Kifco T40x1320 380,540 - 400,110 Operator Manual - Manual (Page 19)

20
--Start Up--
To better manage the uniformity of application, the Water-Reels are equipped with a speed
compensator. The compensator slows the rotation of the spool at approximately the same
rate that the tube builds up on the spool so the velocity of the incoming tube stays relatively
constant throughout the irrigation cycle.
The compensation system monitors the diameter of the spool by use of a bar that rides on
the tube and slows the drive system to offset the increase in the circumference of the spool.
The bar is attached mechanically to the turbine motor or to the throttle of an engine drive
system.
For Cruise Control equipped machines, the Cruise Control electronically compensates the
rotation of the spool. The Cruise Control knows the size of the Water-Reel it is controlling
and knows how much tube is on the spool. It then calculates the diameter of the spool and
adjusts the rotational speed accordingly. The bar that rides on the tube is not used for
speed compensation. It is used for shut-off in the event of a mis-wrap or when the sprinkler
cart reaches the machine.
The compensator systems will maintain a reasonably constant sprinkler cart retraction
speed throughout the run.
See the “Maintenance & Adjustments” section in this manual for more information about
adjusting the turbine or engine compensators.
Travel Speed Indicator
The travel speed indicator displays the ground speed of the sprinkler cart. The speed is
shown in feet per hour. Cruise Control equipped models do not have a tachometer. The
speed is read directly from the Cruise Control screen.
A shaft on the back of the gearbox (which turns at a speed relative to the rotation of the
spool) drives the indicator. To make full use of the information displayed on the speed
tachometer the operator must understand the various lines and symbols on the dial.
The following information and diagram in this manual will be helpful. You should read and
understand the previous section about “Speed Compensation” before proceeding.
During operation, with the compensator operating properly, the needle will move counter
clockwise (indicating slower spool rotation) as the layers of tube build up on the spool. This
movement is normal. The lines in the dial numbered 1 thru 5 represent layers of tube on
the spool. No. 1 represents the first layer of tube on an empty spool.
The radial lines (compensation lines) that go across tube layer lines represent the track of
the needle during the run.