OP
Chain Bender
Silver Member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2011
- Messages
- 249
- Tractor
- Kubota L3200
Chainbender, it's been my experience that the two bolts in the picture above need to be somewhat loose to allow for limited flexing when the disc harrow is being pulled. I didn't read this in any of your posts, but it seems like maybe you are thinking these two bolts should always be tighted down as tight as you can get them? I think they should be a bit loose. Now, if they are loose, and you are having to loosen them even more to adjust the gang angles, then that is a problem. If the plates are too tight, maybe you could try adding a couple of fender washers under those plates? That should let you snug those two bolts up (but not all the way), yet still have some space in there to make it easy to adjust the gangs.
As for those two cleats that are welded too close together, maybe you could look at having two new plates made (with cleats) but have the cleats welded on so there is a little more distance in between them? One shouldn't have to do that on a brand new harrow, but you've already started down this path of fixing it yourself so that might be an option.
Honestly though, if you leave those two bolts a little loose and start using the harrow, the usual wear should start giving more clearance and make things a bit easier to adjust.
XXXXXXXX
I agree that the bolts need to be slightly loose. If they are tight that compresses the flanges into the adjustment/center rail and all movement ceases. But, if I loosen the existing bolts enough to allow movement, the bolt is too short and only runs about 1/2 way into the nut. That won't last long and the nut will work it's way off and be gone.
I've resolved the issue with a temporary fix. I think some nylon insert nuts should cure it now that I've moved the gangs out and put longer bolts in it. But I still reserve the right to say the wrong bolts/nuts are being used in the original configuration.