Kiwi Startec Sprinkler Reel Bypass

The Kiwi Startec (OE code 0114018) is a mechanism that is part of irrigation systems used in agriculture. It performs the function of “timing” the rewinding of the hose laid out on the ground. The principle is to ensure a constant advancement of the irrigation lance, maintaining uniform water distribution over the soil. In other words: irrigation reels (also called reel winders or drum sprinkler systems) are those large machines used in agriculture to irrigate large fields.

They work, in summary:

• There is a drum/roll around which a long polyethylene flexible hose is wound.
• At the end of the hose there is a irrigation gun/high-pressure cannon mounted on a trolley.
• The hose is unwound across the field and the gun begins to irrigate.
• Then, via an automatic rewinding mechanism (often hydraulic or a turbine driven by the water itself), the trolley returns toward the reel, irrigating evenly while the hose rewinds.

They are widely used on maize, forage and other crops, because they allow covering large areas without fixed pipelines.
Some also have programming and speed adjustment systems to distribute water more evenly or to perform fertigation.

Technical features

In the hydraulic turbine system, the water supplying the sprinkler passes through a turbine connected to a mechanical gearbox. The turbine transmits motion, via gears and a worm gear or rack, to the drum on which the hose is rewound.
Speed regulation is entrusted to variators, centrifugal brakes or modulating valves. Some modern models include electronic control units with pressure and flow sensors for automated management.

Alternative systems, less common, use internal combustion engines (petrol/diesel) or independent hydraulic motors, powered by a tractor or external pump, also connected to a gearbox with a speed regulator.

Functionality

The turbine directly uses the irrigation water to generate mechanical energy, eliminating the need for an auxiliary engine.
The speed regulator ensures controlled rewinding:

• reducing the speed to increase the water dose per meter;
• increasing the speed to cover the area more quickly.

In advanced models, electronic control units and GPS/GSM modules allow remote control, shift management and automatic compensation for pressure variations.

Faults and causes

• Does not regulate the opening and closing of the bypass for varying and maintaining the rewinding speed

DIPA can intervene to overhaul this component so important for field work.

Final conclusions

The hydraulic turbine represents the most widespread rewinding system in irrigation reels due to its simplicity and energy efficiency, using the water itself to power the mechanism. The addition of speed regulators and, in modern models, electronic control units ensures precision, distribution uniformity and safety during operations.

DIPA has a wide range of spare parts dedicated to the Agri world: from those related to vehicles to those dedicated to auxiliary equipment. Not only that: it has refurbished components with like-new performance with which it is possible to achieve savings in replacement while contributing to environmental protection thanks to the circular economy. If the spare part you need is not available, don't worry: DIPA can refurbish your part "on demand", restoring its full functionality and safety in a short time.