The Revolutionary Center Pivot
Frank ZybachCourtesy of Nebraska State Archives
Frank Zybach invented what would become the first center pivot in 1948. He got the idea after seeing a poorly done irrigation demonstration in 1947. On the way home he remarked to his friends, "There has to be a better way to irrigate." Zybach started on the first 'self-propelled sprinkler apparatus' system later that year. His original pivot swung around on a set point, sprinkling water over the crops. It was also only about four feet tall and got stuck easily. He said the hardest part about making it was keeping the towers aligned.
The Patent
Courtesy of Valmont Industries
Zybach was issued a patent for his invention in 1952. He and his partner, A.E. Trowbridge, attempted to sell the systems in the local area for two years. Farmers were skeptical and would not buy them. Little did Zybach and Trowbridge know, an investor was looking for a new invention that would make money for his company.
Valley ManufacturingCourtesy of Valmont Industries
Robert Daugherty heard about Zybach’s invention and was immediately interested. Daugherty’s company, Valley, offered to buy Zybach’s patent rights in exchange for five percent royalties from each system sold. Zybach agreed. Valley modified the system’s height and flexibility. This made it much more efficient. The revolutionary center pivot was born. Valley soon became the leader in sales of the center pivot.
The Patent ExpiresCourtesy of Lindsay Manufacturing
When the patent expired in 1969 other companies began selling pivots. "Every welding shop in Nebraska was making pivots," said T-L Irrigation Company President, Leroy Thom. Not all were successful. Today there are five main companies: Valmont Industries, Lindsay Manufacturing, Reinke Manufacturing, T-L Irrigation Company, and Pierce Corporation. There are also many smaller companies that sell pivots.
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"Without a doubt the...greatest advancement in agriculture since the McCormick reaper."
Irrigation Association "When Frank Zybach invented the center pivot irrigation system...he replaced a thousands-year-old method
of watering crops with what some call the most important agricultural innovation since the tractor." Omaha World Herald July 26,1979 |