Thunderbird’s Wheel Line Irrigation System is designed for years of durability in harsh environments

The irrigation capacity of a Thunderbird Wheel Line System depends on various factors such as crop water requirements, system size, and soil type. Typically, each Thunderbird Wheel Line System can irrigate an area up to about 40 acres. To irrigate more acreage simultaneously, additional systems can be added.

The Thunderbird Wheel Line System is a semi-automatic machine that irrigates a single location for whatever your preferred set time is, often 12-24 hours. After the application, the system is shut off to allow water drainage. Then, using the portable hand-held end-drive engine, the operator can easily move the entire line forward to the next irrgation location.

For irregularly shaped fields, the system tubing can be adjusted by adding or dropping sections as it moves across the field, facilitated by easy take-apart couplings. This method is also employed to navigate around obstructions.

Water is typically delivered through a portable aluminum or PVC mainline pipe, usually six or 8 inches (150-200mm) in diameter, running along the edge of the field. The mainline features a valve every 60 feet, which distributes water to the Thunderbird Wheel Line Irrigation System through a portable hose, aluminum offset pipe, or aluminum telescope pipe.

The line is powered by two mover units which are situated equidistant from the ends of the wheel line (most wheel lines have just one mover unit in the center), which significantly increases stability. The end drive control is a 4-horsepower gasoline air-cooled engine that snaps on in seconds. The end drive/end feed system lets you stop, start, and connect to the water source at the main line, saving signficiant time. The line advances at a top speed of approximately 20 meters per minute.

Dual mover units mean straight movement of the entire line. Thunderbird's unique design lets you add mover units to handle unusual conditions for wheel lines up to 1/2 mile long.

Thunderbird Wheel Line Systems usually require between 30 and 50 PSI for operation, depending on the line length and irrigated area.

After completing the final irrigation setting at the end of the field, the line is driven back to the starting point, ready for a new irrigation cycle. It takes approximately 20 minutes to move across a 20 acre field.

The Thunderbird Wheel Line System has some of the lowest maintenance requirements among mechanical irrigation systems. Maintaining this system is easy for growers to do on their own. No need for special technicians.

While wind can influence the irrigation pattern, wind skips can be easily corrected.

Each wheel is 7 feet (2.1 M) in diameter.

Line sizes are 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile, and 3/8 mile, with variable lengths up to a mile or more.

The pipe is 4” aluminum torque tubing.

When measured on a per acre basis, the Thunderbird Wheel Line System is the most economical mechanical irrigation system currently available. The system is both cost-effective and boosts yield by ensuring thorough watering and driving natural salts away from crop roots. It covers all areas of the field, including often overlooked corners. Plus, the system requires less maintenance than other irrigation systems.

The Thunderbird Wheel Line System can extend up to 1280 feet with two transmissions; up to 1800 feet with three transmissions.

The Thunderbird Wheel Line System is versatile and can irrigate a wide range of crops, including pasture, hay, vegetables, various cereal grains, cotton, potatoes, sugar beets, and more. While it can handle some crops taller than the 3½-foot pipe height, it is not suitable for mature corn or sugarcane due to height limitations.

The Thunderbird Wheel Line System performs well on almost any terrain, including steep hillsides. Uneven terrain poses no challenge for the Thunderbird Wheel Line System. The dual mover units provide stability such that the line can be locked in place on hills or in windy conditions without resorting to props, stabilizers, or anchors.

In typical usage, a standard Thunderbird Wheel Line System can cover 20 acres efficiently using 176 gallons per minute.

A sprinkler leveler device on the system ensures that the sprinkler maintains an upright position, ensuring high irrigation efficiency.

The increase in crop production varies, but full irrigation typically results in a 15% to 20% yield improvement. This is contingent on factors such as correct fertilizer application, herbicide use, and other farming practices.

The amount of water applied can be controlled by the duration of the irrigation. For instance, a 600-meter line with a flow of 25 liters per second could apply 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) of water in a 6-hour irrigation setting, sufficient for most crops for 10 to 12 days.

Most Thunderbird Wheel Line Systems installed in the last 40 years are still in use with the original mover units and pipe. The pipe and couplers are made of aluminum, providing nearly indefinite longevity. The wheels are constructed of galvanized steel, and the mover unit is designed for a long operational life. Drive shaft bearings are constructed of polypropylene, set in stainless steel housings and are self-lubricating and self-cleaning, making them maintenance free.

Thunderbird is warranted for 1 year from the date of original sale to be free of defective materials and workmanship when used within the working specifications for which the product was designed and under normal use and service.

The manufacturer’s liability under this warranty is limited solely to replacement or repair of defective parts and the manufacturer will not be liable for any crop or other consequential damages resulting from any defect or breach of warranty.

The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for installation, removal or unauthorized repair.