Wolf, Jerry . 2010. T&D Snippets—Blower Clears Established Firelines in Hardwood Forests Without Disturbing Soil. 1025 2S03. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program.
Blower Clears Established Firelines in Hardwood Forests Without Disturbing Soil
By Keith Windell and Greg Burkhart
Clearing established firelines with a straight blade mounted on a dozer removes the upper layers of soil. Employees can use backpack leaf blowers to reduce soil loss, but only when the leaves or needles are dry. High-volume, self-powered leaf blowers and sweeping attachments are available, but they don't have the specialized ducting and nozzles needed to deal with rough terrain.
This report describes how Missoula Technology and Development Center modified a blower and manufactured a flexible blower chute. The UTV was reinforced with pieces of steel before securing the blower in the vehicle's bed. The UTV-mounted blower reduces the hours needed to clear established firelines. Not only does the blower help managers control cost, it helps protect valuable soil.
Keywords: Buffalo Turbine, Cyclone KB3, equipment development, erosion, fire fighting, firefighting, leaves, needles, prescribed fires, safety at work, soils, UTVs
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