Wheel Line Irrigators

Wheel line irrigators are common here in western Montana, although many are being replaced by more modern systems. The photos on this page show wheel lines in various states; some are in use, others are abandoned and slowly disappearing into the earth of the fields. We find the rust, the contours of the lines conforming to the terrain, and the surrounding fields themselves make appealing subjects.

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A wheel line irrigator in a canola (rape seed) field lit by early morning sun.

An old wheel-line irrigator disappears into the fog and snow.

A wheel line irrigator in a wheat field.

A close-up view of an old wheel-line irrigator in a wheat field.