TUTORIAL NO – 02 : LINEAR OR LATERAL MOVE SYSTEMS

Linear or lateral move systems are similar to centre pivot systems, except that the towers move
in a continuous straight path across a rectangular field . The system moves (back and forth) in
one straight line to cover either a square, a long rectangular or L shaped fields . Linear systems
become economical when the field length is 1.5 to 3 times the width. Water is fed into one end of
the linear move system by either hydrants or directly from a canal with a pump on the end of the
line. Generally they have their own power source (i.e. motorized pump) mounted at the main
drive tower. They can be towable too similar to the centre pivots. Wheels can be rotated by 90º
for moving the machine from one field to another. Sandy soils are suited for these systems.
Water Source can be a river, a channel, a hydrant or a bore hole.

Flexi Hose Type:

The flexi hose type needs a relatively flat, uniform, dry road for the hose pull cart for proper
guidance and traction. Hose sizes are between 75 -150 mm and the lengths are between 100-260
m. The flows are ranging from 70 - 260 m3/h.
The Ditch/Channel Type:
The ditch/channel type can use an earth or concrete ditch or channel. The earth ditch should
have a top width minimum 3.30 m, batter angle 450 and the minimum base with of 0.90 m. Depth
should be a minimum 1.20 m. The concrete ditch should have a top width minimum 2.20 m,
batter angle 450 and the minimum base with of 0.30 m. Depth should be a minimum 0.75-0.90 m.

Water supply system -Where the water supply is limited (for small areas) the hose fed system
is more adequate and where larger quantities of water are available the ditch/channel fed linear
systems are more adaptable.

System Components:

1. Power Source - A power package (engine, pump and generator) is located on the linear
system to drive the system and pressurise the water if needed.

2. Filtration Method - Based on the quality of the water, a large area intake screen filter or
media filtration is required

3. Topography - Linear systems are designed to operate on fields with general level
characteristics or very gradual slope. Maximum slope around 5%.

4. Crops- Crops are adaptable to most of the field crops ( wheat, barley, corn, cotton, oats,
soybeans, sugar cane, etc) and vegetables (asparagus, beans, broccoli, carrots, onions,
potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, etc) regardless of the height of the crop.
Advantages:

 The continuous movement of the system reduces the labour requirement and increases
the number of hectares that can be covered at a given pumping rate
 Efficient application of water 90-95%.
 Increase yield and quality.
 Double cropping is possible.
 Reduces water logging, because of the wide selection of nozzle types, the system can be
matched to the soil's infiltration rate.
 Low pumping energy requirement.
 Relatively low capital cost per hectare.
 Irrigate the entire field including the corners

Disadvantages:
 More difficult to operate as centre pivots

 Capital cost of the machine is higher than of the because a drive cart is required with
an on-board generator, engine or pump, but the overall $/ha -after installation- cost
can be less.

 Deeper ruts can be created when the wheels travel over wetted, fine textured soil.
 Suitable for row planting or broad acre.

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