Casella Exp M Engine-Hydraulic Drive Hard Hose Irrigators

Overview

The Casella Exp M is an engine-hydraulic drive hard hose reel irrigator manufactured in Italy, designed to deliver reliable and energy-efficient irrigation across large-scale agricultural operations. This hard hose reel system utilises a monocylinder engine to power the hydraulic rewinding mechanism, offering independent operation without reliance on external power sources or tractor PTO connections. The Exp M accommodates multiple hose configurations including 90 mm diameter hose up to 500 metres (1,640 feet), 100 mm diameter hose up to 500 metres (1,640 feet), and 110 mm diameter hose up to 400 metres (1,312 feet), providing flexible coverage options for diverse field sizes and crop types.

What distinguishes the Exp M within the engine-hydraulic drive hard hose irrigators category is its innovative double chassis design with upper frame rotation, enabling superior manoeuvrability and precise positioning in the field without requiring the entire machine to be relocated. The monocylinder engine delivers exceptional energy savings compared to conventional electric or PTO-driven systems whilst maintaining consistent rewinding torque throughout the entire hose length. The hydraulic lifting system for the three-wheel galvanised trolley and hydraulic back anchors ensure effortless setup and repositioning, whilst the integrated computer control system allows operators to precisely manage rewinding speed for optimal water application uniformity across the irrigated area.

Key Features & Benefits

• Monocylinder Engine-Powered Rewinding: Delivers significant energy savings compared to electric or PTO-driven alternatives whilst providing autonomous operation in remote locations without access to electrical infrastructure or constant tractor availability.
• Double Chassis with Rotating Upper Frame: Enables 360-degree rotation of the upper platform independently from the lower chassis, allowing precise hose deployment angles and field positioning without relocating the entire irrigator base, reducing setup time and improving operational efficiency.
• Galvanised Three-Wheel Trolley: Provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance in harsh agricultural environments, with choice of rubber or iron wheels to suit different terrain conditions and operational preferences, ensuring extended service life with minimal maintenance requirements.
• Hydraulic Trolley Lifting System: Eliminates manual effort required for trolley positioning and height adjustment, enabling single-operator setup and reducing physical strain whilst ensuring consistent raingun elevation for optimal spray pattern distribution.
• Hydraulic Back Anchors/Brackets: Delivers secure machine stabilisation during operation through hydraulically-actuated anchoring system, preventing unwanted movement during rewinding whilst allowing rapid repositioning between irrigation cycles without manual anchor adjustment.
• Integrated Rewinding Speed Computer: Provides precise electronic control over hose retrieval velocity, enabling operators to match rewinding speed to irrigation requirements for consistent water application rates and preventing over-watering or under-watering conditions across the field length.
• Variable Hose Capacity Options: Accommodates three distinct hose configurations (90/500, 100/500, 110/400) allowing operators to select optimal diameter and length combinations based on field dimensions, flow requirements, and pressure characteristics for maximum irrigation efficiency.
• 4-Metre High-Pressure Connection Pipe: Factory-supplied connection hose provides immediate operational capability upon delivery, ensuring secure high-pressure water supply connection between mainline source and reel inlet without requiring additional components or field modifications.
• Heavy-Duty 10.0/80-12 Tyres: Engineered agricultural-specification tyres deliver superior traction and weight distribution across varied terrain conditions including wet soils, preventing ground compaction damage whilst enabling safe relocation between field positions even under full water load.

Technical Specifications

Hydraulic System & Operation

The Exp M employs an advanced engine-hydraulic drive system where a fuel-efficient monocylinder engine powers a precision hydraulic pump that generates consistent fluid pressure throughout the rewinding cycle. This hydraulic pressure drives the reel drum rotation mechanism, delivering uniform torque regardless of hose length remaining on the drum or external load variations. Unlike electric motor systems that require constant power supply infrastructure or PTO-driven units that necessitate continuous tractor engagement, the engine-hydraulic configuration provides complete operational independence with significantly reduced energy consumption. The hydraulic system's inherent torque characteristics ensure smooth, controlled rewinding without jerking or speed fluctuations that could damage hose connections or compromise water application uniformity.

The double chassis design with hydraulic upper frame rotation delivers exceptional operational advantages by allowing the operator to adjust hose deployment angle through a full 360-degree arc without relocating the machine base, dramatically reducing field preparation time and enabling precise irrigation line positioning around obstacles or field boundaries. The hydraulic trolley lifting system and hydraulic back anchors further enhance ease of use by eliminating manual handling requirements during setup and teardown operations. Maintenance demands remain minimal due to the robust simplicity of hydraulic components compared to complex electrical systems, whilst fuel consumption remains economical throughout extended irrigation seasons. Operational noise levels stay considerably lower than comparable PTO-driven units, making the Exp M particularly suitable for operations near residential areas or noise-sensitive environments where early morning or late evening irrigation scheduling is required.

Ideal Applications

• Large-Scale Row Crop Production: The energy-efficient engine-hydraulic system delivers economical operation across extended irrigation runs in corn, soybean, cotton, and vegetable production where consistent water application over 400-500 metre (1,312-1,640 foot) field lengths maximises crop uniformity and yield potential.
• Remote Agricultural Operations: Complete operational independence from electrical grid infrastructure makes the Exp M ideal for farms and ranches in isolated locations where reliable irrigation must continue regardless of power availability, with the monocylinder engine providing dependable performance using readily-available fuel sources.
• Orchards and Permanent Crop Systems: The hydraulic upper frame rotation and precise positioning capabilities enable accurate irrigation line placement between tree rows and around permanent infrastructure, whilst the computer-controlled rewinding speed ensures consistent water delivery to high-value permanent crops requiring precise moisture management.
• Pasture and Forage Irrigation: Robust galvanised construction and heavy-duty tyre specification withstand the demanding conditions of continuous seasonal grazing land irrigation, whilst the energy-efficient hydraulic system minimises operational costs across the extended irrigation periods required for quality pasture and hay production.
• Sports Turf and Recreational Facilities: Low operational noise levels combined with precise speed control make the Exp M suitable for golf courses, sports fields, and municipal facilities where irrigation must often occur during restricted hours without disturbing nearby residents or facility users.
• Contract Irrigation Services: The multiple hose configuration options (90/500, 100/500, 110/400) and rapid repositioning capabilities through hydraulic rotation and lifting systems enable professional irrigation contractors to efficiently service diverse client properties with varying field dimensions and flow requirements using a single versatile machine.
• Organic and Sustainable Farming Operations: The energy-saving monocylinder engine design aligns with sustainability objectives by minimising fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to conventional drive systems, whilst the durable galvanised construction ensures extended service life that reduces equipment replacement frequency and associated environmental impacts.

Standard Equipment

• Pipe rewinding with monocylinder engine (energy saving)
• Double chassis and rotation of the upper frame
• Galvanized Trolley 3 wheels (rubber or iron)
• Sprinkler with nozzles of different diameters
• Hydraulic lifting of the trolley
• Hydraulic back anchors/brackets
• Computer to control the rewinding speed
• 4 meter high-pressure pipe for connection
• Tyres 10.0/80-12