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| I don't doubt what you say, but was the T&L a planetary drive model? I have heard they DO give problems, and that is why I have only the regular worm drive gearbox.
I respectfully disagree that the Valley is heavier built. I have both, and honestly could not pick which one is the best structurally.
As far as "kicking out" on hills, I have not had that happen. I have some very rough land, with terraces and have never had one "kick out". Get stuck and dig holes until it got out of alignment, yes, but not "kick out". Also, I would MUCH rather pull out a T&L than an electric.
I don't have a T&L over 20 years old, my oldest is 17 but based on the savings I have had so far over the electric, I believe I could buy a brand new T&L after 20 years and still be ahead of the troublesome electric. I think with proper care, changing filters, checking for leaks before the irrigation season begins, checking gearboxes for proper lube level, the T&L would be a much better bet than an electric to last 30 or more years.
I may have been just unlucky with lightning strikes, center drive motors, tower boxes, power cables, u-joints, shutdowns that require the service of a good electrician, but everyone around here with both hydraulic and electric seem to have a similar tale to tell.
It has been my experience that whenever I replace electric power with hydraulic power I have much less trouble. A perfect example of this is the unloading auger on grain bins. I fought the electric motors for about 25 years and have now changed everything to hydraulic, and would not think of going back to electric.
Edited by Mr. Snerdly1 2/5/2008 22:16
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Reinke or zimmatic pivot?
