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.
A look back at the little steps that got us where we are.
Lewen R. Nelson starts Central Brass and Stamping Co. It later becomes 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.
Russell B. Nelson joins L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. Inc. and later becomes president, running operations until 1972.
Barton R. Nelson joins L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. Inc.
On October 18, 1972 L.R. Nelson Mfg. Co. is sold (the company remained in Peoria, IL).
Nelson Irrigation is incorporated on October 18, 1972. The initial product offering includes 150 & 200 Series Big Guns and 5 models of impacts.
The Flow Control Nozzle is invented to compensate for field elevation differences, excessive pipe friction loss, and variations in pump pressure.
What's better than the industry's best pivot end gun? The Original Big Gun® with an integrated valve that has no friction loss, no turbulence and no plugging.
The SR (Slow Reverse) Series Big Gun Sprinkler offers high-volume irrigation heavy-duty reliability with better performance.
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.
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.
The modular 3000 Series Pivot Products family, based on the 3TN Nozzle System, debuts.
The need for better air control prompts the development of the ACV200 Air Control Valve.
The PC-S3000 Part-Circle Spinner helps solve wheel-tracking problems.
Rotator Technology evolves into many different models and the R2000WF becomes a major game changer set out to obsolete the 1/2" impact sprinkler.
The Pivot End Gun Control Valve combo allows for End Gun control without a solenoid.
The patented Mini Regulator Drain Check provides pressure regulation with a drain check feature in a 1/2" size.
The specifications for the MP Rotator was actually scratched on a napkin back in 1973. This matched-precipitation sprinkler saves water like never before.
The PC-R3000 Rotator is used to solve wheel-tracking problems and provide end of system coverage.
Nelson Irrigation sells its MP Rotator Turf Sprinkler to Hunter Industries, so it can sharpen its focus on agricultural irrigation.
Satisfying a need for an offset-axis sprinkler, the O3000 adds features such as a bracketless design for no drift or drool.
An entirely new end of pivot sprinkler based on Rotator® Technology picks up added acres either through the full rotation or corners only.
The TWIG® system provides a method of automatically cycling through a series of irrigation control valves in a programmed sequence.
1000 Series Valves save energy with higher flow capacity and lower friction loss – better than any other valve on the market.
This innovative, side-inlet, multi-function nozzle allows you to manage your pivot in entirely new ways.
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.
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.
The newest regulator in the industry and winner of the 2020 Irrigation Association New Product Contest introduces maximum flow capacity, accuracy, and plug resistance.
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.
The black plate is specially designed for growers who desire low pressure random droplet patterns on rigid galvanized or semi-rigid polyethylene drops.
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.
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.
That’s why we provide the most-trusted, highest-quality products in the industry.