This year’s irrigation season is ending for many farmers across the western hemisphere. Several are already out in their combines, and reaping the fruits of their labor.

Many people don't consider center pivot irrigation because of the size or shape of their field. Some farmers may not realize that small, irregularly shaped fields can also benefit from an irrigation system. Linear irrigation, although less common than center pivot irrigation, can be a solution for these types of fields. 

Center pivots have evolved into complex machines that do more than just move in a circle and pump water onto the ground. But even with all the complexities, a modern-day pivot can be broken down into a handful of main components that make up the core framework. These major components include the pivot point, control panel, spans, drive units, and tower boxes.

Start With The Basics

Center pivot machines have been used in irrigation for decades. Center pivots, one of several types of mechanized irrigation machines, can lead to increased yields and less water wasted compared to other irrigation practices such as flood irrigation. But how exactly does a center pivot work? Let’s first discuss some components that will help explain the concept.

Deep wheel tracks can be a headache in the field. They lead to low crop clearance and can cause your center pivot or linear to get stuck mid-rotation. A common misconception is that a longer or heavier span automatically means deeper wheel tracks. This is simply not true.

When you think about what part of your center pivot endures the most wear and tear, the drive train is one of the first things that come to mind. The center drive and gearboxes bear long load hours and rough terrain day in and day out during the irrigation season. The secret to maintaining your machine and extending its life is to make sure these key components are of the highest quality.