 Chebanse, IL..... | I assume you're asking about the Pit Stop Pro?
I believe JD no longer makes it. But, I think when we bought it several years ago it was about $13,000. The electronics of it are controlled by the JD monitor. It just needs a constant flow hydraulic to run the latches & cylinder that moves the assembly up & down the trolley. Shut the hydraulics off once the wagon is attached, or detached, whichever the case. It really works on the same principle as the JD sprayer quick fill, or a military in-flight refueler.
It has "foolproof" mechanisms and safety switches. You can't unhook the wagon from the cab with the hose attached. It won't allow it. You also can't attach the hose until the wagon is latched..COMPLETELY!!! The hoses now ride with the wagons. Not on the bar. The wagon tongue has a support bracket for transport. The hose is held in there by magnets initially, but then there are manual locks to be put in place to hold the hose in the support bracket. Tank hauler guy closes the farmer valve before transport. When hauler unhooks the tank in the field, he/she opens the farmer valve so it's ready for the applicator. The hitch is one of those German truck hitches that snaps in. I did find it best to NOT lube the pin in the hitch that drops & pulls the wagon. Grease would allow dirt to build in the hitch & prevent the pin from moving to the complete LOCKED posiiton, so then you were unable to couple the hose. Again, it's a safety feature. Anyway, keep the dirt out & It slams shut like it should.
Another "safety" is built into the trolley latch. If the tank hauler guy forgets to remove the mechanical transport latches, the hose will not couple. No strain on the system.
Hoses have a mandatory "replace by" date.
Again, I will never give it up. Some guys like winches, some cameras, but this trumps all I think. Yes, I do have a camera on the rear of the bar to watch trailer hookup or unhooking. Works well.
When transporting a tank behind the applicator, Illinois Ag law says the tank hose can NOT be coupled (think big accident up by Chicago). But, you can pull it down the road with the farmer valve off and the hose in the transport support on the wagon hitch. When we go down a highway, we avoid pulling a tank at all with the applicator. |