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McLean county IL | Operating cost comparison..F.Y.I.
In 2006 a study was done in Nebraska with an independent grower. He compared a T-L to electric drive system during the irrigation season for electric usage powering both systems. They were similiarly aged systems close-by, each 7 towers, 1/4 mile systems on 160 acres circles each and powered electrically. Each ran a 60HP elec well. They ran the same 3 day rotation speeds on corn/soybeans and totol season 750 hours each. The local power company independently monitored hours and operation in this test.
End of season the power company confirmed the season difference was only 3.94 KW/hr or $221, with the electric pivot being less.
That's important to note but remember that energy is only one factor in annual operating expense on pivots. Just like any other piece of equipment, R/M and downtime costs need to be management considerations. The cost of just one gearbox replacement or electrical service call all season long greatly exceeds $221. | |
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Reinke or zimmatic pivot?
