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Our roots run deep

The early years

In 1911, Lewen R. Nelson started a legacy of innovation with the foundation of Central Brass and Stamping Co. in Peoria, Illinois.

The company became L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. Inc. and expanded the family leadership with Russell B. Nelson, and later Barton R. Nelson. Russell served as president and ran operations until the company was sold in 1972.

At that point, the Nelson family made a new name for themselves with the 150 and 200 series Big Gun Sprinklers and 5 models of impacts, launching Nelson Irrigation Corporation in Walla Walla, Washington.

Since then, the family and the product offerings have continued to grow. The company has expanded into many facets of irrigation including Rotator® technology, pressure & flow control and most recently wireless automation. Now, Nelson offers truly holistic solutions, and is the home of some of the finest irrigation minds in the world.

Decades of product excellence.

A look back at the little steps that got us where we are.

1911
1911

Lewen R. Nelson

Lewen R. Nelson starts Central Brass and Stamping Co. It later becomes L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. Inc.

1929
1929

L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. Inc.

L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. Inc. manufactures and sells the "clincher" perfect coupler and the "crown", the "flaring rose", the "bird" and the "lark" sprinklers.

1934
1934

Russell B. Nelson

Russell B. Nelson joins L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. Inc. and later becomes president, running operations until 1972.

1961
1961

Barton R. Nelson

Barton R. Nelson joins L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. Inc.

1972
1972

The End of an Era and a New Beginning

On October 18, 1972 L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. is sold (the company remained in Peoria, IL).

1972
1972

Nelson Irrigation is Born

Nelson Irrigation is incorporated on October 18, 1972. The initial product offering includes 150 & 200 Series Big Guns and 5 models of impacts.

1974
1974

Flow Control Nozzle

The Flow Control Nozzle is invented to compensate for field elevation differences, excessive pipe friction loss, and variations in pump pressure.

1982
1982

SRNV100 Nozzle Valve

What's better than the industry standard SR100 pivot end gun? The SR100 with an integrated valve that has no friction loss, no turbulence, and no plugging.

1983
1983

SR Series Big Gun

The SR (Slow Reverse) Series Big Gun Sprinkler offers high-volume irrigation heavy-duty reliability with better performance.

1987
1987

The First Rotator®

The Rotator drive mechanism was conceptualized back in 1981 but it wasn't until 1987 that an irrigation problem precipitated in the engineering, manufacturing and sale of the first Rotator sprinkler.

1991
1991

6” 800 Series Control Valve

Nelson Irrigation began manufacturing high quality valves over 30 years ago to provide efficient water control specifically for agricultural irrigation. Previous to this, farmers were using complicated and expensive valves designed for water utilities and heavy industrial projects.

1995
1995

3000 Series Pivot Products

The modular 3000 Series Pivot Products family, based on the 3TN Nozzle System, debuts.

1997
1997

ACV200 Air Control Valve

The need for better air control prompts the development of the ACV200 Air Control Valve.

1998
1998

PC-S3000 Part-Circle Spinner

The PC-S3000 Part-Circle Spinner helps solve wheel-tracking problems.

1998
1998

R2000WF Rotator

Rotator Technology evolves into many different models and the R2000WF becomes a major game changer set out to obsolete the 1/2" impact sprinkler.

2000
2000

Pivot End Gun Control Valve

The Pivot End Gun Control Valve combo allows for End Gun control without a solenoid.

2000
2000

Mini Regulator Drain Check

The patented Mini Regulator Drain Check provides pressure regulation with a drain check feature in a 1/2" size.

2002
2002

MP Rotator

The specifications for the MP Rotator was actually scratched on a napkin back in 1973. This matched-precipitation sprinkler saves water like never before.

2004
2004

PC-R3000 Rotator

The PC-R3000 Rotator is used to solve wheel-tracking problems and provide end of system coverage.

2007
2007

MP Rotator Turf Sprinkler Business is sold

Nelson Irrigation sells its MP Rotator Turf Sprinkler to Hunter Industries, so it can sharpen its focus on agricultural irrigation.

2010
2010

O3000 Orbitor

Satisfying a need for an offset-axis sprinkler, the O3000 adds features such as a bracketless design for no drift or drool.

2013
2013

R55 End of Pivot Sprinkler

An entirely new end of pivot sprinkler based on Rotator® Technology picks up added acres either through the full rotation or corners only.

2013
2013

TWIG® Wireless Control System

The TWIG® system provides a method of automatically cycling through a series of irrigation control valves in a programmed sequence.

2014
2014

1000 Series Valves Released

1000 Series Valves save energy with higher flow capacity and lower friction loss – better than any other valve on the market.

2015
2015

3NV Nozzle System and the 3030 Series Pivot Sprinklers

This innovative, side-inlet, multi-function nozzle allows you to manage your pivot in entirely new ways.

2018
2018

Introducing a Micro-Sprinkler Like No Other

The S7 Spinner is designed to combat rising energy and labor costs in tree & vine markets. It has unique quick-connect, quick-clean features and optional flow control nozzles.

2020
2020

The TWIG® System Gets a Boost

The newest generation consists of a "master controller" that communicates via 900 MHz radio signal with TWIG devices. The TWIG-MC is programmed and operated using a mobile app (iOS or Android), and is controlled via Bluetooth® or internet connection.

2020
2020

All Flo Pressure Regulator

The newest regulator in the industry and winner of the 2020 Irrigation Association New Product Contest introduces maximum flow capacity, accuracy, and plug resistance.

2020
2020

Orbitor FX for Up-Top Applications

The new (10 PSI) Up-Top Orbitor FX has field-proven, off-axis Orbitor technology that provides a random droplet pattern in a compact, low-vibration design. Its engineered plate grooves reduce mist while also fighting the wind.

2021
2021

Orbitor FX for Drop Applications

The black plate is specially designed for growers who desire low pressure random droplet patterns on rigid galvanized or semi-rigid polyethylene drops.

2022
2022

Introducing the Off-Axis R2000FX Rotator®

The R2000FX combines proven Rotator® Technology with Off-Axis plate motion to deliver low pressure operation with unparalleled radius of throw. Flow control nozzles are standard ensuring whole farm uniformity.

Family Owned

The Nelson team:
Making it right.

Our engineers and quality assurance personnel put every part of every product through military-grade testing and spend years fiddling with pressure chambers, 3-D printers, and test fields to find new ways of solving the oldest problems in irrigation.

Patents and Awards
Our success depends on your success.

That’s why we provide the most-trusted, highest-quality products in the industry.

Patents

Proud to produce equipment that stands the test of work.

View Our Patents
Awards

Hard work pays off. We’ve got the accolades to prove it.

View Our Awards