What is the purpose of the plates in front of the tracks?

Kurt Bangert
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2 years 10 months ago #234682 by Kurt Bangert

What is the purpose of the plates in front of the tracks? was created by Kurt Bangert

Sorry for the wrong color of tractor, but I have seen this type of plate in front of the tracks on older, smaller Cats as well. My guess is there is some function in and orchard/vineyard application, but being from the Midwest, not something there is much of here. What was/is the purpose of these?

D4 D 78A 6678
D4 6U 1139
RD4 4G223W
D2 5U 1164
JD 350B
JD 420C

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Deas Plant.
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2 years 10 months ago #234683 by Deas Plant.

Replied by Deas Plant. on topic What is the purpose of the plates in front of the tracks?

Hi, DHC1.
They are berm breakers or windrow breakers for knocking the tops of ridges and berms to smooth the way for the tractor - at least a little..

Just my 0.02.

You have a wonderful day. Best wishes. Deas Plant.

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Kurt Bangert
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2 years 10 months ago #234688 by Kurt Bangert

Replied by Kurt Bangert on topic What is the purpose of the plates in front of the tracks?

Ah, I can see that they could be somewhat effective. Rock Knockers!

D4 D 78A 6678
D4 6U 1139
RD4 4G223W
D2 5U 1164
JD 350B
JD 420C

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Gary Morisoli
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2 years 10 months ago #234692 by Gary Morisoli

Replied by Gary Morisoli on topic What is the purpose of the plates in front of the tracks?

Here are some in action.

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Mike Walsh
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2 years 10 months ago #234715 by Mike Walsh

Replied by Mike Walsh on topic What is the purpose of the plates in front of the tracks?

Many orchards and vineyards were flood irrigated when those were standard equipment. The berms mentioned were called Checks, created by a Ridger pulled behind some sort of power unit. The "plates" you see working in the video are called Check Breaks which level the checks enough to keep the seat from turning you into a projectile.

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Kurt Bangert
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2 years 10 months ago #234717 by Kurt Bangert

Replied by Kurt Bangert on topic What is the purpose of the plates in front of the tracks?

Mike - thank you, I assumed they were there for something like that just had no mental picture of exactly the conditions under which they were useful. It’s clear from the video that a day of crossing those ridges would be a tough day indeed!

D4 D 78A 6678
D4 6U 1139
RD4 4G223W
D2 5U 1164
JD 350B
JD 420C

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What is the purpose of the plates in front of the tracks?

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