Abstract:
A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes: a mounting bracket configured to be attached to the mobile tower; a gearbox assembly and rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive hub; rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; and a track trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower.
Abstract:
A control system for stopping or reversing movement of an irrigation system comprises an electronic proximity sensor and a control device. The electronic proximity sensor is configured for mounting to the irrigation system and operable to detect a target. The control device is responsive to the electronic proximity sensor for stopping or reversing movement of the irrigation system when the electronic proximity sensor detects the target.
Abstract:
A hose-fed lateral move irrigation system and method that utilizes a pipe with a plurality of sprinklers attached to a wheeled cart that pulls a flexible-hose assembly therebehind using at least one onboard winch and travels laterally with the pipe and sprinklers relative to a field so that a sufficient amount of hose may be used to enable total automation of the system.
Abstract:
A truss-type support system for a water-carrying conduit of an irrigation system includes a plurality of elongated truss braces and at least one truss rod for interconnecting the truss braces. The truss braces each have a pair of interconnected legs separated by an angle of approximately 40°-70°.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled irrigation vehicles (10) that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled irrigation vehicle (60) using one or more track assemblies (62). Each track assembly (62) includes a carriage (70) with frames (92, 94) that support a plurality of pairs of idler wheels (74, 76), and pairs of bogey wheels (80, 82, 84). A portion of one of the frames (94) is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame (92), so that the frames (92, 94) may move relative to each other in a linear fashion. A tensioning apparatus (212) is connected to the frames (92, 94) so that the frames are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage (70) also includes a hub support frame (90) that is connected to one of the frames (92) in an offset manner. The hub support frame (90) includes an aperture (132) that rotatably receives a spindle (262) of an adaptor (258). The adaptor (258) includes a peripheral flange (264) to which a segmented sprocket (86) may be connected, and a ring extension (268) that is able to be connected to an existing wheel hub of an irrigation vehicle whose drive wheel has been removed. A flexible endless track (88) is entrained about the wheels (74, 76, 80, 82, 84) and the sprocket (86). The track assembly (62) may be provided with one or more cleats (278) that are removably connected to the flexible, endless track (88), and which include a ground engaging member (281) that serves to increase the traction of the endless track (88).
Abstract:
An irrigation pipe and method of fabrication that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.
Abstract:
A wheel assembly is disclosed, the wheel assembly including a rigid wheel and an airless tire mounted on the wheel. A portion of the tire is separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure. A spacer is interposed between the wheel and the portion of the tire separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to limit the inward flexing of the tire. The spacer may be permanently affixed to the wheel assembly or may be removably attached to the wheel assembly. The spacer may be adjustable between a first size and a second size.
Abstract:
A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive wheel hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive wheel hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower.
Abstract:
A wheel assembly is disclosed, the wheel assembly including a rigid wheel and an airless tire mounted on the wheel. A portion of the tire is separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure. A spacer is interposed between the wheel and the portion of the tire separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to limit the inward flexing of the tire. The spacer may be permanently affixed to the wheel assembly or may be removably attached to the wheel assembly. The spacer may be adjustable between a first size and a second size.
Abstract:
A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower.