Stay safe out there with this wild weather!
Be aware that some damage isn’t immediately visible. Some components may now be under significant tension and could release suddenly, creating serious safety risks. Before attempting to straighten, lift, or reconnect any equipment, pause and plan.
For easy reference, print out the full advisory notice.
Avoid “DIY with a spanner” approaches—incorrect handling can make the damage worse or cause serious injury. Consult your irrigation service provider first, they can advise when and how they are best placed to support you, even if there is a queue for responding it may be better to wait for the professionals.
This may also be a factor in your insurance claim; get your notification into the service company and your insurer promptly.
1. Check Safety First
• Inspect from a distance before approaching.
• Be aware that towers, spans, and drivelines may be under strain and can buckle or spring back unexpectedly.
• Treat all electrical systems as live until confirmed otherwise.
• Ensure power is isolated and tagged out before touching anything connected to electrical circuits, panels, or pump wiring.
2. Engage Qualified Help
Contact your local irrigation service company to assess the system. They can check structural alignment, pipe integrity, electrical safety, and mechanical stress points. Wind damage can distort gearboxes, towers, and drive units in ways that are not visible, and unbolting the system too early can compound the damage.
3. Electrical and Control Systems
Check motors, panels, pivot control boxes, and underground wiring for signs of moisture or mechanical strain. Never energise systems until a qualified electrician has inspected them. Power surges during storms can also damage controllers, sensors, and telemetry units.
4. Mechanical Integrity
For pivots and Rotorainers, look for:
• Bent or twisted spans and towers
• Damaged gearbox housings or drive couplings
• Broken trussing, braces, or anchors
• Disconnected hoses, sprinklers, or drivelines.
Realignments should be done using proper lifting equipment and methods approved by the manufacturer or an experienced technician- not by pulling with tractors or vehicles.
5. Pumps, Pipes, and Valves
High winds and tree-fall dislodge or damage exposed pipelines and suction lines. Check for leaks, joint separation, and sediment ingress if flooding also occurred. Prime and start pumps cautiously once mechanical and electrical checks are complete.
6. Assess Field Conditions
Even if equipment looks intact, access routes and pivot wheel tracks may be blocked by debris, trees, or power lines. Soft ground increases rollover risk when using heavy vehicles or lifting machinery. Work only when weather conditions are stable, with clear light and adequate rest-many accidents happen when fatigue sets in after a storm.
7. Restart Slowly
When cleared for operation, begin with low flow or pressure settings. Observe for vibration, leaks, or structural movement. Re-check alignment and stability before returning to full operation.
8. Record and Report
Document all visible damage with photos before repairs commence—useful for insurance, service technicians, and any Regional Council compliance checks (both for irrigation water and effluent spreading systems). Note serial numbers, component locations, and the sequence of inspection.
In summary: After a major windstorm, stay alert to hidden risks—both mechanical and electrical. Avoid quick DIY fixes that could cause further damage and worse, harm to you and your staff. Engage qualified irrigation and electrical professionals, take a stepwise approach to re-commissioning systems, and prioritise personal safety above getting water back on.
Stay safe and thank you for taking care around damaged irrigation equipment.
