Disadvantages Difficult to transport from field to field, but not impossible if fields are adjacent and without obstructions between them. Difficult to irrigate in field segmented by mature shelterbelts Designed to irrigate in a circle and not suitable for irrigating odd shaped fields. Corners of the fields are not irrigated. This self-propelled system irrigates rectangular or square areas. The appearance of the linear is similar to a centre pivot, however, instead of pivoting around a central point, it moves in a straight line down the length of the field.
Water is supplied through a flexible hose from a mainline at the end of the system.
The operator will then disconnect, move and reconnect the flexible hose to a new hydrant. Advantages Continuous movement of the system reduces the labour requirements of irrigation and increases the number of acres that can be covered at a given pumping rate. The labour requirement is low compared with the side-roll and traveling gun systems, but it is higher than the centre pivot. A wide selection of nozzle types ranging from low pressure 15 psi to a high pressure 70 psi are available, so the system can be tailored to the infiltration rate of the soil. Pumping energy requirements are low, especially if low pressure nozzles can be installed.