Most growers don’t realize a worn-out pivot tire can cost them more than just traction—it can cost them yield. Midseason irrigation is too important to leave up to chance, especially when the fix might be as simple as a grease gun or a tire pressure check.

This post dives into what every grower should be doing midseason to keep their system running smooth—and their crop protected.

Why Midseason Maintenance Matters

By the time your crops are waist-high and your pivot is running daily, it’s easy to push maintenance off to the side. But this is precisely when breakdowns hurt the most. Whether it’s a gearbox running dry or misaligned towers causing extra stress on your drivetrain, small issues can quickly turn into costly repairs and yield loss.

Midseason is the perfect moment to do a quick check—especially when your pivot is parked at the field’s edge or near a service road. A simple walk-around can save hours of downtime and hundreds (even thousands) in unexpected fixes.

What to Check While the Pivot’s Parked

When it’s time to give your pivot a once-over, here’s what the experts—and experienced growers—suggest focusing on:

1. Drivetrain & Alignment

Ensure towers are aligned and the drivetrain is functioning without resistance. Misalignment is a silent system killer.

2. Tires & Gearboxes

Check tire pressure and look for signs of wear or weather cracking. Inspect gearbox lubrication and top it off if needed. These are the first things to go if overlooked.

“Finding a flat tire in the middle of a hot corn field can be like finding a needle in a haystack.”
– Wade Walters, Farmer

3. Sprinkler Uniformity

Check sprinkler performance across the system. Poor uniformity can lead to under- or over-irrigated zones—and that means uneven crop performance.

4. Grease Fittings

Lubrication is one of the easiest ways to extend pivot life. Hit all grease points—quick and easy insurance. (Greasing pivots is old-school if you’re running Reinke’s Maintenance-Free Pivot Bearing.)

Weather Damage Can Strike at Any Time

Irrigation systems don’t take shelter when storms roll in. After severe weather, walk the pivot and inspect for any signs of structural or electrical damage. Lightning strikes, wind-blown debris, and heavy rain can all take their toll.

If you suspect electrical damage, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call your Reinke dealer immediately. Safety first. Always.

Know When to Call Your Dealer

If something feels off—don’t wait. Reinke dealers are factory-trained and stocked with Genuine Reinke Parts to get your system back in service fast.

“I like to gather as much information beforehand, so I can come prepared with a possible solution before I reach the field.”
– Jarrod Watson, South Central Irrigation

Before you call, be ready with:
- Your name and pivot serial number
- Location and what the system was doing when the issue occurred
- Any patterns, previous fixes, and urgency level

A Small Effort Now Saves a Big Headache Later

Midseason isn’t the time to gamble on irrigation. A pivot that breaks during peak growth can’t be quickly forgiven by the crop. But with a quick inspection and routine upkeep, you can keep water flowing, yield protected, and harvest on schedule.

Next time you see your pivot sitting still—take a few minutes to check it out. Your crop will thank you.

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