Which irrigator is right for my property?

The right irrigator depends on your field size, water source, and soil type. For small paddocks up to 2 hectares, the Irrigator Junior is ideal. Medium-sized fields (2-5 hectares) suit the Irrigator Standard. For larger areas up to 10 hectares, consider the VCI, and for properties over 10 hectares, the Quad is your best choice. Use our Irrigator Calculator on the home page for a personalized recommendation.

What pump size do I need?

Pump size depends on your irrigator model and water source. Generally, the Junior requires 2-3 HP, Standard needs 4-5 HP, VCI requires 5-7 HP, and the Quad needs 7-10 HP. Bore water typically requires a larger pump than dam or mains supply due to lift requirements.

How do I set up my new irrigator?

Each irrigator comes with detailed setup instructions. The basic steps are: 1) Connect your hose to the water source, 2) Lay out the hose in the direction you want the irrigator to travel, 3) Connect the irrigator to the hose, 4) Adjust the spray pattern and speed, 5) Turn on the water supply. We also have setup videos available on our Media page.

How much water do Vaughan irrigators use?

Vaughan irrigators use approximately 70% less water than traditional flood irrigation. Actual usage varies based on your settings, soil type, and crop requirements. A typical setup uses 15-40 litres per minute depending on the model and coverage area.

What water pressure do I need?

Most Vaughan irrigators operate optimally at 200-300 kPa (30-45 PSI). The minimum pressure required is around 150 kPa. If you're using bore water, ensure your pump can deliver adequate pressure at the irrigator, accounting for friction loss through hoses.

Can I use bore water with my irrigator?

Yes, bore water works well with all Vaughan irrigators. However, you may need a slightly larger pump to account for the lift required. If your bore water has high mineral content, regular cleaning of the nozzles will help maintain optimal performance.

How do I layout my hose & where should my hydrant point be?

Hose - When choosing a hose for your Vaughan lrrigator, we recommend and supply heavy duty, abrasion resistant ribbed layflat irrigator hose. Lay flat is recommended over poly pipe as poly easily kinks. If this happens, the kinked pipe will need to be cut and rejoined. When towing your layflat, use a skid to prevent tangles. 

Hydrant - The ideal location for the supply hydrant is in the middle of the irrigator run – see drawing.