Question about disk axle. square vs round

[pharmvet]

I have 2 disks. My john deere has large round axles. I refurbished it over the past year. Because the axle is round, I deduced that the side pressure from the spacers / spools keep the disks from rotating around the axle.

Now I am refurbishing a disk with square axles. There are small grooves in the axles where the blades tried to turn on the axle and scored it. The hole in the blades is not square but rather a strange pattern. Someone suggested to me that the blades were "universal" and made to fit several different axle shapes. Anyway, to my question:

Are blades on square axles kept from spinning primarily by the tightness of the spools on either side, or by the the shape of the axle?

Is it worth welding up the notches in the axle and grinding them smooth again, or is it best to purchase new axles? Also, can you get American Made axles? if so where? thanks

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Axles should be tight enough that the "stack" holds itself in place regardless of axle type.

I'm betting the "universal" fit blades you're talking about have what is best described as an "8-point star" center hole. Those fit both 1" and 1-1/8" square axles, as well as 1" round. I've put square holed disc blades on round axles, as well as using those "universal fit" types on round or square. So long as the axle is torqued VERY tight, it makes no never mind ......

In "a perfect world" scenario, you'd have exact fit on each type. We all know it's not quite a perfect world.......

 

[art]

Axles should be tight enough that the "stack" holds itself in place regardless of axle type.

I'm betting the "universal" fit blades you're talking about have what is best described as an "8-point star" center hole. Those fit both 1" and 1-1/8" square axles, as well as 1" round. I've put square holed disc blades on round axles, as well as using those "universal fit" types on round or square. So long as the axle is torqued VERY tight, it makes no never mind ......

In "a perfect world" scenario, you'd have exact fit on each type. We all know it's not quite a perfect world.......

Ditto!

 

[gwdixon]

Is it worth welding up the notches in the axle and grinding them smooth again, or is it best to purchase new axles?

I welded up the "notches" (actually turned the square axle into a round at the blade contact) with hardfacing rod. Seems to be working just fine. However, the gangs have not been removed or inspected since the repair so it is conjecture on their condition.

I'll post an update in 10 years.