Horizon Distributors has compiled the following guide to help you navigate finding the perfect irrigation system so your client’s landscape can thrive.

Surface irrigation involves water being distributed using watering cans or hoses, sometimes using a sprinkler attachment. By applying water to the soil’s surface, water is then able to seep through to the plant’s root system.

While surface irrigation is one of the most common types of irrigation for homeowners, it is also the most inefficient. It requires more manual labor and offers little room for automation and a lot of room for human error. This can cause under and overwatering.

Surface irrigation is problematic for both the wellbeing and aesthetics of your client’s property. Sharing these facts with a potential client can help sway them to install an inground irrigation system. We recommend using the process as a supplement to other more sophisticated irrigation systems.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation systems involve small, uniformed applications of water directly to the plant’s root area. This system is ideal for non-turf areas, including flower beds, vegetable gardens, and container plants. It is also great for areas located on less even terrain or exposed to windy conditions.

This controlled method is far more efficient and environmentally friendly. Not only does the direct application help prevent evaporation and runoff, but the process can also be automated when synced to a smart irrigation controller. This helps prevent unnecessary labor and water waste.

Sprinkler Irrigation

Sprinkler systems are the most iconic form of landscape irrigation methods. While many people probably associate sprinklers with golf courses and childhood summers, these systems provide versatile, efficient irrigation options. These systems also offer water waste management potential when installed with irrigation controllers.

Sprinkler heads can be set up above ground or be installed to pop up and retract during watering. In order to help conserve water, smart irrigation controllers can use local weather reports to adjust watering schedules.

Blended Irrigation Systems

By combining drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, you can maximize the potential of both methods while also using water more responsibly.

Sprinkler systems are best suited for turf areas on a property. Drip irrigation systems are ideal for more concentrated plant features, such as flower beds, bushes, and trees.

In order to make the most of your blended irrigation system, it is important to install a smart controller.

Irrigation Supplies for Landscaping Businesses

Horizon Distributors is one of the largest U.S. irrigation wholesale suppliers. Partners include Hunter, Rain Bird, Toro, Lasco, NDS, ADS, and more. Here is a breakdown of the irrigation supplies we offer:

Irrigation Sprayers and Sprinkler Heads

Most irrigation systems use either rotary sprinkler heads or spray sprinkler heads to water landscapes.

Irrigation spray heads are used to ensure grass and turf, flower beds, garden beds, and shrubs are watered adequately. Sizes are measured by the height the riser comes up out of the turf when activated and range between 2” – 12.” These spray heads are typically installed about 15’ apart from each other.

Irrigation spray heads help to maximize efficiency while minimizing water use, liability concerns, and affiliated costs.

Rotor Sprinklers for Irrigation Systems

Rotor sprinklers rotate a stream or streams of water over turf. These systems offer great advantages for both commercial and residential landscapes. Rotors are ideal for expansive areas of turf.

Their more expansive spray range and lower precipitation rate prevent certain areas from being over or underwatered. The range allows for even water coverage across a large area, while still managing to conserve water and lower costs.

Rotor sprinklers typically run between 45-50 PSI. This is a higher pressure rate. This allows them to water a radius ranging from 15-50+ feet. Plastic or stainless steel risers are available for commercial-duty rotor systems.

Irrigation Controllers and Sprinkler Timers

Irrigation controllers or irrigation timers are the brains of the operation.

Smart irrigation controllers use local conditions to dictate the best time to turn your systems on. Smart irrigation controllers will not start the system while it rains. By taking the weather conditions into consideration, these controllers help prevent overwatering. These controllers are also capable of synching up to other add-ons such as soil and wind sensors. This helps to tailor the irrigation system to the landscape’s environment.

Horizon offers standard and commercial irrigation controllers for indoor and outdoor applications. These are very simple to install and program. The system setup allows you to purchase one base unit with the option to add more stations as needed.

Irrigation Pumps

Irrigation pumps work using three basic components: an inlet, pump system, and outlet. A pressure change in the pump system pushes the water from an area of high pressure to one of low pressure, causing the water to be dispersed through the system’s inlet into the pump and finally through the outlet.

There are two main types of irrigation pumps: displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps.

Displacement pumps are more commonly used for dispensing thicker liquids, so they are not as common in irrigation systems unless it is a fertilizer injector that works to mix and disperse fertilizer and water.

The majority of irrigation pumps are classified as centrifugal pumps. These pumps use centrifugal force to distribute water. An “impeller” spins the water, forcing it out the pump’s casing and through the outlet to water the designated area.

Some centrifugal pump systems will use a multi-stage approach. This is a system of multiple impellers and casings. Water migrates from one impeller to the next with pressure increasing at each stage.

Some centrifugal pumps require priming so that there is water present in the inlet pipe and the casing before starting the pump. Others are self-priming and don’t require this extra step.

Types of centrifugal pumps include the following:

• End-suction centrifugal pumps are the most common type. These pumps push water through the system instead of pulling it and operate best when its water source is no more than a few feet lower than the pump.
• Submersible pumps are fully waterproofed systems that are completely installed underwater, including the motor.
• Turbine pumps are somewhat similar to submersible pumps, but while the pump is mounted underwater, it is attached by a drive shaft to a motor mounted above the water.
• Jet pumps are ideal for sucking up water that is significantly below the pump. There are “shallow well” and “deep well” varieties of the jet pumps to reach varying water source depths.
• Booster pumps are basic centrifugal pumps simply used to boost water pressure to a higher pressure value for ideal dispersion.
• Floating pumps are submersible pumps that are attached to afloat. These floats are anchored in a body of water, keeping the pump in place under the water. Pipes or tubes transport the water to the irrigation system.

Additional equipment may be needed to support your irrigation pumps. You can consult with our experts at Horizon to ensure you’ve got everything you need to guarantee your system installation is a success.

Drainage

Drainage, or stormwater management, consists of detaining, retaining, or providing a discharge point for stormwater to be reused or infiltrated into the groundwater. Drainage product applications include the following: French Drain systems, basins, filters, grates, downspout adapters, pop-up emitters, channel drains, and permeable pavers.

Standing water can be a landscaper’s greatest enemy. Standing water can attract pesky mosquitoes, drown plants and turf, and even cause structural damage to buildings on the property.

It’s just as important to understand the art of drainage as it is to understand irrigation. The two go hand in hand. But don’t worry, the pros at your local Horizon store are available to answer any questions you might have.

Source: Horizon

The post Horizon Explains How to Choose the Right Irrigation System appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Compared to the standard Bromex M chopper, the plus version offers greater offset and reaches positions and working angles impossible to get to with other machines.

In addition, the Bromex plus can be combined with a front-mounted chopper (Bromex PF or PXD), to maximize working width.

Source: Vicon

The post Vicon’s Bromex M Plus Improves High Performance Rotor appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

With a low, compact design, CL designates “compact loader.” The Seppi Miniforst CL mulcher is equipped with a standard SAE interface, and is suitable for any skid steer with available hydraulic flow between 50 and 150 l/min [13-40 gpm].

The Miniforst CL with new Cut Control rotor has been engineered to meet the demands of mulching contractors where a sharpenable blade is desired.

The goal was to manufacture a rotor using the existing Mini Blade and proven tool holder but with the addition of a gauge to reduce the depth of cut being made by the aggressive Mini Blades. The result is a rotor that maintains Seppi’s unprecedented recovery rate, improves efficiency and allows the operator to reach the ground if desired to mulch all material to ground level with ease.

The Miniforst CL is rated to mulch material up to 8” in diameter on carriers with up to 63 GPM. With its exposed rotor and fixed tools with Tungsten carbide inserts or Mini Blades, the Miniforst cl can mulch everything from standing timber to brush and slash on the ground. An optional hydraulic hood is available on machines equipped with Tungsten carbide inserts and allows the operator to control the direction of flying material, making this Miniforst CL one of the safest compact loader mulchers available. The powerful and reliable Seppi Miniforst cl was engineered using wear-resistant, high tensile steel to be lighter and stronger. All units are standard with multiple rows of counter cutters to provide a consistent, quality mulch. When paired with variable displacement motors with M-Boost technology, performance in compact loader mulchers is taken to a new level.

Ease of service is key! The Seppi Miniforst CL is designed so no tools are needed for daily service. All grease points are well protected and accessible without needing to remove any panels. And with US sourced components, there is minimal downtime in the event of a ruptured hose or belt. The Seppi Miniforst CL is the perfect combination of performance, durability and affordability.

Adaptability

The SAE interface makes mounting the Miniforst CL on your loader simple. And after mounting, it is simple to tune (we’ll show you how) to whatever loader you have. The Miniforst CL mulcher can operate efficiently on any loader with as little as 50 l/min (13 GPM) and up to 150 l/min (40 GPM).  Obviously, high flow is best but even the owner of a low flow loader will be happy with the performance of the Miniforst CL because regardless of GPM, the variable displacement M-Boost motor, which offers 40% more torque than standard motors, is easily adjusted to produce the RPM necessary for efficient mulching.  The Seppi Miniforst CL mulcher can mulch wood and brush to 20 cm (8”) diameter, at working speeds up to 5 km/h (3 MPH). Our patented rotor designs allow an unprecedented recovery rate of speed of the rotor, so you spend more time cutting and less time waiting.  The Miniforst CL will get the most from your loader!

Customisation

If your work is primarily mulching wood, use our proven, sharpenable Mini-Blade hammers with our revolutionary new Cut Control rotor with built in depth gauge. You won’t believe the speed with which you can produce a fine mulch! If your work is primarily land maintenance along roadways, fence lines, etc., choose our best-in-class tungsten carbide Mini-Duo hammers for durability. The patented Cut Control rotor works in concert with five rows of tempered counter cutters providing perfect mulching results. Whether you are working with Cut Controls or Carbide Hammers, our rotors maintain RPM for the highest productivity rate and a great mulch!

Durability

A strong frame, made of S-420 high tensile steel, heavy duty belt cover, well protected hydraulic cylinder and protection chains all assure a long working life.

Miniforst CL mulcher is suitable for most skid steer loader and compact track loaders from CAT, CASE, NEW HOLLAND, DEERE, BOBCAT, ASV, JCB, VOLVO.

Available working width: 150, 175, 200 [59″, 69″, 79″].

Source: Seppi M.

The post Seppi’s Miniforst CL Is Now Geared With a Cut Control Rotor appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“The Infinity Rotor was designed with durability in mind to minimize our customer’s downtime” said Crary Ag engineer product manager, Ben Richard.

The Infinity Rotor is engineered and optimized for maximum wear life and air output with detailed design features:

• Fully welded, high strength steel to allow for higher operating speeds than aluminum rotors.
• Dynamically balanced for high speed performance with minimized vibration.
• Tungsten inert gas welded and strategically placed balance clips for increased durability.
• Patent pending carbide clad inside lower blade edges, designed to increase longevity in specific locations determined by extensive field research of blade wear patterns.

“With a three time increase in life over standard steel rotors, most customers will eliminate the need to replace a rotor during the lifetime of their fan” said Richard.

The new Infinity Rotor will also minimize downtime and the need for repeated replacement parts, saving users time and money. As a crucial part in the design of any fan, accept no substitutes to the Crary Infinity Rotor.

Source: Crary

The post Crary Engineers invents new Infinity Rotor appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.