Method and Apparatus for Preventing the Drive Wheels of an Irrigation Machine from Becoming Stuck in the Mud

Abstract

To prevent the rut-like wheel tracks of an irrigation machine from becoming so deep that the wheels of an irrigation tower can become stuck in mud and water accumulating in the track, a foundation member is inserted into select, potentially troublesome portions of the wheel track to provide support for the wheels during subsequent passes of the machine. In one embodiment the foundation member comprises a generally rectangular pad constructed from synthetic resinous material and designed to be hooked together with other such pads in a chain-like series to provide the length of foundation required. In another embodiment, the foundation member comprises a thinner web or ribbon of preferably synthetic resinous material that may be wound into a coil for storage and cut to length as required. A third embodiment comprises a series of end-to-end pads hingedly interconnected by thinner lines of weakness that may be severed to provide a desired length of foundation member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates to large irrigation machines of the type utilized in watering crops in the field and, more particularly, to a way of preventing such machines from becoming stuck in the water and mud in deep wheel tracks created when the machine repeatedly passes through soft spots and depressions in the field.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY[0002]Center pivot and lateral move irrigation machines have been plagued for many years with the problem of deep wheel tracks caused by repeated passes of tower drive wheels over the same path of travel again and again. While the tracks may be shallow at first, they may become progressively deeper with each pass, and in those areas of the field where drainage is a problem, the wheel tracks may collect water and become so deep that the wheels literally get stuck in the mud. This problem can occur at any of the towers on the machine and at any place in the field such that it takes only one stuck tower to shut down the entire mach...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]The present invention provides a method and apparatus for preventing this problem. In its broadest aspects, the invention contemplates preparing a foundation in potentially problematic wheel tracks that the tower wheels can ride upon as the tower traverses the problem area. It is recognized that the majority of any particular wheel track will not pose a problem; however, after a number of passes by a machine, certain areas of the track may begin to deepen and collect water to such an extent that it becomes apparent this particular area is going cause problems. At that time, a foundation member in accordance with the present invention may be inserted into the track and laid at the bottom thereof in position to be engaged by the tower wheels on their next pass. One preferred approach contemplates inserting foundation members immediately behind the lead wheel of a two-wheeled tower such that the foundation members are in position to be engaged and pushed down into final position by the trailing wheel of the tower. With the foundation members in place, the weight of the tower is borne by the foundation members as the wheel passes over, and further deepening of the wheel track is substantially eliminated.

[0004]One embodiment has individual foundation members in the nature of a generally rectangular pad, preferably constructed of high density Polyethylene or the like. Each pad has a width that is slightly less than the nominal width of the wheel track, so that when the pad is placed within the track, the sides of the track confine the pad and keep it from moving out of place. Each pad is preferably provided with interlock structure at its opposite ends so that an appropriate number of pads can be interlocked end-to-end in a series of sufficient length as to provide adequate foundation through the troublesome area.

[0006]In a further embodiment, the foundation material is similar in thickness to the separate pad embodiment, but each pad is interconnected with additional such pads in a series by hinging lines of weakness. The continuous string of pads may be conveniently stored in a somewhat flat-sided coil as permitted by the lines of weakness. A string of pads of any desired length may be severed from the rest of the supply at an appropriate line of weakness and laid down in the wheel track to support the wheels.

Problems solved by technology

Center pivot and lateral move irrigation machines have been plagued for many years with the problem of deep wheel tracks caused by repeated passes of tower drive wheels over the same path of travel again and again.

While the tracks may be shallow at first, they may become progressively deeper with each pass, and in those areas of the field where drainage is a problem, the wheel tracks may collect water and become so deep that the wheels literally get stuck in the mud.

This problem can occur at any of the towers on the machine and at any place in the field such that it takes only one stuck tower to shut down the entire machine.

Getting the tower unstuck can be a time-consuming and difficult process, and consequential irrigation delays during critical watering schedules may become costly in terms of potential crop yield losses.

It is recognized that the majority of any particular wheel track will not pose a problem; however, after a number of passes by a machine, certain areas of the track may begin to deepen and collect water to such an extent that it becomes apparent this particular area is going cause problems.

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