PMC-H8/TB  Aquatic Weed Harvester Information Cutting  Capability and Head Design The  H-8 Aquatic Weed Harvester has an 8-foot wide by 5-foot deep cutting ability and a 200-cubic foot storage capacity. All cut material is conveyed from the front  to the rear of the harvester and can be off-loaded with the adjustable-height  rear conveyor.  Cutting, conveying, lift and propulsion system speeds are easily adjustable for the harvesting and handling of different density materials. The  bottom-cutting bar is equipped with rock guards so if the cutting head is run  aground or into a foreign object the cutting blades are protected.  Incorporated into the head suspension frame design is a shock-absorbing feature.  In the event of an accidental ramming of the head, the shock to the head is adsorbed  eliminating or reducing damage to the head or its suspension frame. Flotation  and Hull The  draft is 8 inches when empty and only 12 inches when fully loaded.  This shallow draft allows maximum harvesting to be achieved in shallow areas as well as trouble free launching and loading.  The hull is fabricated of heavy gauge steel  and has 5 airtight compartments for safety and durability.  There are 8 lifting  eyes located around the perimeter of the hull allowing multiple lifting options. Coatings and Plating All  painted surfaces are coated with the highest grade of marine paint and non-skid deck pads are applied to all walkway areas.  Conveyor and cutter drive  components are plated with a nickel plaiting and conveyor belting is available  in stainless steel or galvanized.  The bearings and the engine are coated with a clear corrosion inhibiting marine coating. Power  Pack and Hydraulic System The  power plant is a water-cooled 42-HP Kabota turbo charged diesel known for its trouble free service and longevity.  The cutting, conveying, lift and propulsion systems are hydraulically powered using standard industry pumps, control valves, cylinders, bearings and motors insuring dependability and availability of  parts.  All hydraulic piping is stainless steel and the use of hoses has been  kept to a minimum to reduce maintenance.  With a fuel capacity of 12 US gallons and hydraulic fluid capacity of 21 US gallons, a full day of uninterrupted  operation is possible. The hydraulic fluid used is one of the most  environmentally friendly and is biodegradable. Propulsion and Steering Propulsion and steering are accomplished through dual and independently reversible paddle wheels controlled by a single joystick.  This system gives the operator a very  articulate and accurate steering system. Because the paddle wheels are  independently reversible, a zero radius turn can be achieved.  This allows the ship to turn around within its own length. The paddle wheels fully retractable, which is used during transportation and docking. Operator Controls and Instrumentation Cutters, conveyors and lift functions are controlled buy a seven segment lever handle style valve and manual flow control valves for speed control.  The engines RPM  is controlled by a twist type throttle allowing full range adjustment of engine speed.  Instrumentation includes hydraulic oil pressure, engine oil pressure, water temperature, voltage and a glow plug timer light. Trailers There  are two styles of H8 trailers manufactured.  Tilt and non-tilting style.  The H8 trailers are designed for multi-purpose use.  First as a means of transporting,  launching and loading the harvester.  Secondly as a cut weed disposal vehicle. Both styles have their own self-contained hydraulically powered full-length conveyor system.  This allows harvested cuttings to be off-loaded from the harvester onto the trailer and then power conveyed off at another location.   This feature of the trailer allows shorter disposal times and personnel to be  optimized.  The trailers have tandem axles, pentle style hitch, electric brakes,  full-length conveyor and a 10,000-pound electric winch for harvester handling during the loading process.