CONSTRUCTION
The PEAKPLUNGE is constructed of light weight, high grade steel. Framework is RHS section clad with sheet steel to form a water-tight tank. Walkway surfaces are non-slip perforated pressed sheet with ribs. Ramp floors are a unique pressed “step” profile to allow a comfortable grip by the sheep when entering or leaving the dip.
MOBILE
The PEAKPLUNGE is totally mobile and is fully self contained in the towing configuration. It is easily towed behind a car and is equipped with new rims and radial tyres. Any type of hub or wheel can be fitted to suit your requirements. The leaf spring suspension is rated at 1200 Kg and provides a smooth ride over the roughest roads. The unit can be maneuvered by hand and set up for operation in otherwise difficult locations if required.
SETTING UP
If required the dip can be set up by one person. After considering ease of sheep flow, access to water etc. the most convenient location is selected. The PEAKPLUNGE is detached from the towing vehicle after the front adjustable leveling legs have been extended and pinned. The rear of the dip is then jacked (with the high-lift jack supplied) and the two suspension sub-frame pins removed, the dip can now be lowered to the ground and leveled.
FILLING AND MIXING
With the 50 mm drainage ball valve closed and the cleanout bung plugged, filling can commence. If boggy conditions are likely, some packing may be required under each leg to prevent sinking. While the dip is filling the raps can be removed from their transport stowage under the central walkway and assembled in their correct locations. Chemical can also be added with care taken to ensure that it is properly mixed. An inlet port, positioned below the water level and below the entry point of the sheep, is provided for constant replenishment or for topping up. The turbulence created by the sheep entering keeps the liquid mixed plus their is no exposed stream of fresh mixture to enable splashing. Markers are provided on the inside of the dip which indicates each 500 litres of fall in the level. This eliminates guess work when re-enforcing or filling.
LOADING
The sheep enter the PEAKPLUNGE via an inclined 4 metre ramp which has a pressed metal “V” shaped base with the unique “step” profiled floor. The two sides of the ramp sheet metal and are removable for transport. The entry end of the ramp can be raised to any desired height eg loading from a woolshed door. A separate catwalk with a non-slip surface attaches to the dip beside the loading ramp and enables complete operator access to the sheep and the dip. When the sheep reach the top of the loading ramp they enter an enclosed 90 degree curve with a sloped, slippery floor angled towards the wash, when they reach this point they are unable to retreat. The entry point is covered to contain any splashing when the sheep drop in.
SATURATION
As each sheep emerges from the covered entry area, the operator standing on the central walkway is well positioned to provide at least two required “dunkings” using the provided forked rod by pushing their heads well under the surface. If required greater saturation can be achieved easily by this operator pushing the sheep rearward as well as down forcing each sheep to remain in the wash longer. The inside walls of the PEAKPLUNGE are smooth with no protrusions allowing ease of sheep movement.
EXIT AND DRAINING
After completing the swim the sheep find their feet and walk up the outlet slope dripping wet. Slow movers can easily be reached and prodded by the operator if necessary. The forward view and non-slip stepped slope encourages the sheep to walk down and away. Excess wash which drips from the sheep is drained into a flat tank at the base of the ramp and can be pumped back into the dip. Various sized tanks can be used here, larger optional sizes can be used for mixing as well as drainage.
SAFETY
Safety rails are provided to prevent injury should an operator misplace their footing. The chance of slipping is eliminated through the use of purpose designed, pressed and pierced non-skid sheet metal on all walking surfaces. Excess water on all walkways are drained off. The design, layout and operating procedures reduces the chance of pesticides splashing on the operators.
PACKING UP
On completion of dipping the remaining wash is drained through the 50 mm ball valve or pumped out for safe disposal or for further use at another location. The remaining sludge and dirt on the bottom can easily be flushed out the plug hole which is located on the floor of the tank at the front. The PEAKPLUNGE can then be raised firstly at the rear and the suspension pinned, then the front. Ramps are also dismantled, the sides clamp on each outer side of the dip, the ramp bases and the catwalk slide in the back under the central walkway, all fittings need to be secured for transport.