Pipeline padding machine elevator self-cleaning system

A pipeline padding machine elevator self-cleaning system, comprising:

• a steel mounting plate;
• an adjustable spacing fixture;
• and
• an engaging part mechanism for cleaning material build-up;
• wherein the steel mounting plate is available with a bolt-pattern designed to fit pipeline padding machine elevator flights;
• wherein the adjustable spacing fixture sets the height, length and angle of the engaging part mechanism;
• and wherein the engaging part mechanism clears away and automatically removes built up clay, mud and soil between the elevator flights and the elevator side walls with the upwards direction of travel of the elevator flights.

A pipeline padding machine elevator self-cleaning method, comprising:

• installing a bolt-on mechanism onto an elevator flight plate;
• configuring a directed engaging part mechanism;
• adjusting a spacing fixture to position the directed engaging part mechanism into the built-up mud, clay, soil, and other debris in the channel space between the elevator flights and the elevator side wall;
• and
• self-cleaning the excess build-up with the movement of the elevator flight drive mechanism;
• wherein the bolt-on mechanism fits the padding machine elevator flight plate bolt pattern;
• wherein the directed engaging part mechanism is configured depending on observed soil conditions and machine operation;
• and wherein the padding machine is able to operate for longer periods of time without stoppage for cleaning.