Family-owned Big River Instant Turf, directed by Joe Erceg, saw the future for clean/green product more than 20 years ago, switching from growing broccoli to turf, and now produces more than a million square metres a year.
Such is demand for the product, he is expanding his business using a low-maintenance, centre-pivot T-L irrigation system from Water Dynamics.
The project — four pivots covering 77.2ha — uses easy-to-use hydraulic-drive T-L irrigation systems.
Hydrostatically powered T-L systems deliver continuous movement, so gearbox wear is drastically reduced.
In addition, water and fertilisers are evenly distributed over the crop.
Water Dynamics’ Paul Moat worked closely with Mr Erceg on the project.
“Joe originally purchased the farm at Bacchus Marsh and set it up to grow broccoli with a fixed sprinkler system. He then decided to convert the farm to grow turf, using the fixed sprays,” Mr Moat said.
“After years of irrigating this way and with expansion of the business, he decided it was too hard a job changing over valves, etc, so he researched pivot irrigators and decided to go with Water Dynamics and T-L because of our reputation in the turf marketplace and the constant move feature of the T-L system.”
The areas around the pivot circle still use the original fixed sprinkler system and Mr Erceg has also added some Nelson big guns to cover other areas not covered by the new and existing systems.
Mr Moat said the beauty of the new system was that hydraulics were integral to all farms’ fixed and mobile plant, so maintenance wasn’t a more expensive specialist business.
T-L systems maintain alignment through the use of a simple hydraulic spool valve.
The alignment system moves the spool valve, metering the required hydraulic fluid flow for each tower, maintaining continuous movement and alignment with the end tower.
Mr Moat said each project’s design and installation was based on the customers’ specific needs.
“Our local Water Dynamics team here in Yarrawonga ... includes a blend of product experts, irrigation designers and installers,” he said.
“Our unique regional focus means we understand local conditions and challenges, and have the relevant skills to provide the right products and technical advice to keep irrigation systems operating at peak efficiency all-year-round.“
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