How the Center Pivot Works
The center pivot works by pivoting around a fixed point in the middle of a field connected to a well. Water flows through a pipeline suspended between towers with sprinklers built into it. The center pivot leaves a circle where it has watered and these signs can be seen all over the world.
Courtesy of Valmont Industries
In 1974 Valmont invented a system that would fold out to water corners of fields that are otherwise unirrigated, as shown below.
Courtesy of Valmont Industries
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The center pivot's towers are kept inline by a series of switches as shown below.
Courtesy of the History Channel, Modern Marvels