摘要 |
A top dresser for distributing particulate matter on a variety of terrain. The top dresser may includes a towable frame which is operatively connected to a pair of wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly is rotatingly attached to the frame of the top dresser in such a fashion as to enable the wheels of the wheel assembly to follow the contours and undulations in the terrain over which it traverses. Each wheel assembly is operatively connected to a hydraulic pump which is in turn operatively connected to a hydraulic circuit which is used to control and power various elements of the top dresser. The top dresser includes a hopper with gate assembly and a conveyor to distribute particulate matter at predetermined rates to the terrain. The gate assembly is adjustable and includes a biased gate which deflects in response to contact with large nonconformities such as rocks. The conveyor belt is a pre-manufactured substantially continuous loop of material which has a patterned or otherwise roughened surface. The conveyer belt is supported between a pair of roller assemblies, including a drive roller having a textured metal oxide coating for enhancing the friction coefficient between the belt and the drive roller assembly. The conveyor belt and the attendant roller assemblies may be accessed by shifting a portion of the top dresser, and the conveyor belt and attendant roller assemblies may be in turn shifted to permit replacement, repair and inspection. A hydraulic circuit is provided with a charge pump assembly which eliminates the need to maintain a pressurized reservoir, thus reducing leakage during periods of inactivity.
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