Tower Support System for Irrigation

Abstract

A swing arm support system for automated irrigation systems has a support hub and a means to attach and operate two wheels to opposite sides of the support hub. The support hub provides greater ground flotation to prevent the forming of ruts in a field and traction to prevent an automated swing arm from becoming stuck. The swing arm support system provides for the use of common automated irrigation components so that fabrication, repair and operation are most efficient. The support hub in pivotally attached to an existing swing arm support tower. The support hub is carried by two pneumatic tires in one embodiment, four tires in another embodiment, six tires in another embodiment, and movable tracks in another embodiment.

1 . An apparatus for supporting an irrigation tower, the apparatus comprising:
 a support hub;   at least one gearbox attached to said support hub; and   at least two ground floatation members connected to the at least one gearbox, wherein said ground floatation members are positioned on opposing sides of said support hub.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said ground floatation members are wheels. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said ground floatation members are movable tracks. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising at least one motor connected to the at least one gear box. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising at least one motor connected to the at least one gear box. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said support hub is comprised of galvanized steel. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said support hub is comprised of galvanized steel. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for supporting an irrigation tower, the apparatus comprising:
 a means for a support hub;   a means for ground floatation of support hub means;   a drive means for connecting said support hub means to said ground floatation means; and   a means for powering said drive means.   
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for supporting an irrigation tower, the apparatus comprising:
 a support body pivotally connected to an irrigation tower;   a first gearbox connected to right lateral of said support body;   a second gearbox connected to left lateral of said support body;   at least one wheel connected to each of said first gearbox and said second gearbox;   a first motor connected to said first gearbox; and   a second motor connected to said second gearbox.