A system and method for retrofitting an electric center irrigation pivot to have a standardized user interface and remote control functionality. A local control element having a standardized local user interface is installed at a pivoting point of the pivot by bypassing an existing control logic of an original control system while using an existing transformer of the original control system. A remote control element having a standardized remote user interface is also installed at the pivoting point of the pivot, and is functionally integrated with the local control element. A position-determining element is mounted on a movable portion of the electric pivot. Retrofitting multiple pivots provides each with the same standardized user interfaces. Because existing elements of the original control system are either bypassed or used, uninstalling the system and reverting to the original control system can be quickly and easily accomplished.
