Bauer ‘s new E-series reel irrigator will be showcased to visitors at BP2023 – the Potato Industry Event – on November 22 and 23.
The Harrogate event will be the site for Bauer to reveal the improved features made to the E-series, making operation and maintenance easier whilst maintaining performance standards.
Adrian Tindall, Bauer UK & Ireland sales manager, said: “Bauer has put in a lot of R&D investment over recent years to equip the market-leading Rainstar E-series for new digital technologies, including the Smart Rain remote monitoring and control app.
“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.”
The main change to the machine is to the side guard which covers the reel-drive turbine and gearbox as instead of being held in place by 10 bolts, the new version has catches that, when released, allow the cover to swing away. Another change is 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.
Mr Tindall explained: “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.”
Remote access allows users 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. Other changes include more easily accessible pipe drum bearings and retrospective installation of brakes.
The Bauer E-series comprises five models from the E 100 to E 500, each available with from seven to 11 different diameter and length combinations of Bauer’s own polyethylene (PE) pipe.