Center Pivot Tracks

Center Pivot Tracks IRRIGATION Acessories 20-6-28 You can reduce center pivot wheel rut depths by up to 80% - and also keep your pivot from getting stuck - by mounting new steel tracks over the tires, says Nebraska Irrigation, Inc., Columbus, Neb. The company's "Agri-Trac" system was introduced at the recent Husker Harvest Days show near Grand Island, Neb. The 15-in. wide tracks are built in six sections connected together by pairs of brass bushings. The tracks are designed for 11.00 by 24.5 tires. They're 4 in. wider than the tires. The extra width reduces compaction and there-fore wheel rut depth, says the company. As the tire goes around it smoothly rolls into the next section in front of it, causing that section to flop forward flat on the ground. The tire then drives over it. The bottom side of the tire meshes with treads built into each section to provide the driving power. "The system provides 430 sq. in. of ground contact per tower instead of the 88 sq. in. with standard 11.2 by 24.5 tires. Ground pressure may be cut to as little as 3.9 psi," says sales representative Jeff Bettenhausen. "Most farmers start out by putting a set of tracks on a particularly troublesome tower that gets stuck easily or leaves deep ruts. Once they see how well they work they often add tracks to other towers. In some alfalfa fields the tracks just flat-ten the crop without destroying it. Also, the wheel ruts are shallow enough that you can drive a swather across them. "Our track system works better than using expensive high flotation tires or large diameter tires which can tear up gearboxes. as 3. ps s. The tracks roll smoothly along with the original tires without increasing the load on gearboxes. Another benefit is that they protect tires from sharp rocks and the decaying effect of sunlight. "To install the tracks you lay them out on the ground and drive the tire onto it, then bolt the end sections together. Side lips keep the sections in line with the tire. Mud and foreign material that gets inside the tracks gets washed out by water from the pivot sprinklers through holes where the sections hinge together." Sells for $1,200 per tower. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Nebraska Irrigation, Inc., Box 1023, Highway 30 East, Columbus, Neb. 68602 (ph 800 397-1100).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.