Lateral Move Systems
The design of Zimmatic's® lateral move systems allow farmers to irrigate up to 98 percent of a square or rectangular fields, as well as handle "L-shaped" fields. With a choice of water supply and guidance systems, each lateral move system can be customized to individual needs and situations.

Water Supply Options
Zimmatic water supply methods for its lateral move systems include: Hose-Fed, ditch-fed and enclosed-pipeline.

Hose-Fed Laterals
These systems are designed to irrigate fields from 80 to 320 acres in size and have two power source options: an onboard diesel engine generator set or electricity supplied by a long, heavy-duty cable. Optional pivoting end towers allow hose-fed laterals to pivot 90 degrees without water in order to irrigate an L-shaped field or pivot 180 degrees to irrigate an adjacent field. A towable option allows farmers to quickly move laterals to nearby fields. This versatility can help significantly reduce per-acre equipment costs.

Depending on flow requirements, water is supplied from a pressurized mainline through either four-, six- or eight-inch hoses. The length of the hose depends on the gallonage and field conditions.

Growers also may choose from two- or four-wheel end tower carts. The two-wheel systems are designed for fields up to 1,300 feet wide and can pull up to 400 feet of six-inch hard hose. The four-wheel systems can irrigate fields up to 2,600 feet wide and pull up to 720 feet of six-inch hard or 400 feet of eight-inch hard hose.

Ditch-Fed Systems
These laterals are easily adapted to existing flood irrigation sites and can be used on fields from 80 to 400 acres in size
Existing ditches are often used when water is supplied from the edge of the field. However, producers can use a variety of ditch types including level concrete, plastic-lined or earthen and sloped concrete. Depending on the ditch type, water is drawn into the system through a choice of self-cleaning floating or rolling inlets. The power to pump the water and generate electricity is supplied by an onboard diesel engine generator set or via an electric cable connected to the power outlet boxes along the line of travel.

Enclosed Pipeline Systems
These automated water delivery systems provide a solution for problem acres where rolling terrain makes ditch-fed systems impractical. Pioneered by Zimmatic, the enclosed pipeline lateral supplies water through microprocessor-controlled tractor units which automatically couple and uncouple to risers located every 60 feet along a buried mainline. This system eliminates ditch construction and maintenance costs and permits using the least-cost energy source for pumping.

Guidance Systems
Three proven methods provide accurate guidance for Zimmatic lateral move systems: above-ground steel cable, furrow or radio-controlled from a buried cable.