Product & Prototype Development
Heavy Duty Drag-Hose Clamp
for Travelling Irrigators
The clamp fits 63mm outside diameter
MDPE irrigation drag hose
The P&Pd Heavy Duty Drag Hose Clamp has been specifically engineered for travelling irrigators and effluent irrigation systems. Unlike standard hose clamps, it is designed to withstand the additional forces created by dragging long lengths of polyethylene hose across uneven ground, helping prevent hose separation, equipment damage and costly downtime.
A static hose/fitting application only requires a hose clamp to maintain a joint which resists the forces created by system fluid pressure.
With drag-hose applications there are extra forces to contend with: (1) ground induced resistance (200 metres of effluent filled drag-hose weighs over 1/4 tonne Vs ground contour and obstacles), (2) snagging of coupling attachments, and (3) the wall rigidity of polyethylene irrigator hose which resists clamping.
Typical hose clamps are not designed for drag-hose use and are the cause of hose/fitting seperation which: (1) disrupts work routine, (2) costs: wages, time and materials to repair (which if done using the same clamping system as previously, risks future failure), (3) causes flooding (4) risks prosecution for effluent contamination.
Features of the P&Pd, heavy Duty Drag-hose Clamp include:
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a powerful and even pipe wall constricting force that securely grips the flexible pipe wall onto the fitting within
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a rounded section compression ring that prevents pipe cutting and point stress concentration
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body components shaped and dimensioned to: resist digging into the ground, and to help protect the attached cam-lock coupling from heavy abrasion
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recesses in the body that protect the cam-lock arms from snagging and damage
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high strength aluminium and stainless steel fasteners
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is reusable, durable, and easy to install
Price:
$138.00 + GST per clamp for orders of up to 2 clamps
$127.00 + GST per clamp for orders of more than two clamps
(minus rebate for Farmlands Card holders)
Enquiries: kjsmithengineering@xtra.co.nz
Mobile 0275730566
The P&Pd Heavy Duty Drag-hose Clamp is the first component, of a series of components, being developed with the intention of making farm effluent systems; reliable, accurate and undemanding to use.
The development of the P&Pd Heavy Duty Drag-hose Clamp was prompted by the high frequency of drag-house failures that occur due to hose/connection separation. We first looked at developing a connector with integrated hose clamping and a streamlined body, but the cost was high. We then came from another angle and considered how the popular use of "cam-lock" couplings could be utilised and improved by a clamp that worked in harmony with the coupling.
With the Heavy Duty Drag-hose Clamp being positioned either side of the cam-lock, the coupling is relieved of direct ground and obstacle contact, plus cutouts in the clamp body help protect the coupling arms from breakage and snagging. The clamp bodies then assist with ground floatation due to their shape.
Clamp Instructions
First, undo the clamp till the faces part and the compression ring can open completely to fit over the MDPE hose.
Place the clamp body on the hose and manipulate the compression ring over the hose outer. Note: no need to part the two clamp halves more than 8mm. A gap of 8mm is adequate.
Insert the camlock coupling tail into the hose and have the camlock arms placed inside the clamp body cutouts. To help get the coupling tail into the hose it helps to smear grease, or oil, onto the inside of the hose and onto the tail.
Suggestion: In the field, hold the hose with one hand and positioned between your legs, while rapping the coupling in place with a piece of wood (dressed 100x50 pine is a personal favorite).
Once the clamp is in place tighten the capscrews (5mm AF Allen key supplied). Initially wind the capscrews in as you would the lugnuts of a car wheel (diagonally) till they take up and the gap between the clamp halves is even. From then on simply follow the screws around with progressive tightening (don't now bother with diagonal tightening, just continue from one screw to the next).
You will find that as one capscrew tightens the next one will become loose, and so on. Keep following them around and this will cease to occur as the clamp correctly crushes the hose wall onto the coupling tail. By this time the gap between the clamp halves will have closed to an even gap of between 3mm to zero gap, and all the capscrews will be firm.
Warranty
The warranty period is for one year from the time of purchase and covers defective materials and craftsmanship.
We stand by what we make and retain a continued interest in a products functioning long after the time of sale.
If the product is good, or if it can be improved, please let us know.
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a system that safe-guards traveling irrigator operation and effluent reticulation (from pump to pasture)