I guess that is one of those regional differences.  Seems every pivot I know of with a corner system on it has had a backhoe in the field at some point digging up the guide wire to repair lightning damage.  It seems to be worse during a dry winter.  But it easy to find.  Just go to the most difficult, inaccessible place in the field...unless it is a busy road and then it is right there where all the neighbors can drive by and comment.

Having said that I am hesitant to put any more technology out there exposed to the elements.  I spent all afternoon yesterday working on a towable pivot trying to repair what I believe is lightning damage.  So far I have replaced a voltmeter at the pump, a board in the pivot box, and repaired 2 connections that had been hot enough to melt a few strands of the braided copper wire where is was connected to solid 12 gauge copper

Oh, and I have determined the control wire has a break. I have narrowed it down to a 600 foot section.  Got a shovel and a couple hours?