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Innovations
1 Jan, 2006 By: LM Staff Landscape ManagementToro's TIS-240, Rain Bird's 5512 rotor, Hunter Industries' ACC Controller, Vermeer and Netafim partnership
1. Get smart
The Toro Co. Irrigation Division's new TIS-240, an Intelli-Sense "smart" water-saving controller, uses real-time meteorological and agronomic information to determine how much moisture a landscape needs for ideal plant growth. For the TIS-240, Toro partnered with HydroPoint, using its WeatherTRAK scheduling engine to receive daily local precipitation updates. Intelli-Sense compares the weather updates to benchmark data of site-specific attributes for each landscape setting to calculate the precise water requirements for each valve zone of the landscape. It then automatically makes adjustments to the irrigation schedule and activates sprinkler run cycles accordingly. A prototype of the TISE-240 was on display at the International Irrigation Show in Phoenix, and units will be available in 2006.
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For more information contact Toro at 800/664-4740 or visit
www.toro.com/irrigation/
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2. Vandal-proof
In addition to its 12-in. pop-up height and optional side inlet, the key benefits of the Rain Bird 5512 Rotor include vandal resistance and ease of use. The rotor includes Memory Arc, which returns the rotor automatically to its original arc setting after it has been tampered with, and a non-strippable drive mechanism that prevents damage if vandals tamper with the rotor head. The 5512 Rotor also contains a brass shaft that reinforces the nozzle turret-to-riser connection and helps the rotor withstand side impacts. In addition, the 5512 Rotor offers continuous full- and part-circle operation in the same head as well as independent left/right arc adjustment. The rotor uses Rain Curtain nozzles, which provide even distribution, close-in watering and larger water droplets for enhanced wind resistance.
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For more information contact Rain Bird at 800/724-6247 or visit
www.rainbird.com/
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3. In the flow
The ACC Controller from Hunter Industries offers real-time flow monitoring, enabling users to customize their irrigation system controller in the field for optimal results. The ACC eliminates water waste and damage from broken sprinklers and pipes through real-time flow monitoring. Six fully independent programs and four custom manual programs add programming flexibility, with a non-volatile 100-year memory. ACC has two programmable pump starts/master valve outputs by station for managing multiple water sources. The "no water" window programming allows users to define hours when no watering is allowed, which overrides any user-set programs for that time frame, and accommodates local water restrictions. The ACC's adaptable modular design expands from 12 to 42 stations.
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For more information contact Hunter at 760/744-5240 or visit
www.hunterindustries.com/
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4. Plowing through
Vermeer Manufacturing Co. has developed a multi-blade vibratory plow attachment for its LM42 and LM25 tractors to install Netafim Techline CV or Techline dripperline in the ground. With minimal damage to the ground surface, the plow attachment can simultaneously pull multiple rows of the water-conserving dripperline in turfgrass or gardens. The plow attachment comes as Vermeer and Netafim Irrigation, Inc. announced an alliance that aligns both companies' products to better serve the subsurface irrigation industry. Under the agreement, Netafim Irrigation will develop and market underground drip irrigation products that can be installed using Vermeer equipment with vibratory plow attachments. Netafim products use up to 70% less water than conventional above ground irrigation systems.
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For more information contact Vermeer at 641/621-7626 or visit
www.vermeer.com/
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