Duck weather continues with some puddles having expanded to lake size for the ducks. None have reported for work yet, however, and we don’t anticipate any human workers either.
Now is a good time to tell about one extraordinary piece of equipment being used on the site. It is the scraper. Bob Wallace, the site manager for Maxim Crane, said that the machine is not made anymore—too expensive and of limited use. The one Maxim Crane has was purchased from a company that took part in the Mt. St. Helens clean-up after the May, 1980 eruption. The machine was filled with gray ash and was disassembled for cleaning when purchased. It was then transported to this area The scraper weighs 186,000 pounds. When it is scraping dirt it usually requires the extra power of a bull dozer, especially on inclines. In the photo of the blog entry for Ap. 21 you can see the dozer behind it. After the scraper has its bed filled with dirt it trundles away to where the dirt is to be spread. There it opens the bed and spreads the dirt. Fascinating to watch! What is even more remarkable to this lay observer is how maneuverable this big piece of equipment is. The operator can make obtuse angle turns-- almost breathtaking to watch especially on the coarsely crumpled earth. The above photo is a sort of portrait of the scraper.
1 comment:
The scraper is an amazing sight to watch. Years ago at the beginning of my career I had the opportunity to be on-site continuously watching the scrapers move earth. The sharp turns that you mention spurred me to report the drivers for recklessness (it seemed to me that they would tip over). After a brief conversation between the project superintendent and the scraper drivers, they went about their work again - still making the hair-raising turns.
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