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Big_Dave
07-25-2009, 10:40 AM
.....our conveyor yesterday.

They're adding a hydraulic leveling system so the belt runs true.

Let me explain;

When we set up the conveyor at a field, we set it up on the side of the road and use the field driveway to access the field with the TerraGator. Back the TerraGator out of the field, under the conveyor and load it.

Roads are built with a 'crown' (center is higher than the edges), to drain water into the ditches. Anyways, with the conveyor 'leaning' and the weight of the ag lime, gravity causes the belt to run off center (even with alignment rollers). This causes unnecessary wear on the edges of the belt because it rubs on the frame. Levelling the conveyor will eliminate this.

We tried using/stacking blocks of wood under the tires and under the hopper end to level it out, but that doesn't work too well and each road is different from the next so we carried a bunch of lumber along. doing this also adds to our 'set up & take down time'.

They're also going to be making other modifications (hopper, hopper bumper, lighting) based on our recommendations.

I'll post pics of the modifications when they're done.

Oh, the bossman's son went down to Missouri yesterday and picked up another TerraGator (we now have 5 of them :wow: ). This one's a "5 wheeler". Supposedly it'll be able to handle a full truckload of ag lime (roughly 24 tons). They're gonna have to make some modifications and additions to that so it's set up like our 3 wheeled TerraGators.

I may go to Mankato today. If I do, I'll stop by and snap a couple pics of it. Otherwise I'll post pics of it Monday evening after work.

Kranky 1
07-26-2009, 08:05 AM
That sounds like a real good idea.

With the hydraulics you'll have infinite control over how much tilt you need to compensate for the road crown.

Probly should put one of those degree indicators (like the ones they use on crane booms) on the face end of the hopper, then adjust the hydraulic tilt so that it reads level.

.

Big_Dave
07-26-2009, 08:33 AM
Probly should put one of those degree indicators (like the ones they use on crane booms) on the face end of the hopper, then adjust the hydraulic tilt so that it reads level.
Good idea! I'll mention that on Monday.

RSTrans
07-26-2009, 11:33 AM
What about out riggers for stability since now it will be tilted to compensate for the ground?

Big_Dave
07-28-2009, 06:16 PM
Here's the start of the leveling system for the conveyor. It's gonna have a 12" hydraulic cylinder and will allow 6" of travel up or down to compensate for road crown/leaning. Of course, for travel, it'll return to center.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j236/Big_Dave_2006/002-22-1.jpg

And here's the 'new' TerraGator (the 5 wheeler). The company logo and number is who we bought it from.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j236/Big_Dave_2006/001-29.jpg

I would've posted these last night, but I left my camera at home yesterday when I walked out the door on my way to work. :rolleyes:

The_Governor
08-01-2009, 11:54 AM
That thing is a beast

RSTrans
08-07-2009, 01:58 AM
Never seen one of these guys before, but give it to me and in 5 minutes or less I will have wreaked total havoc on something. :devil[1]:

Pipeman
08-07-2009, 10:01 PM
Terra-Gators have been around since Jesus was a little boy.

RSTrans
08-08-2009, 04:50 AM
Maybe in your neck of the woods they have been. I grew up in the city of San Diego, not much farming happens there. Now I live in the rural part of San Diego county and there is not the farming that used to be out here. The farming that is big in the area that I live is that of citrus and avacado growers. Speaking of Avo's there is a grow right behind me thats 25 acres and loaded with them. We used to paintball in the grove and anytime I need avos to make guacamole I'd just walk to the fence.

Big_Dave
08-26-2009, 09:28 AM
Well, they have the leveling system completed on the conveyor.

Keep in mind that this thing is dragged behind the TerraGator like a trailer and when we set up at a field, we pull up on the right edge of the road. The edge of the road is lower than the center of the road so rain water drains off easier.

The 'pivot point'.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j236/Big_Dave_2006/006-9.jpg

The hydraulic leveler. It can be raised or lowered 6" from the 'center position'.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j236/Big_Dave_2006/005-9.jpg