The side roll sprinkler system is a mechanically moved version of a hand move system with wheels mounted on the pipeline (see pictures). It doesn't move while irrigating. Side roll is a set irrigation system that is moved from position to position between irrigation zones. The movement can be through dragging or by a driven unit (i.e. by a small fuel engine).

The Side roll sprinkler system is similar to the hand move system, it remains stationary while water is applied. Because they are stationary during water application, spacing between sprinklers and laterals is based on wind speed. When the desired depth has been applied, the system is moved by hand (hand move) or mechanically (side roll) to another section of the field.

Is designed to be used on crops like  vegetables, potatoes, soy beans, forage crops, wheat, barley, etc. The side roll is limited to crops under 1 m in height. Can be used on any soil suitable for sprinkler irrigation (care should be taken on heavy clay).

It is best suited for level fields that are square or rectangular. Can be used on a single field or on side by side fields where the lateral can be moved directly from one field to the other.

The infrastructure of mainlines, submains and hydrants is identical to a hand move system. However, the portable lateral lines are replaced by the side roll.

A typical side roll can be 460 - 490 m in length and it operates along a mainline with hydrants spaced every 60 - 80 m.

The sprinklers are usually medium to  heavy duty agricultural sprinklers.