Bauer introduces new E-series reel irrigators

New E-series reel irrigators from Bauer have several improved features to make them easier to operate and maintain.

The company has invested heavily over recent years to equip its Rainstar E-series with new digital technologies – including the Smart Rain remote monitoring and control app, says Adrian Tindall, Bauer UK & Ireland sales manager.

“Now, attention has been turned to some aspects of the mechanical components – mainly to improve access for servicing, maintenance and setting up to further improve the operator experience.”

Side guard

The most obvious visual change is to the side guard that covers the reel-drive turbine and gearbox – but less obvious is that instead of being held in place by ten bolts, the new version has catches that when released allow the cover to swing away.

That makes it quicker and easier to access components such as the belt that transfers drive from Bauer’s water turbine to the pulley on the chain and sprocket that slowly rotates the drum to pull in the hose and either a rain gun or boom.

Opening the new cover also reveals a larger battery to power the Ecostar 6000 controller with its 4.3in LED touch-screen, which is supplemented by membrane buttons for the most frequently used functions.

“Users can store up to 12 different irrigation programmes that define retraction speed, pre-irrigation, post-irrigation and speed zones, and then retrieve them at any time to save having to enter individual parameters for every irrigation session,” says Mr Tindall.

Remote access via SMS on a mobile telephone enables irrigation managers to not only stop and start the Rainstar irrigator remotely but also adjust retraction speed, check on the status of the machine and receive error messages.

A ‘run finished’ message can be activated, and thanks to a digital input on the irrigator’s water meter, the Ecostar 6000 controller also records.