Readers Respond To Exloding Toolbar Story

Readers Respond To Exloding Toolbar Story TOOLBARS Toolbars 23-3-9 FARM SHOW's article on "exploding toolbars" really got my attention. I'm concerned about the statement that, for there to be a problem, water would have to first get into the toolbar through cracks, and that if the welds on your toolbar appear solid you probably don't have anything to worry about. The way I see it, if there are cracks big enough to let water in, these same cracks would have to let the gas out. Cracks or no cracks, it appears any ballasted toolbar should be approached with extreme caution. The technology exists for tapping into pressurized gas, water and steam lines. Perhaps the same technology could be adapted for toolbars. Once a shutoff valve was safely installed, internal gas pressure could slowly be bled off in a safe and controlled manner. It would probably also be wise for all new ballasted toolbars to come with weep holes or breathers, which would keep moisture out while preventing the build-up of gas internally. I first heard of this problem about 10 years ago, when a couple of farmers and farm equipment dealers reported having experienced the problem. Meantime, keep up the good work investigating this potentially lethal hazard. (Bruce Brittain, 135 Warren Road, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850; ph 315 668-3306)

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