When a cucumber grower in Geraldton, Western Australia, set out to improve their irrigation system, they faced a major hurdle: their farm’s existing infrastructure only supported single-phase power. Supplying enough water to multiple hot houses required a high-capacity pump capable of delivering 800L/min at 300 kPa, but standard electric pumps with that level of performance typically require three-phase power. Upgrading the farm’s electrical system would have been an expensive and time-consuming undertaking.

At the same time, the farm’s irrigation equipment needed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Mid-West WA climate, where heat, wind, and dust can put extra strain on outdoor machinery.

Finding a practical pumping solution

To meet the grower’s needs without major infrastructure costs, Great Northern Rural Services (GNRS), a Geraldton-based rural water specialist, collaborated with Davey Water Products to explore alternative solutions. Instead of installing an electric pump, they recommended the petrol-powered Davey 5113HE FireFighter pump, a 13HP single impeller model capable of achieving the required flow and pressure.

By using a petrol-driven system, Aidan Gregan, Territory Manager for Davey Water Products, explained that the grower could achieve reliable irrigation without modifying their electrical infrastructure. He said that no adaptations were necessary, apart from sufficiently sized pipework in/out of the pump, which is started and stopped manually.

The pump’s design also provided the durability needed for the demanding local climate. “With the installation being new, the lack of existing infrastructure meant that the output of this pump vs investment required to set up, was favourable,” Gregan said.

Installation and system performance

Since installation, the new pump has consistently met the grower’s irrigation requirements, ensuring a steady water supply to the hot houses without performance issues. The ability to bypass the need for three-phase power has not only saved the grower a significant upfront investment; it also provided flexibility for future expansion.

The pump has the ability to be mobile, and run various applications, making it versatile for use on this property. The impact on water efficiency and crop health he said is the ability to run a large amount of irrigation with one asset, and vary the output based on requirement at any given time. Currently, the pump is fed by water tanks, drawing a mix of mains and dam water. Future plans aim to capture rainwater, and for this to become the dominant water source.

Regarding maintenance, Gregan said that the pump will align with existing schedules for checking other small engines on the property.

Lessons for Other Projects

This case highlights the importance of practical irrigation solutions for growers facing budget and infrastructure challenges. It also highlights the value of collaborating with local specialists who have a deep understanding of both regional conditions and the technical aspects of water management.

Power infrastructure limits many operations, especially those lacking provisions for three-phase power, said Gregan. “Single-phase even has limitations for pump sizing, as factors like amp draw need to be considered. Larger operations may have three-phase power, but growing operations may not be in a position to invest in such infrastructure, while expanding. These types of solutions can be crucial for developing operations.”

When comparing electric vs. petrol-powered irrigation pumps, Gregan noted that both petrol and diesel-powered pumps offered versatility, mobility, and strong performance. “Even if temporary, they can be crucial backups during power outages or for fire mitigation in the event of a fire,” he explained. “The Davey Remote Start FireFighter, for example, can accommodate run signals and timer programs, increasing versatility and reducing manual interaction.”

Electric pumps, Gregan added, can be adapted to run automatically and integrated into many control systems, making them a ‘set and forget’ option.

Gregan emphasised that offering more power options provides the flexibility to select the best pump for each job, with sizes tailored to the application. He also pointed out that pump monitoring and control systems can be integrated into electric pumps for enhanced functionality.