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Building Better Futures for Growers Since 1954

Our roots

Richard F. Reinke didn’t just hope for a better future for growers—he built it. As the youngest of 12 on his family farm, he was all too familiar with the hardships growers face season after season: unpredictable weather, long days, and limited resources. But instead of backing down, he stepped up. At just 15, armed with determination and grit, Richard taught himself engineering, architecture, and drafting to solve the problems others couldn’t.

That relentless spirit drove Richard to turn the irrigation industry on its head with new ideas about the best way to get things done. Even decades later, we’re still using some of the same methods he came up.

Today, Reinke stands as the world’s leader in mechanized irrigation because of his vision, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to growers. His legacy isn’t just part of our history, it’s the fuel that powers our future.
The Reinke Difference

Built on Innovation and Trust.

Since 1954, we've been dedicated to helping growers maximize yields with durable and innovative irrigation systems.
1954
Richard F. Reinke founded Reinke Manufacturing Co., Inc. on his family’s farm just outside of Byron, Nebraska. He began by building structural components, specializing in chicken houses and laminated rafters.
The Beginning pic
1960's
We introduced the ELECTROGATOR®, the first reversible, electric, gear-driven rubber tire circular irrigation system. It included a collector ring, allowing continuous rotation and spanning over 100 feet. The ELECTROGATOR® was also the first irrigation system that had:
  • Interchangeable pipe and truss components
  • The Reinke-exclusive O-ring gasket between pipes for a non-intrusive seal
  • The first gear-driven towable system with rubber tires
We also developed the MINIGATOR®, with a 4-½” water pipe designed for low water supplies and smaller fields.
Product Innovations pic
1970's
We continued building better irrigation systems by introducing more water pipe options, including 6” water pipes, Chromium Nickel Plus steel pipes, and other water pipes for different water quality and field conditions.

The first successful aluminum system, the ALUMIGATOR® was introduced.

Using high-strength steel to reduce weight, increase the life of the drive train, and reduce soil compaction in the field begins.

Our irrigation system options were expanded by introducing the 2-wheel drive MAXIGATOR®, a lateral move irrigation system that gives the best coverage for rectangular fields.
timeline pic
1980's
We started using our V-ring seal, a hidden gasket that allows pipe flanges to be connected face to face. This seal prevents gasket failures caused by misalignment. Since it never sees the light of day, it doesn’t get damaged by UV-rays.

The double walled, injection molded tower box with a safety interlock was introduced preventing the cover from being removed before disconnecting the power. This keeps electrical components completely dry and makes sure farmers stay safe while they’re maintaining their system. 

Energy Saver Package patent issued for swing arm corner systems with limited water.

The first bow string truss over 210 feet was introduced.
timeline pic
1990's
We introduced the Drop Span, allowing the connection and disconnection of adjacent spans to maximize moisture coverage over every acre.

Introduced our Reinke Automated Management System (RAMS) control panel and the Digital Precision Application Controller Timer (PAC Timer).

We continued to bring more options for growers by introducing stainless steel as a new water pipe option for corrosive water applications.
timeline pic
2000's
We became the first company to offer several new irrigation solutions, such as:
  • Navigator GPS guidance, the first successful GPS guidance for swing arm corner systems
  • GPS controls for end-of-systems and lateral systems, with the expansion of the Navigator GPS program
  • The revolutionary Touch Screen Main Control Panel, the first of its kind in the industry
  • Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI), giving growers the ability to segment their fields into more than 300,000 independently controlled zones for precision water application
We began offering a single-phase power option for systems.

Expanding on the ELECTROGATOR®’s success, we introduced the ELECTROGATOR® II, with new capabilities for towers and spans.

The 10-degree Wrap Span and the 90-degree Wrap Span was introduced.

Reinke Precision Management (RPM) control panel series was launched.

Added options for either a trailing or leading swing arm corner.

Introduced our Reinke Base Station software, so growers could manage their systems via radio.

Introduced the Pivoting Lateral, putting the benefits of center pivots and lateral system into a single GPS-guided system.

Introduced ReinCloud®, bringing growers worldwide a new platform for collecting, processing, and presenting key data.
timeline pic
2020's
After years of innovation and hard work from our team, we introduced the revolutionary E3™, the world’s first precision series of center pivot systems. It includes:
  • The world’s first maintenance-free bearing
  • A multi-directional pivot flex joint
  • Uniform coupling spacing
  • The ReinLock trussing system, bringing tighter tolerances while maintaining a consistent span crown with optimal retention and stress transfer.
timeline pic
What we stand for

A lot has changed over the decades, but we stand by the same values Reinke was built on.

Innovation You Can Trust

Explore why farmers worldwide choose Reinke for smarter irrigation solutions designed to last. From the pivot center to the end gun, we’re shaping the future of agriculture.