Travelling Irrigation Systems use a hose reel that pulls a sprinkler gun or boom cart slowly across a field, then moves to the next run. Send one request and independent irrigation contractors that may cover your area reply with machine options and prices.
Send your field sizes, water source and available pressure to get traveller quotes.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Travelling Irrigation Systems Include
- Hose reel machine. A drum of polyethylene hose on a wheeled chassis, driven by a water turbine or engine.
- Gun or boom cart. A big gun sprinkler or a boom with nozzles mounted on a cart at the end of the hose.
- Speed control. A computer or mechanical governor that sets travel speed and so the depth applied.
- Supply line and hydrants. A buried or surface mainline with hydrant points at each run.
- Pump. Enough pressure to drive the turbine and the gun, which is higher than most other systems.
Who It Suits
Farms with odd-shaped or scattered fields, pasture, fodder and sugarcane, and operations spreading dairy or abattoir effluent. One machine can serve several fields, so it suits farmers who want overhead irrigation without fixed equipment in every land.
System Options
- Big gun. Covers a wide strip with a large nozzle. High pressure and sensitive to wind.
- Boom cart. Lower pressure, gentler droplets and more even cover. Better for windy sites and delicate crops.
- Hose length and diameter. Longer runs mean fewer moves, but more friction loss and a larger pump.
- Turbine or engine drive. Turbine drive uses water pressure. Engine drive suits low-pressure or effluent supplies.
Compare the energy cost of the higher pressure and the labour of moving the machine with fixed alternatives such as dragline or permanent sprinklers.
How the Job Runs
- Site visit. The contractor checks field shapes, run lengths, water source and pump capacity.
- Machine selection. Hose size, length, gun or boom and drive type are matched to your fields.
- Supply works. Mainline and hydrants are laid out, and the pump upgraded if needed.
- Delivery and setup. The machine is delivered, speed control set and a test run done.
- Training. Staff learn how to move, set and pull out the machine safely.
Travelling Irrigation Systems Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Hose-reel traveller machine | R180,000 - R650,000 |
| Dragline sprinkler, infield, per ha (for comparison) | R14,000 - R25,000 |
| Sprinkler-type annual electricity, per ha (older tariffs) | ~R7,200 |
| Installed pump station with switchgear | R40,000 - R250,000+ |
| Labour, per hour | R450 - R850 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures, rounded, excluding VAT unless stated. They are compiled from published South African cost estimates and typical supplier and contractor rates. They are not our prices or quotations, and no contractor is bound by them. Unless a row says otherwise they exclude the water source, power supply and earthworks, so confirm exactly what each quotation includes.
Sources:
- SASRI - irrigation cost estimates
- Typical South African supplier and contractor rates
Get prices for your farm rather than a range. Send one request and compare replies.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Affects the Price
- Machine size. Hose diameter and length drive most of the cost.
- Gun vs boom. A boom cart adds cost but can lower pressure needs.
- Controls. Electronic speed control and shut-off at the end of the run add cost.
- Supply line. The number of hydrants and length of mainline across the farm.
- Pump upgrades. Travellers often need more pressure than the existing pump gives.
Maintenance
Check the hose for cuts and kinks each move, clean the turbine and filters, and keep the gun nozzle and bearings in good order. Flush thoroughly after effluent use. Before storage, drain the hose and grease the chassis, drum bearings and gearbox.
Travelling Irrigation Systems FAQs
Can a traveller spread effluent?
Yes, many are used for dairy and other effluent. Ask for a machine and nozzle suited to solids, and check local rules on effluent irrigation.
How many fields can one machine serve?
That depends on run lengths, hours available and how much water each field needs. A contractor can work out a rotation for your farm.
Why do travellers need high pressure?
Pressure drives the turbine, overcomes friction in a long hose and throws the gun. A boom cart can reduce the pressure required.
Is wind a problem?
Big guns are affected by wind, which spoils the pattern. Boom carts or irrigating in calmer hours help.
Related Services
Request traveller quotes through Agricultural Irrigation South Africa and compare the hose size, gun or boom option and speed control each contractor offers.
Agricultural Irrigation South Africa is a quote-comparison service. We do not design, supply, install or repair irrigation systems, and we do not employ contractors. Work is quoted and carried out by independent irrigation businesses, and your contract is with the business you choose. Ask each one for a written quotation that names the equipment, design flows and pressures, preparation, timing and any warranty terms before you pay a deposit.
Travelling Irrigation Systems. Describe your irrigation job once and compare replies from independent contractors.
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