rig, while cavitation, bearing failure or overheating can sideline irrigation pumps. Even a short outage can affect yield potential.
- Limited visibility: Most breakdowns are discovered only when the water stops – too late to prevent crop stress. Without early warning, farmers are left scrambling for replacement parts in the middle of a busy season.
How Motion keeps growers growing
Motion’s nationwide branch network carries an extensive hose portfolio – from premium abrasion-resistant layflat, through to value-focused in-house brands – rated for the high working pressures common in broadacre centre-pivots and travelling irrigators.
Local stock means fast change-outs, while the team can specify correct hose grades and cam-lock fittings to minimise kinking and extend service life.
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