How-To Cross Over Dragline Sets
November 2, 2020
For the Greenhorns of Dragline.
First off, we hope we didn’t offend anyone with the greenhorn comment. In fact, (we may be biased, but) welcome to one of the greatest industries to be a part of! We are so happy you’re here.
Let’s cut to the chase. Our Equipment Specialists have been asked time-and-time again when they’re at dragline start-ups with new customers, or even out with customers that have been running for a season or two, “How in the world do I cross over to my next field quadrant without shutting everything down?”
SO, we’re here to help. Watch (and read below) how the crew at Magnum Custom Enterprises gets it done. The crew has demonstrated the task at hand with a hose charged with air and a hose charged with manure.
HOSE CHARGED WITH AIR
STEP 1:
Clean out the drag hose per usual procedure, by sending compressed air through the hose after a foam pig or bullet is placed in the clean-out. Once the pig or bullet has passed through the hose and cleared the toolbar, close the valve on the toolbar leaving a slight opening to allow air to the toolbar to avoid putting too much pressure on your hose.
STEP 2:
Drive the applicator tractor parallel to the lay flat hose in the field to prevent hose twisting as the toolbar is repositioned for the next set/quadrant that needs applied.
STEP 3:
As the applicator tractor starts in the direction of the predetermined next set, the hose hustler operator must reposition him or herself in a way that allows them to pick up and redirect the hose in a straight line behind the applicator tractor. (Pro-tip: as a coupler nears the hose hustler, drive forward into it to reduce stress on the hose.)
STEP 4:
Once the hose is directly behind the applicator tractor and the hose is laying in the proper position, open the valves back up to let the manure flow to the applicator and continue applying manure. (Talk about reducing downtime.)
MANURE-CHARGED HOSE
STEP 1:
Similar to the air-charged hose process, drive the applicator tractor parallel to the lay flat hose in the field and drive just past the center line of the next quadrant that needs applied.
STEP 2:
As the applicator tractor starts in the direction of the predetermined next set, the hose hustler operator must reposition him or herself in a way that allows them to pick up and redirect the hose in a straight line behind the applicator tractor.
STEP 3:
As the applicator tractor gets back on a straight line and continues down its path, the hose will straighten out directly behind the toolbar, due to the position of the hose hustler operator.
STEP 4:
Once the hose is completely straightened out directly behind the applicator tractor, continue applying manure to the field on the new quadrant.