Micro Rain MR40 Instruction Manual

MICRO RAIN
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FOR
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
MR40, MR43

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for buying a Micro Rain traveling sprinkler. Please read this manual carefully before
assemblingandoperationinordertobecomefamiliarwithit’smanyfunctions. Yoursafetyisourfirst
priority,and failuretofollow theseinstructions maycauseserious injury ordeath. Micro Rain is not
responsibleformachinefailureiftheseproceduresandoperationinstructionsarenotfollowed.
CAUTION
Do not operate your Micro Rain traveler without a serious overview of this manual
 Keep children and unauthorized people away from traveler
 Never allow children access to use the traveler
Usecaution when disconnectingcouplings
When the traveler is equipped with shut-off valve, the supply hose remains pressurized at the end of the run.
First, relieve the pressure, then disconnect the supply hose.
Use caution with the sprinkler heads ( Guns )
Pressurized water from the sprinkler head could cause serious damage to people or objects.
Use caution during transport
Travelers are not made for public transit. Do not exceed 7mph on flat roads, or 2 mph on steep inclines.
Neverservice the travelerwhen it is in operation
Before servicing, stop the traveler and disconnect the supply line. All safety guards and shields must be in
place while operating the traveler.
Beware of power lines
Irrigation water should never contact power lines or any other power source. Never let any part of the
traveler or any irrigation pipe get in contact with power source.
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
Signs and their meaning.....................................................3 - 4
Identification data................................................................... 5
Machine Controls.....................................................................6
Weight and Dimensions........................................... ...............7
Transport and Assembly.....................................................8 - 9
Start-Up Maintenance Procedures............................. ....10 - 12
Standard Hose Rewind...........................................................13
Quick Hose Rewind/Maintenance/Winterization...................14
Care and Repair of P.E. Tube..................... ....................15 - 16
Troubleshooting......................................................................17
Warnings..................................................................... ...........18
Use of Shut-Off Valves...........................................................19
Booster Pump..................................................................20 - 25
Performance Charts........................................................26 - 27

SIGNS PRESENT ON THE MACHINE
AND THEIR MEANING
1. This sign indicates the operations and parts that may be risky for the
safety of the operator. When seeing this sign read carefully the message
which follows, and beware of possible risk of accident.
2. This sign indicates pressurized supply lines. Do not release the clamps
before making sure that the pressure is released.
3. This sign indicates dangerous equipment in operation. Never use this
machine with safety guards removed. When using a PTO to rewind the hose,
use only protected shafts, conforming with the safety standards in force.
4. This sign indicates a risk of electric power danger. Never position the
sprinkler cart close to power supplies. Make sure that the sprinkled water
does not contact any power lines, houses, roads or any working sites.
3

5. Before operating the machine, read the instruction manual carefully.
6. Before servicing or making any adjustments stop the machine and disconnect
the supply line.
7. Do not stand between the hose reel and gun cart while machine is in operation.
4

CONDITIONS FOR MACHINE OPERATION
*TheMicroRainmachineisdesignedtobe used with cleanwatersuitableforirrigation. This
machineisnotdesignedfordirtywater or slurry/waste waterconditions.
IDENTIFICATION DATA
TheKID IDPlate includesa modelnumber ie. MR-43, MR 58BP, anda serialnumber. The IDplate is
locatedon the leftside of themachine (coverside) on theframe plate justabove thereartire.
5
SPECIALLABELS ON SPRINKLER CART
VALVE CAUTION GEARBOXWARNING

MACHINE CONTROLS
1.Gearboxengageand disengage 4. Shut-offvalve
handle
2.Anti-reversehandle 5. Speedis regulated byadjusting
the by-pass
3.Automaticdisengagebar 6. Electricmotorregulates by-pass
when using the optional
GOLDENRAINcomputer
6

WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS
Note: For unloading and assembly operations of the machine, use lift winches and equipment with
dimensions and capacities proportioned to the weight of the machine to be lifted. ( see tables )
7
DIMENSIONS(INCHES)
ABCD
MR 40 76 59 50 50
MR 43 76 59 50 50
WEIGHT (LBS)
DRY WITHWATER
MR40 538 783
MR43 559 806

TRANSPORTAND DELIVERY
Duetofreightheightandspacelimitations,someassemblymayberequiredwithyournewlypurchased
MicroRaintraveler. Be sure tofollowproperprocedureswhen unloading andassemblingthemachineto
avoidanydangerorinjury.
ATTENTION!!!
NEITHER MICRO RAIN NOR MICRO RAIN DEALERS ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR ANY INJURY OR MACHINE FAILURE DUE TO LACK OF PROPER
SAFETY PROCEDURES OR FAILURE TO READ AND FOLLOW
INSTRUCTIONS.
8
1) MicroRaintravelersareeither shipped onaspecialskid (partiallydisassembled)whichcan be un-
loadedwithaforklift,or theyareshippedinafullyassembledstate byblockingontheshippingfloor.
2) Theproper proceduretounload the skidshipmentiswith a forkliftorequivalent.
StandardpackagingandpalletshippingforMicroRaintravelers.

ASSEMBLY
ATTENTION!!!
NEITHER MICRO RAIN NOR MICRO RAIN DEALERS
ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY OR MACHINE
FAILURE DUE TO CARELESSNESS OR FAILURE TO
READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS!!!
1. Assemblethe GunCart (fig1 ).
a. Pushthe endof theP.E. hoseonto theguncart as indicated in fig 3. Applying heat to the
end of the P.E. hose will ease this process.
b. Tighten the clamp provided, with the bolts on top.
c. Mount the sprinkler gun onto the gun cart. Use teflon tape or a thread compound to
provide a proper seal.
d. Usingthe hand grip, pick upthe guncart andhook it ontomachine (fig 2).
FIG 1
FIG 2
9

CHECKING MACHINE
BEFORE START UP
( CHECK-LIST )
1. Check the oil levelof the gearbox and ifnecessary add SAE 80W/90. Keep oillevel atthe side
plugsin thegearbox inorder tobathe theshift forkin oil.
2. Greasethemachinethoroughly (all greasefittings)andthereafter,grease every 100hours.
(seefig 1). Payclose attentionto thetwo grease fittings on thedrum inlet. Onegrease fittingis located
on the bottom side andlubricates the drum inlet seals. Greasemust bespread on the drum gearteeth
and at the drive shaftwhere the drum gear anddrive gearmesh. The scroll bar must alsobe kept well
greased,andthe scrollknifemust belubricated(grease fitting) inorder to functioncorrectly.
3. Checkthetire pressureandif necessary, inflateto pressure recommendedon the tire(generally 35psi).
10
FIG 1
LUBRICANT TABLE
Gearbox SAE 80W/90
ReelSupports Grease NLGI No.2
GreaseFittings Grease NLGI No.2

STARTUPPROCEDURE
1. Towthe machineto the working site (off-roadonly). Maximumspeed is7 MPH. WARNING!!
Beforetowing machine, besure nooneis standingbehind or aroundthe machine,andthe guncart is
racked.
2. Facethe guncart side ofthe reeltowards thearea needing to be irrigated. Themachine direction
should be as straight as possible.
FIG 1
3. Setthe stabilizer ( fig 1 ).
4. Lowerthe gun cart.
5. Connectthe water supplyhose tothe water inletconnection onthemachine (fig 2 ).
NOTE: Before connecting the supply hose to themachine, flushout hoseor check to be sure
thereis no foreignmatterwhich will blocktheturbine.
.
FIG 2
6. Releasethe backstop(anti-reverse) lever. (fig3 ). Pullstraight backand downto release.
7. Important! Makesurethegearbox lever isinthedisengaged or idlepositionbeforeunwinding
tube ( fig 4 ).
FIG 3 FIG 4
11

FIG 5 FIG 6
8. Pullthe gun cartout straight (fig 5 ),and at aconsistent speed (about the paceof a walk), and
slow downwhen approaching the stop orend position.NOTE:Always leave atleast one wrap of
hose on the reel.
9. Pullupon shutoffvalvehandle toplaceintooperational position(openvalve). Thisprocedure must
becompletedwith the watersourceoff and thesprinkler pointed awayfromany individuals.(fig6)
10.Re-engage the anti-reversehandle (fig 3)and startwater flow. Turn speed controlvalve to thefast
setting (fullcounter-clockwise)(fig 7) andengage gearbox. Turnspeed controlinthe clockwise
direction to slow reel to the desired speed. If computer speed control system, see page 13for
specificinstructions on operation.
11. When you have pulled out the hose, makesurethatthewraps remainingonthereelaretightand
close together next to the edge of the drum. If necessary, roll the drum by hand to tighten
wraps,and pushthemin placebyhand. ( fig8). This adjustmentmust be done when machine is
not in operation.
IMPORTANT! Thefirsttime usingthe machine itis veryimportant to pullout allbut 1 or2
wraps of hose in orderto check the level windsetting, and remove any loose wrapsthat may
havebeen created inshipping. Iflevel windsettingneeds adjusting,contactyour MicroRain
dealer for instructions.
12
FIG 7 FIG 8

STANDARD HOSE REWIND
(Readyto rewind forirrigation)
1. Releasetheback stop (anti-reverse) ( fig 1) intothe operating positionbygently lifting handleuntilit
releasesfromthe locked position.
FIG 1 FIG 2
2. Turnthewater supply onandincrease themachinepressureuntil itreachesthe desired operating
pressure.
3. Engagethegearbox withthegearbox handle (fig2), toputthe reel intorewindmotion.
IMPORTANT!!!Never forcethislever intogear. Forcing intogearwill irrrevocablydamage the
gearboxand voidthe warranty. Lever should bepushed gentlyinto gear, allowing thegears to
mesh. Thisprocess isbestcompleted withwaterrunning throughtheturbine.
4. Adjusthose retractionspeed. On a manualspeedcontrolmachine, thisis completedby adjusting the
position of thebypass valve (fig3). Fullreel speedisachieved withthevalve turned fullcounter-
clockwise. Toslowthe retractionspeed, slowly turnthe bypassvalve clockwise untilthe desired
retractionspeed is obtained. Oncomputerspeedcontrolmachines,speed isadjusted by entering the
desired retraction rate(in ft/hour)on thecomputer key pad.(fig 4) The speed can beadjusted anytime
inoperation by usingthe +or - buttons on the keypad. See the Golden Rain manualfor specific
instructionsconcerningthe computer setting/operation.
13
FIG 3 FIG 4

QUICK HOSE REWIND
Thepurpose of thePTOshaft on thegearbox isto rewind thehose quicklyby using thetractor. Iffor any
reasonyouneed towindthe hoseupquickly then followthese steps.
1. WARNING! Make sure the handle on the gearbox is in the idle or disengaged position, otherwise
severedamage will occur to the gearbox. Disengage the anti-reverse lever.
2. Connect thetractor PTOdrive lineto the gearboxshaft on the Micro Rain. WARNING! Read
drive-line directionsfor properuse of the PTO drive-line. NeitherMicro Rainnor Micro Rain
dealers are responsiblefor improperuseof thedrive line whichcan resultin injury ordeath.
3. Slowlyactivate the tractorpower takeoff andthe reel willbegin towind up. Rollup hoseat the slowest
possible RPM.
IMPORTANT!! Donot engage PTO withhigh RPM. Thiscan damagethe drivegear.
IMPORTANT!! When using the PTO shaft, there is no automatic stop at the end of the run.
ThePTO must thereforebe stoppedbefore thehose is completelywound upto avoid damageto thegun
cartor theend of the hose. It is recommended thefinal wrapor twoto bewound upmanually.
IMPORTANT!! To avoid irregular rewinding of the hose when using a PTO, it may be neces-
saryto wind thehose up underwater pressuretoavoid excessiveovaling of thehose.
MAINTENANCE
1. Greaseall grease fittingsevery 100 hoursof operation.
2. Greaseall wheelhubs every100 hoursof operation.
3. Grease the drum gear at least twice per season.
4. Changethe gearboxoil everyseason.
5. Check tire pressure every 4-6 weeks.
WINTERIZING
1. Removeplug or open petcock placedunder theturbine ( fig 1 ).
2. Removedrain plug on bottom ofgun cart.
3. Ifthemachine is equippedwiththeblue diaphram valve(machinesprior to 2002model),the black filter
body (fig2), and blue valve mustbe drained (fig 3).
4. Ifthemachine hasaboost pump,thenthe pump voluteand plumbing mustbe drained.
5. Machinesequippedwith thecartshut-off valves(2002- present machines)must leave valvein the open
position to avoid freezedamage. Note: Open andclose valveseveral timesbefore leaving valve open.
14
FIG 1 FIG 2 FIG 3

CARE OF THE POLYETHYLENE TUBE
Thepolyethylenetube( P.E.Tube) is averydurableand will serveyourirrigation needs formanyyears
withpropercareand handling. Observe thesesimpleprecautionswhenusing your MicroRaintravelerto
preventdamaging or shortening thelifeofyourtube.
1. The first time you unwind the tube, pull off all but a couple of wraps. This will allow you to check
the level-wind position, and make sure there are no loose wraps left from shipping.
2. Alwaystransportyour machinewiththe anti-reverseleverengaged, and cartracked.
3. Do not attempt to operate the machine with loose or misplaced wraps of tube. Tighten the tube
on the drum before starting the machine. WARNING!! Starting the machine without tightening the
tube wraps will result in miswrapping and could permanently damage your tube.
4. Do not attempt to move or relocate the machine with tube unwound. All the tube must be wound
on the machine drum before moving.
5. While the tube is unwound make certain never to drive anything across the tube.
6. Be careful when operating other equipment near the unwound tube.
7. Never sharply bend or kink the tube. It will not flex back, and it will be permanently damaged.
15

REPAIR COUPLER FOR P.E. TUBE
Screw-inmenders are thebest way torepair damagedP. E.tube in thefield. These metalmenderswill
allowyouto repair damagedtubewithout replacing theentirelength of tube. Thesetubemenders can be
obtainedfromyourMicroRaindealer.
INSTALLATION
1. Cut the tube with a hack-saw on either side of the damaged area. Make sure your cuts are straight.
Place expansion collar over each end of tube ( fig 1 ).
FIG 1
2. Chamfer/bevel theinsideand outsideofthe tubewitha knifeorfile, sothatthe threadsofthe metal
menderwillenterthetube.
3. NOTE!! The threads on the metal mender are lefthand threads on one end and righthand threads
on the other. Screw the mender in one end about 2/3 of the way using a wrench. Then unscrew it.
Repeat the procedure on the other end. Remember one end is left-hand thread. Do not apply heat to
the tube during this procedure ( fig 2 ).
FIG 2
4. Complete the procedure by starting the threads in both ends at the same time, turning the mender
with a wrench. Screw the mender all the way into the tube until the two ends meet and are snug
(fig 3).
FIG 3
16

TROUBLESHOOTING
HOSE DOES NOT WIND UP
*The impeller oftheturbineis blocked byforeignmatter. Solution- Removethe turbine coverandclean
the housing.
* Thegun is partlyclogged and onlya small amountof Solution-Proceedto clean outgun nozzle.
water comes out.
* Theinjectionnozzleintheturbineisclogged. Solution-Disassemblethe hose at the turbine
entry and clean out.
* Thegunnozzle istoosmall, compared tothemachine . Solution-Replacewith a largergun nozzle ora
model. smallerinjectionnozzle.
* Notenough watervolume orpressure atthe machine Solution- Increasevolume and/orpressure.
inlet.
* Thegearbox has beendamaged. Solution- Repair the gearbox.
MACHINE WON’TSTAYANCHORED OR SLIDES
* Themachinelegsare improperly placed. Solution- Repositionleg to createmore friction.
* Thehose ison dampsoil orgrass whichproduces too Solution- Waituntil thesoil hasdried or pick up
much drag. hose and place blocks of wood under
in order to reduce friction.
RECOMMENDATIONS
* Whenmovingthemachine never exceedthemaximum speed of7MPH.
* Ifthe hose iswound upusing the PTO,be certainthe gearbox isin theidle ordisengagedposition, orthe
gearboxwill be seriouslydamaged.
* Atthebeginningof each season,completelyunwindthe hose, leavingonlytwowrapson the reel.
* ANYMODIFICATIONMADETOANYPARTOFTHE MACHINEWILLVOIDTHE
WARRANTY.
* Ifthe hose remainsunwound on theground for anextended period oftime ( severalhours ),itmay stick
tothe ground. Prior to starting themachine, take a rope anddrag underneath the tube fromone endto
theother,avoiding anydamagedue totoomuch friction.
* Ifthemachine is beingusedon several shortfields,the hosemaymiswrap,or notcontinueto roll up
correctly. If thishappens,unwindthe hose withonlytwowraps remaining onthedrum,allowingthe
machine torewind properly.
* THEMACHINE MUSTNOTBE OPERATEDWITHOUTTHE PROTECTIONGUARDS
* IMPORTANT!! Failure to observe these instructions, the use of non original spare parts, or
unauthorized changes to the machine will void the warranty.
17

WARNINGS AND RISKS
MICRO RAIN AND MICRO RAIN DEALERS ARE NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGE DONE
DUE TO FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFETY GUIDELINES
DespiteMicroRain’s attempttoa make asafeand secure machine,somerisksstill remainun
avoidablein the operation of the machine. Failure toheed thesewarningscan causeserious
injuryordeath.
Whenpullingoutthehose no one shouldbestandingonoraround the machineunlessauthorizedto
do so.
Nopart ofthe bodyshould ever be between the hose and the reelwhen themachine isin use.
Thisapplies especiallytounauthorizedpeople.
Whenthe machineis beingtransported ona grade of 6 degrees or greater,there isa riskof the
machineoverturning. Takeevery precautiontoavoidtransportingon steep grades.
Makesurethat in theraingun ( sprinklerhead) path ofirrigationthere are noelectricalwires
orpowerlines.
Tremendous water pressurecomes through thehoseto thegun. Avoidstanding byor near the
directionof thesprinklergun.
Neverremovethequickconnect couplings onthemachinewhilewaterpressure is beingsuppliedto
themachine.
Beverycarefulwhentransportingthemachine. Use safety measures whentowing. When
irrigatingbesuresprinklerheadisnotpointingtowardobjectsor individuals unaware of the
powerfuljet-stream.
18

USE OF THE SHUT-OFF VALVES
STANDARD CART SHUT-OFF VALVE
1. Thevalvehandlemustbe pulled upward andlockedintopositionfor irrigation. The handle shouldonly
be placedinto this open position (Fig 1)with thewater sourceoff and the sprinkler pointedaway from
allindividuals. Thevalve could still beunderpressurefroma previous irrigation run. Alwaysusecaution
when openingthe valve.
2. Whenthecart approaches themachine,the shut-off barwilltripthe shut-offvalveandthe water will
stopflowing. Thisstops themachine. Theshut-offvalve handle willnowbe in thedownposition(off
position). (Fig 2)
3. Priorto re-pullingthecart outfor thenextirrigation run,shiftthe gearboxback intoneutral.
Thegearboxwill be seriouslydamagedifthe hose isunwoundwith the gearboxstillengaged.
FIG 1 FIG 2
OPTIONAL DIAPHRAM VALVE SHUT-OFF
19
1. Thediaphramvalve(Fig3)is actuated bytherollerswitch/bulletmechanism(Fig4). For irrigation
operation, the bulletmustbe completelyoffof the rollerswitch(3-way valve).
2. Whenthecartactuatestheshut-offbar,the bullet ismoved overtherollerswitch. The plunger inthe valve
is presseddown bythe bullet,and the valve will close and stopthe waterflow. Make any position
adjustments to thebullet byloosening the setscrew andslidingalong thebar.
3. Allpointsbehindthediaphram valve willstillbeunderpressure. Therefore,itis recommended thatthe
pressure berelieved priorto disconnectingany hoses.
FIG 3 FIG 4