Four-Wheeled Center Pivots Don't Make Deep Tracks

Four-Wheeled Center Pivots Don't Make Deep Tracks IRRIGATION Irrigation Systems 29-3-32 Center pivot irrigators can avoid deep wheel tracks by adding two wheels and two gearboxes to each tower, says E-Z Irrigation, Wray, Colo. It results in four drive wheels per tower, running in line. The extra tires do two things, says Dale Anderson. "They put more tire lugs on the ground, which increases traction and reduces slippage. And they increase the total tire surface area on the ground, which increases flotation. An additional benefit is that flat tires can almost always be repaired at the pivot road, as the other tires will carry the tower out of the field even if one goes flat." The company makes a mounting system for each gearbox and wheel. A 3-in. length of channel iron extends the length of the tower beam and is welded to the tower base beam. Heavy gearbox mounting brackets manufactured by the company are welded to it and the base beam. "The principle is the same as putting dual wheels on a tractor for extra flotation and traction, except that the wheels run in-line and the track width remains the same," says Anderson. "Center pivots make deep tracks because the two wheels on each tower continually slip and dig into the mud. With four tires, the wheels just roll along without slipping and digging, which results in greatly reduced tracking. One farmer we worked with had a big, heavy center pivot with a 10-in. mainline, running on tall 11.2 by 38 tires. When he added our 4-WD system with 11.2 by 24 tires, the tracks at the end of the year were only 5 in. deep." In the past year, some center pivot manufacturers have offered 3-WD factory base beams for towers, says Anderson. "Our mounts can be used for a 3-wheeled system too, and it helps reduce tracking. However, the 4-WD system is the most effective." He says different concepts to reduce tracking have been tried over the years, from wide tires to duals to steel pads. "The problem is that they all create wide tracks that are difficult to cross without bouncing badly, even with large machinery. Tall 11.2 by 38 tires are popular today because they make a narrow track and can go quite deep without getting stuck. However, their large rolling radius creates a lot of additional strain on the drivetrain which will shorten the life of the components. Also, when they cut deep enough tracks and an inner tower stalls, the wheels on the outer towers can't get out of the tracks, which creates a tremendous strain on the spans and can collapse them." The mounting system can be purchased with or without gearboxes and wheels. The wheel gearbox mounts alone sell for $20 each plus S&H, and the center drive gearbox mount sells for $50 plus S&H. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, E-Z Irrigation, 30400 Hwy. 34, Wray, Colo. 80758 (ph 970 332-4114).

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