Don't be Stopped Cold

The cold northern blasts that periodically sweep through our region take a big toll on your irrigation system. Pipes burst. Pump housings and gear boxes crack. The costs add up.

When you hear the weatherman say that temperatures will only go down to 33°, you might feel your system will be safe, but factor in dew point or wind chill and the actual temperature may go lower than predicted. Your irrigation system is at risk.

Protecting Your Pump

Most freeze-related pump damage occurs in the outer casing. As you know, as water cools it expands; when temperatures rise, it contracts. That's the problem. As the mercury falls, water left in the pump causes undue stress on the casing. Even a little crack requires complete replacement. If you haven't yet, get out there and drain all the water from the pump. Don't forget the filter, either.

For your convenience and your protection, Rainbow has created a winterization checklist; click here to download it.
It's a PDF, size 40k; Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Happy Holidays from Rainbow Ag!

Jim Mayfield Reports: SAME Italy It's a hard job, but someone has to do it. Actually, my recent whirlwind tour of the SAME factory in Treviglio, Italy, was quite an eye-opener and a buon viaggio (or "very good trip," for you folks who don't yet know how to have fun in Italian)! I went at SAME's invitation, and Bob Mitrovich came with me. To my great surprise, I found out that Rainbow is the fourth largest SAME dealer in the US. This fact was honored with a handsome plaque, which I now have displayed on my office wall. SAME Deutz-Fahr is a $800-million+ company, and it's still family owned and operated. SAME is the dominant tractor manufacturer in Italy, and Rainbow has been selling their crawler tractors on the North Coast for over two years. Their products demonstrate excellent field performance, and we're proud to feature them. Bob and I were treated to a tour of the SAME factory, which was followed by a wonderful dinner with the company's owner, Vittorio Carozza, and his two sons. One of the boys, Aldo Carozza, recently moved to the US to help expand SAME's US market. We found a lot to talk about, tractors and otherwise. The next day, Bob and I were off for a private tour of the ancient city of Bergamo. First established as a trading center as early as 196 BC, it is filled with historic buildings. Part of this excursion included a tour of a local vineyard and winery. It was very much like a small winery you would see in the North Coast. We felt right at home there, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Afterwards, we headed for Bologna, where we attended an ag equipment show. The EIMA Farm Show is the largest farm equipment show in Europe; it took up over 100 acres of enclosed buildings! All the equipment was grouped, so tractors were in one building, sprayers in another and so on. We got to visit with some manufacturers that we currently do business with along with some that we would like to do business with. In the next few months, I believe Rainbow is going to secure some specialty vineyard implement lines to help your operations become more productive and cost-effective. This trip to Italy expanded our horizons, and affected our product outlook for the year ahead. The next best thing? Eating, eating and more eating! The Italians are fabulous cooks, and we came home with our pants just a little bit tighter. Learn more about SAME on their website. If you have questions, have an idea for a news bulletin topic that would interest you, or if you just want to forward a comment to me, please do so at mayfield@rainbowag.com. Ciao bella, until next time. Jim Mayfield President Rainbow Ag

It's Time to Clean Up! John Deere Cold Water Pressure Washer: Just $599 Specifications, Model AC2000G: • Honda OHV engine, 5hp • 2000 psi • 2.7 GPM • Piston Pump • Detergent injector • 25 ft. hose, with quick connect • Pneumatic wheels • One-year warranty Rainbow features over 13 gas and electric pressure-wash models to fit every vineyard need. Just call one of our sales reps, or your Rainbow nearest location.

Did you know... That when disk blades show 25% wear they should be replaced? With any more than 25% wear, tillage effectiveness is seriously reduced because blade concavity is altered. Also, the other gang components are put under excessive stress, leading to increases in your repair costs. Rainbow is offering SPECIAL PRE-SEASON PRICING ON DISK BLADES Mention that you saw this feature in this newsletter to receive this special pricing offer. In Ukiah, contact Warren Henry at (707) 462-2404, or e-mail him at parts@rainbowag.com. In Calistoga, call Lynn Schuler at (707) 942-4566.

At Rainbow Agricultural Services, our primary interest is providing great service to our customers. If you have questions or comments, or if there is any way we can serve you better, please e-mail us at:
facts@rainbowag.com

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RAINBOW AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

UKIAH: 235 E Perkins St., 95482, Ph. (707) 462-2404, Fax 707-462-3627
CALISTOGA: 810 Foothill Blvd., 94515, Ph. (707) 942-4566, Fax 707-942-9668
NOVATO: 7546 Redwood Blvd., 94945, Ph. (415) 892-1030, Fax 415-893-1481
LAKEPORT: 1975 Argonaut Rd., 95453, Ph. (707) 279-0550, Fax 707-279-0594

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