Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a ground-based platform. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes a span of overhead irrigation equipment. The irrigation system also includes a ground-based platform for coupling with the span of overhead irrigation equipment. The ground-based platform includes a drive for moving the ground-based platform. The irrigation system also includes a linkage for coupling the span of overhead irrigation equipment with the ground-based platform. The linkage is communicatively coupled with the drive of the ground-based platform for communicating information regarding a change in at least one of a position, a direction, or a speed of the span of overhead irrigation equipment with respect to the ground-based platform. The drive of the ground-based platform is configured to use the information received from the linkage to coordinate movement of the ground-based platform with movement of the span of overhead irrigation equipment.

Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a ground-based platform. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes a span of overhead irrigation equipment. The irrigation system also includes a ground-based platform for coupling with the span of overhead irrigation equipment. The ground-based platform includes a drive for moving the ground-based platform. The irrigation system also includes a linkage for coupling the span of overhead irrigation equipment with the ground-based platform. The linkage is communicatively coupled with the drive of the ground-based platform for communicating information regarding a change in at least one of a position, a direction, or a speed of the span of overhead irrigation equipment with respect to the ground-based platform. The drive of the ground-based platform is configured to use the information received from the linkage to coordinate movement of the ground-based platform with movement of the span of overhead irrigation equipment.

Abstract: A coupler is provided for an irrigation system wherein the coupler is mounted in the bottom of the water supply pipe rather than at the top of the water supply pipe with the upper end of the coupler projecting sufficiently upwardly within the water supply pipe to prevent debris from entering the interior thereof. A modified form of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bulkhead fitting which may be used on either six inch or eight inch diameter irrigation pipes through the use of an interchangeable base ring. The fitting includes a stem fitting having an interchangeable base ring mounted thereon which is extended upwardly through an outlet opening in an irrigation pipe. An upper washer is mounted on the stem portion of the stem fitting and is maintained thereon through the use of a nut which is threadably mounted on the upper end of the stem fitting. A locking mechanism is provided which prevents the inadvertent loosening of the nut with respect to the stem fitting.

Abstract: A swivel inlet hose-drag irrigation machine is disclosed which utilizes an inlet elbow mounted in a swivel bearing on the cart to attach a water supply hose to the machine. The inlet elbow is mounted to the side of the four-wheel linear cart rather than behind the cart between the tires. The inlet elbow is free to rotate in a 180° arc so that the hose can be attached from either end of the cart at the side thereof. The machine also includes a pair of vertically disposed and rotatable rollers which are mounted at the opposite ends of the cart to push the drag hose out of the way of the tires of the cart so that the tires of the cart do not roll over the drag hose thereby eliminating any manual handling of the drag hose.

Abstract: A bulkhead fitting which may be used on either six inch or eight inch diameter irrigation pipes through the use of an interchangeable base ring. The fitting includes a stem fitting having an interchangeable base ring mounted thereon which is extended upwardly through an outlet opening in an irrigation pipe. An upper washer is mounted on the stem portion of the stem fitting and is maintained thereon through the use of a nut which is threadably mounted on the upper end of the stem fitting. A locking mechanism is provided which prevents the inadvertent loosening of the nut with respect to the stem fitting.

Abstract: A drive unit for a center pivot irrigation system is described which has a pair of track units mounted thereon. The drive tower includes an elongated base beam having opposite ends. A drive wheel is mounted on each end of the base beam with the drive wheels being driven in conventional fashion. An idler wheel is operatively rotatably mounted on the base beam inwardly of each end thereof adjacent the respective drive wheels. An endless track member extends around each of the drive wheels and the idler wheel associated therewith. Means is provided for vertical movement of the idler wheels as well as means for yieldably urging the idler wheels downwardly with respect to the base beam.

Abstract: A coupler for an irrigation system for delivering liquid to the irrigation system from a pressurized pipe line extending along the field to be irrigated. The coupler connects and disconnects to risers or connectors spaced along the pipe line for operating valves associated with the risers for delivering liquid from first one riser and then another for irrigating the field.