Jig with cold-rolled check guide
in “place ready to be drilled.

the Project Manager,

(64 38. ‘Gaunt House, El Paso, Texas, or to
the Chief Engineer, Attention: Code D-400, Bureau of Reclamation,
Denver Federal Center, Denver 25, Colorado.

25, 000 acres. "Before in-
stallation of the automatic
contr Hf extra flows in the

which is 27.5
the Bl Canyon canal head-
ing. peration of the
sipho: used the canal
surface to fluctuate several
inches as they abruptly oper-
ated and then cut off, conse-
quently, a higher than normal

Photo No. 1


= USING AIRBOATS FOR SPRAYING

The Corps of Engi
irboats for the transp
hyacinths in isolated b
ment, according to A. L

This laborsaving
technique | aie une

ment is aed in
aquatic plant con-
trol.

Airboats are able
to operate in ex-
shallow
slide over
logs, and proceed
through heavy
growths of aquatic
plants. Overall,
the airboat is prov-
ing to be the most
mical and ef-
piece of
floating equipment
used to destroy
hyacinths,

The photographs at
left show the equip-
ment in operation on
Eph C in the
Jacksonville area.

For more informa-
tion concerning the
pumps and spray
equipment, write
toJ. W. Rodner,
Regional Supervisor
on, Boulder City, Nevada, or to

of Irrigation, Bureau of Reclam:
the Chief Engineer, Bureau of Reclamation, Code D-400, Denver
Federal Center, Denver 25, Colorado.

Hi

KOR KOK OK

THAWING FROZEN WATERLINES
(Suggestion R4-62-14)

A suggestion by John C, Pickell, maintenance man, onthe Seedskadee
Project, Wyoming, was used to "good advantage in thay wing frozen

11


by a manufacturer's service engineer. Mr. Larry Douglas, of the
project forces, wired the equipment and made the installation. Photo-
graph No. 5 is a labeled view of the individual electrical components.

List of Equipment

Approximate
No. Item cost
1 Entrance switch $ 10
1 110-volt reversing magnetic starter (GE, CR109) 70
2 Electronic resistance sensitive relay
(GE, CR7511-A126) each at $85 170
1 Pushbutton station (GE, CR2940) 20
2 Liquid level probe (GE, LP100A1) each at $15 30
5 Probe rods each at $3 15
Time clock - Time cycle 1 minute percentage
on-off (GE, TSA-14) 25
1 1/2-horsepower right angle gear reduction motor -
16.4 rpm (GE, 045822) 145
2 Limit switches (GE, CR9440-J4B) each at $27.50 55
1 Box for instruments 50
Drive chain and sprockets 15
Miscellaneous wire, conduit, and fittings, est. 50
Stilling well and platform, etc., est. 75
Limit switch racks, etc. not listed =
Total 730

Cost of transmission line to box not included in above.

KK KOK

"ANTI-ROLL BARS" ON TRACTORS SAVE LIVES

Agriculture leads all major industry groups in the number of acci-
dental deaths and ranks fourth in the number of disabling injuries.

Prominent among the causes are accidents involving farm tractors.
The North Dakota Highway Department recently decided something
should be done to stem the rise in the accident rate. As a result,
the Department installed "anti-roll bars" on all of its field mowers.
See Photograph No. 1 on the following page.

An "anti-roll bar" is a device constructed of 3-inch pipe welded in
a frame and mounted on a tractor, over the driver's seat as shown
in Photograph No. 2. Its purpose is to protect the driver in cases
where the tractor either tips sideways or backward. The welded-
bar frame is bolted to the frame of the tractor, Photograph No. 3.

21



higher, 6-1/2 cents per gallon in 1961 and 6-1/4 cents in 1962.
By way of comparison, the cost of gasoline for 1961 and 1962,
respectively was 13.38 cents and 13.3 cents per gallon, respec-
tively. A tax of 6 cents per gallon must be added, since such a
tax is paid on both gasoline and LP fuel.

Bids for fuel purchases are called for twice each year; and since
most of the fuel is used during the summer months, there is a
distinct advantage in purchasing as much fuel as possible at that
time. Storage facilities, of course, must be provided and those
should be of adequate capacity to take advantage of lower summer
fuel cost. There is also an advantage costwise by buying fuel in
larger quantities. Bulk purchase has saved 2.9 cents per gallon
compared with the purchase in 400-gallon lots.

Qne-half Ton Trucks

The mileage per gallon of fuel--11 miles per gallon--has been
found to be practically the same for both gasoline and LP fuel in
the operation of the half-ton trucks. However, the vapor remain-
ing in the 83-gallon LP fuel tanks makes exact mileage computa-
tions difficult. For instance, it has been found that after the fuel
gage registers empty, half-ton trucks have been driven as much

as 56 miles, apparently from the vapor remaining in the fuel tank.
When tanks are refilled, this vapor is pumped back into the storage
tank.

Available records for 1959 for six half-ton ditchrider trucks, show
a gasoline fuel cost of $1, 868.64, or $311.44 per unit. The LP
fuel equipped units used in the same water distribution districts
were operated for $862.86, or $143.81 per unit in 1962. Part of
this saving resulted from the need for fewer refueling trips. The
six gasoline-powered units averaged 158 trips to the gasoline pump.
The mileage driven to the shop for fuel--about 30 miles for a sin-
gle unit--was reduced from a daily basis in the case of gasoline-
powered units to about a twice a week basis for LP fuel-powered
units, depending upon how much LP fuel was used for weed burning.

An LP fuel-powered ditchrider unit, equipped for weed burning as
well as other duties, is shown in Photograph No. 2. There is a
distinct advantage of having the ditchrider attend to weed burning
in troublesome spots, such as weir pools, etc. This is conven-
iently possible with an adequate supply of fuel provided from the
83-gallon tank mounted in the truck bed. Accounting for the LP
fuel used in weed burning can be a cost factor that needs to be con-
Sidered in some States. In New Mexico, there is a State tax on
fuel for our vehicles. There is none, of course, on fuel used in
weed burning. Separating the costs with fuel supplied from a sin-
gle tank on a unit complicates the tax and fuel cost records. Pre-
sumably, this problem can be solved to the satisfaction of all
concerned.



Photo No. 2

Photo No. 3

18

water surface was main-
tained in this reach of the
canal to offset the effect

of the fluctuations on down-
stream canal gates. In
addition, the extremeon-off
flows from the siphons made
calculation of the amount of
water being wasted very
difficult.

With the installation of an
electric motor to power the

4- by 5-foot gate, Photograph
No. 2, and automatic controls,
Photograph No. 3, the fluctua-
tion on the canal was reduced
to about 0.03 foot, and it was
possible to lower the oper-
ating level of the water in

the canal about one-half foot.

The controls selected utilized
the electrodes or probes de-

scribed in Operation and Main-
tenance Equipment and Proce-

dures Release No. 32. Note

Photograph No. 4, there is
room behind the 4-inch probes
for a recorder inthe 24-inch
stilling wall. These were
used in place of the float
arrangement as described in
Release No. 20 and used on
the Columbia Basin Project.

The controls have been for all
practical purposes 100 percent
reliable with the only trouble
being a sticky microswitch.

By removing the motor-driven
chain, the gate can be oper-
ated as usual by a handcrank.
Limit switches also are pro-
vided to stop the gate travel in
the fully opened or closed posi-
tion.

Assistance with the wiring dia-
gram, Figure 1, was provided


Photo No. 5

20


common problem.

The cutting unit shown in Photograph No. 1, has been strengthened
by the addition of two 4- by 1-1/2-inch channels welded to the upper
side, parallel to the direction of travel. The tractor operator's
back is protected by a 1/4-inch steel plate. The underside of the
tractor is protected bya 1/4-inch steel plate welded to 2- and 3-inch
steel pipes which project out in front of the machine to carry rail-
road iron which serves as a bumper to knock down heavy brush and
saplings. The radiator and hydraulic system are also protected by
1/4-inch steel plate welded to pipe as shown in Photograph No. 2

Photo No. 1

15


Photo No. 5

--Safety needs to be stressed
handling the fuel should be train

the han-
in its use.

7


1 - Heat exchange

1 - Fuel strainer

1 - 12-foot length high pressure hose and 3/8-inch copper tubing
1 - 6-foot length water hose, 5/8 inch

8 - Clamps

15 feet C12E wire

2 - 3/8-inch tee pipes

8 - 3/8-inch nipples

1 - 3/8-inch tee, 3/8 by 3/8 by 3/8 flare type
6 - 3/8-inch flare nuts

2 feet fuel hose, 7/8 or 5/8 inch to carburetor
2 - 1/4-inch bolts, 2-1/2 inches long

1 - 1/8-inch pipe nipple

Eight-ton Trucks

The 8-yard trucks, Photograph No. 3, have averaged 5-1/4 miles
per gallon. These trucks are powered with 345-horsepower "V"-type,

Sea Taal ao

Photo No. 3

engines and arrive on the project factory-equipped for operation with
LP fuel and develop approximately the same horsepower as gasoline
engines. Records for the first year of operation of the 8-yard trucks

cs


a

power for "jack fabbit! Starts.
quipped with 16-i
] x

er, the adil ional \ weight
enaproblem. Often the
ed truck traction. Wet
The ditchrider trucks
if necessary, and

$232, 48 te © con-
eet
V 2 per
for conversion of the half eee eau: to

clude the following:


PX-D-37698

Photo No. 2

For further information, write to Regional Director, Attention:

Code 3-420, Bureau of Reclamation, Boulder City, Nevada; or the
Chief Engineer, Attention: Code 400, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver
Federal Center, Denver 25, Colorado.

ery close

N10

Gran
meas

16


9 conversion units and tanks 4 in 1961......... $ 929.93

4in 1962.. sees 932. 45

lin 1961......... 259. 00

500-gallon supply trailer and butane vapor pump. 417.00
Extra for factory LP engines for 8-yard trucks

($87 per UMit).. cece eee cece eee cece eee eenee 348.00

Saddle tanks, two per truck (8 tanks)........... 814.56

Tank installation on 8-yard truck ($34) ......... 136.00

Total ....... wee. $8, 392. 24

Comments

The estimated savings in fuel costs can be summarized as follows:

Total Savings:
4 - 8-yard trucks ..........6- sete eee eeeee $1, 026. 40
9 - 1/2-ton trucks....... . 1, 508. 67
Gradall and power unit... 307.00
Weed burner truck and power unit.. . 139.00
Savings of 2.9 cents per gallon LP fuel for
weed control, by buying in bulk in place of
400-gallon lotS we. seeeeceeceeeeeeseeceees 134, 80
Total fuel saving in 1 year ........... $3, 715. 87

In addition to the savings in fuel costs, there are other apparent
advantages to the use of LP fuel. Properly equipped LP fuel-
burning motors actually present fewer starting problems. An
accumulation of moisture appears to be a problem that does not
exist and dirty fuel problems are practically eliminated. The
unaccountable loss of LP fuel has been much less than gasoline.

It is believed that motor life will be extended at least 25 percent

by the use of the LP fuel. The savings involved by extending the

useful life of motors has not been evaluated, but this is a definite
savings in operation costs and can be more properly evaluated as
service records become available.

Vehicles can be fueled at the project bulk fuel storage facilities,
Photograph No. 4 in the next page. In addition, a 500-gallon
trailer equipped with a vapor pump, Photograph No. 5, is gener-
ally kept in the vicinity of truck operations. This cuts down truck
travel at fueling time. The 500-gallon tank trailer also is used
with the weed burner truck during the summer.



PX-D-37681

a
Method of

%>2
2
Attaching =



Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
RELEASE NO. 43

January, February, and March 1963

7 -

PX

CONTENTS
LP Fuel for Trucks
Maintenance Inspection Vehicle
Insulating Blowoff and Air Valve Structures
Using Airboats for Spraying
Thawing Frozen Waterlines
Bearing Noise Detector Device
“Bubbler’’ Gage Improvement
Brush Cutter
Jig for Drilling Holes in Check Guides and Headers
Automatic Gate Control on Boise Project
“Anti-Roll Bars’? on Tractors Save Lives


safe side racks to

permit personnel to
ride standing on \ the
pickup bed. € SO.

panels of p.
the heavy c

shelter from the
Metal wind and
deflectors are attached
ither side of the
ndshield and on either

side at the back of the
box.

a canal practi-
the entire w

Spected Stops are made
where closer examina-
tions are desired.

The inspection vehicle
also can be used to

advantage in checking
and developing annual
maintenance programs;
making an examination
of distribution systems;
and taking tours over
projects with the Board
of Directors.

Photo No. 3 KK KK

INSULATING BLOWOFF AND AIR VALVE STRUCTURES

ng used to protect equip
of the Foss Agueduct, Washita Basin Pr
he installation

voff structu
lowing page
and entran


EDITOR'S NOTE: The use of LP fuel on other irrigation projects
was discussed in the Irrigation Operators' Work-
shop held in the Office of Chief Engineer,
Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Colorado,
December 3-7, 1962. W. D. Parish, Manager,
Hidalgo and Cameron Counties Water Control
and Improvement District No. 9, Mercedes,
Texas, has stated that similar economies have
resulted from the use of LP fuel in operation
and maintenance of the irrigation system on the
Mercedes Division of the Lower Rio Grande
Rehabilitation Project. Additional information
can be obtained by writing Mr. Parish.

KKK KOK

MAINTENANCE INSPECTION VEHICLE

Each fall the major facilities on the Columbia Basin Project are
inspected by various supervisory personnel. The inspection group
varies in number from 7 to 10 people, which necessitates 2 sedans
for transportation. In addition to the inspections made at the var-
ious stops, it is very desirable to be able to view the channels,
structures, etc., en route between stopping points. Visibility
from a sedan as one travels along is poor at best, especially for
the people sitting in the middle or on the offside. Getting in and
out of the modern sedan is time-consuming and awkward, espe-
cially when heavy coats, overshoes, etc., are being worn. Con-
versation between stops also is limited to those riding in a par-
ticular car.

In order to overcome some of the above problems, it was suggested
that the inspections be made with the inspection group standing in the
back of a pickup.

The photograph at left
and those on the follow-
ing page show how a
pickup was remodeled
to provide a wind shel-
ter as well as a hand-
rail for support while
traveling.

The framework for the
# wind shelter is of 1-
inch reinforcing steel
bars welded together.
Attached to the fram
work is 1/2-inch p.
> board. T!



show that 3,070 gallons of LP fuel were used per truck. At a saving
of 8 cents per gallon for fuel per truck or $245.60, the yearly sav-
ing in fuel alone for the four trucks amounts to $982.40. There also
has been an apparent saving of oil of $44 per year. This total sav-
ing, then, is $1, 026.40 on the four trucks.

The factory equipped LP fuel burning 8-yard trucks were supplied
at an additional cost of $87 each, above the cost of conventional
gasoline burning equipment of the same capacity. Accordingly,
the total additional cost for the four trucks was $348.

Other Equipment

The Gradall and weed burning truck and the auxiliary equipment on
these units were furnished by the manufacturers equipped for opera-
tion with LP fuel. Other equipment purchased for the storage and
handling of the fuel, which was purchased in 5, 400-gallon lots,
includes:

1 - 6, 000-gallon LP gas 250-pound stress-relieved storage tank
with hemispherical heads, 66 inches O.D. by 39 feet 6 inches
O.A. or equivalent.

A set of LPG fittings, including a float gage and safety valves for
withdrawal.

2 - 18-inch-high metal saddles.
1 - 5-horsepower explosionproof 60/220 manual starter.
1 - 2- by 2-inch explosionproof flange LPG pump for loading or
unloading.
1 - Explosionproof electric 60/220 5-horsepower motor.
1 - 20-foot length - 3/4-inch LPG vapor hose
1 - 20-foot length - 1-inch LPG liquid hose
1 - 12-foot length - 2-inch LPG liquid hose
Clamp-type couplings for hose:
2 - 3/4-inch couplings
2 - 1-inch couplings
2 - 2-inch couplings
Valves:
1 - 3/4-inch valve
1 - 1-inch valve
1 - 2-inch valve

Initial Costs

The total cost involved in the preparation for the LP fuel operation
is as follows:

6, 000-gallon tank plus motor, pumps, valves,
hose, electrical connections, etc. ............ $4, 248. 30
Pump and tank installation ................0008 312.00



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19



1icles and e
a Gradall

A part of
hown in Photograph No.



y-Point ©
House / _-Heavy copper conductor

Ls ie Le] fa [2] 2-77 ateen these two private
/ ae woter lines

ta me----Water main, non-
conductive material

Sidewalks <<” Paved street

Private lines conductive material

mo

HOUSE :
“> Point D

waterlines for three residences the past winter, where a noncon-
ductive water main is used to supply water to a Government camp.
This operation was accomplished by clamping a heavy copper con-
ductor between House A's and House B's outlets on the main water-
line, as shown in the sketch on the following page. It saves digging
down through frozen ground to get an electric connection at Point C
to complete the circuit to Point D with an arc welder. By putting in
the heavy copper conductor, House A's faucet can be hooked up with
House B's faucet. Subsequent freeze-ups were then taken care of
without any additional labor.

KK KKK

BEARING NOISE DETECTOR DEVICE
‘suggestion R1-62-14)

This suggestion for detecting bearing
noises was made by Archie Ball, Tur-
bine Pump Mechanic, North Side Irri-
gation Field Division, Minidoka Proj-
ect, Rupert, Idaho.

The main purpose of the device is to
determine whether noise is in the top
thrust bearing or the bottom guide
bearing or in the pump itself. It is
very effective on deepwell pumps and
hollow shaft motors. The device is
made of a 1/4-inch welding rod and an
old telephone receiver. See photograph
at left and the sketch on the following
PI7-D-37686 page.

12


ration and Maintenance Equipment and

¢ January, February, and March 1961 con-
arting on page 8, on the use of "bubbler"

i ce elevation in rivers,

Red Willo
inates an 11
Superintendent
data from the
logical Surv
gages rather
State of Kansas and continu
make improvements in gage de-
sign.

__ The Geo-

The Survey now has
insulated case with tr
controlled heat lamps to eliminate
the expansion and ntraction of
the mercury in the modifi
"bubbler" gages used to rec
the water surface elevations of
reservoirs. The thermostat is
usually set for 120° F within
the case.

d

The photographs at left were taken
of the new installation made at Red
Willow Dam and were supplied by
R. E, Aldrich, Chief, Water Con-
trol Branch, Kansas River Proj-
ects Office, Bureau of Reclama-
tion, Post Office Box 737, McCook,
Nebraska.

The cases are trim and neat in
appearance.

In Photograph No. 1, the
Red Willow Dam in ¢t
tion is shown attacl
wall in the background.
stage recorder mounted ont the hands
railing, also, is shown.

Photograph No. 2, shows the case
in an open position with the
lamps mounted on a panel w
the case.

Photo No. 2 wes KOK KK

14



OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
Release No. 43

January, February, and March 1963

INTRODUCTION

The Operation and Maintenance Equipment and Procedures bulletin,
published quarterly, is circulated for the benefit of irrigation proj-
ect operation and maintenance people. Its principal purpose is to
serve as a medium of exchanging operation and maintenance infor-
mation. It is hoped that the laborsaving devices or less costly
equipment developed by the resourceful water users will be a step
toward commercial development of equipment for use on irriga-
tion projects in a continued effort to reduce costs and increase
operating efficiency.

This issue, Release No. 43, includes an article on liquid petro-
leum fuel for trucks, page 1; and an article on a maintenance
inspection vehicle used on the Columbia Basin Project, page 8.
Also of some interest although unusual in the Western United States,
is an article "Using Airboats for Spraying" describing operations

in backwater areas of Florida, page 11.

To assure proper recognition of those individuals whose suggestions
are published in the bulletins, the suggestion number as well as the
person's name is given. All Bureau offices are reminded to notify
their Suggestions Awards Committee when a suggestion is adopted.

Mr. C. R. Brandenburg, who with J. W. Hamm, both then of the
North Platte Projects area of the Bureau of Reclamation, calls
attention to an omission in the write-up of their joint suggestion

for construction of a 32-volt lighting system, page 5 of Release

No. 42. Mr. Brandenburg states that the 32-volt side of the trans-
former also is grounded at the neutral point making use of the lower
voltage system even more safe.

OK OK KOK

Division of Irrigation Operations
Office of Chief Engineer
Denver, Colorado



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Cover sheet. The North Dakota Highway Department decided
something should be done to stem the rise in accident rates due
to its motor graders tipping over while mowing weeds on high-
way rights-of-way. As a result, the Department installed "anti-
roll bars" on all of its field mowers. See article on page 21.
PX-D-37694.


Photo No. 1

Photo No. 2

More detail of the cover or
lid is shown in Photograph
No. 2.

Note that the edges of the
cover sections have been rab-
beted and that plywood rein-
forcement on the underside of
the lid has been provided for
the rope-lifting loop to pre-
vent damage to the insulating
material.

The polystyrene is easily cut
to size and can be readily
cut to fit around embedded
metalwork, such as the em-
bedded ladder rungs in the
hatchway walls.

The insulation work was per- *
formed by contract.

KKK KOK


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13