February 20, 2001

Subject: Maximum Imprinter Slopes

Tim,

Our telephone conversation this morning about maximum imprinter slopes motivated the following table that gives the maximum slope for a number of different types of imprinters. The maximum slope values are generally based on the assumption that horsepower is adequate but that traction may not be. Generally, a given type of imprinter functions best on slopes below the maximum. With additional time and experience this table may change a bit, however major changes are not anticipated.

The single-point towed imprinter is for use on level to gently sloping rangeland and farmland, but not for slopes exceeding 3:1. The tractor is dragging about a 4-ton dead weight-a weight sufficient to stall even a crawler tractor on steep slopes. However, if the imprinter is tractor-mounted it can be raised before the tractor stalls. When the imprinter is raised it adds to the traction of the tractor. A variation in the single-point towed imprinter is one equipped with hydraulic lifting wheels. If the imprinter can be lifted to decrease the towing drag, the maximum slope steepness can be increased to 2 ½:1, the same as for the 3-point hitched imprinter. NorthTree Fire in Marysville, CA is just now beginning to manufacture such an imprinter. Hopefully this will help to alleviate the critical availability problem in the near future.

The single-point towed imprinter that we are using at the Simpson Farm can be adapted to mounting on a crawler tractor's ripping attachment, thereby making it suitable for use on up to 2:1 slopes. This modification will be completed in time for the fall seeding season in Nov 01. This imprinter has already been modified to fit 3-point hitch tractors. We also plan to install a seeder on the imprinter to permit seeding and imprinting in a single operation.

Best regards,

Bob Dixon

 

IMPRINTER TYPE MAXIMUM SLOPE *

Rolling Imprinters

Single-Point Towed 3:1

Three-Point Hitched 2 ½:1

Dozer Blade-Mounted 2:1

Dozer Ripper-Mounted 2:1

Single-Point Cabled 1:1

Tracking Imprinters

Rubber Track Cat 2:1

Steel Track Cat

Standard Shoes 2:1

Self-Cleaning Shoes 2:1

Mammal Imprinters

Hand Device 2:1

Foot Device 2:1

Hooved Ungulates 1 ½:1

 

* Assumes that horsepower is adequate but traction may not be.

The Imprinting Foundation
1616 E. Lind Road
Tucson, AZ 85719

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