FORWARD light on the Zimmatic BASIC
An independent guide from FixMyPivot, not from the manufacturer. Brand and panel names are here only so you can find your own equipment.
What it means
On confirms the forward contactor actually energized.
This light comes on once the forward contactor pulls in, and it is off when the machine is set to reverse. If the machine is moving the opposite way from what the light shows, check whether the auto-shutdown switch is resting against its stop or a barrier. That is something an operator can see. A defective auto-shutdown switch, direction switch, or latch relay can also be the cause. Forward and reverse should never be lit at the same time. Both on together is a real fault.
Reading the display and looking the machine over with every door and cover closed is fine. Anything past that means power shut off and locked out at the main disconnect first, and electrical checks belong to a dealer, an electrician, or someone qualified to be in the panel.
This is what it means on the Zimmatic BASIC. On a different panel the same light or message can mean something else. Wrong panel? Pick another Zimmatic panel.
Safety
Center pivots run on high voltage and heavy moving machinery. Shut off and lock out power at the main disconnect before you open a panel or touch anything electrical. If you are not sure, stop and call your local pivot dealer or a licensed electrician. These pages tell you what a code means. They do not replace a qualified technician, and the safety instructions that came with your equipment come first.
FixMyPivot is an independent troubleshooting service. It is not affiliated with, authorized by, or sponsored by any equipment manufacturer. All brand, panel and product names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to identify the equipment a code appears on. This information is general, is provided as is without warranty, and may not match the software version on your panel. Use of these pages is subject to our Terms of Service.