Disks loose on tandem disk

[Alan L.]

When I put up my tandem disk today I decided to go ahead and grease the bearings. When I did I discovered that on one of the gangs all the disks are loose, like the whole thing needs tightening. However when I try to tighten the big nut at the end of the axle, it seems tight and I only succeed in turning the whole thing.

Anyone have any idea what the problem is? I greased everything last week and have used it maybe 6 hours since then. I figured if bearings went out the axles would just lock up and not turn.

This cheap Tractor Supply disk only has maybe 25 hours on it.

 

[beenthere]

A picture would help, of the kind of disk you have. I can think of possibly a broken spacer between the disk blades (usually cast) that might be causing the loose blades on a shaft that the nut is still tight. I've had it happen, and its not the end of the world, but a nuisance to repair. If you are still able to use it, then I would discount the shaft down the center being broken, as the disk would likely fall apart and lay about the field. Sounds like you are still able to use it?

Wish you luck in finding the problem and getting it fixed.

 

[rdln]

try a 6 foot pipe added to the wrench.

I hate those things they use round axles
same a my leinbach POS.

 

[RonR]

If you really want to tighten it (and I'm not sure it would hurt anything if you keep running it this way), AND if there is access, you could swing as hard as you can about a 15 # sledge on the other end of the shaft. That might drive enough slop out of the system to allow the nut to tighten......

Just my two cents.........
Ron

 

[KiotiJohn]

If you succeed only in turning the whole thing, sounds like you need to be holding something else with a wrench. Try spraying all the nuts with PB Blaster and wait for a while to make sure rust is not binding it up. That is, if you can see that there are still some threads left to tighten down on. Check the good gang and see if there is some difference between the two that is obvious, something you may be able to correct. Have you packed the bearings completely with the grease? Absoulutely full? Unless you find some obvious reason, I can't imagine why one gang is loose and the other not. Good Luck, John
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You know you have a real tractor when shifting your body wont improve it's traction.)</font> Steve, everytime I read your signature I have to laugh to myself as the memory of my first few days on my new Kioti come flooding back to me. I was working in an old retention pond, cutting cat tails with the bush hog. I'd get a little stuck and caught myself shifting over the side where the wheel was giving way. Of course, it didn't help as it would have on my LAWNMOWER! LOL. John

 

[Alan L.]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll try to get a picture posted tomorrow.

Sounds like I need to try to grab hold of the thing somehow to try to stop it from turning, and then try to tighten it. The number of threads showing seems similar to the other gangs, and overall it looks the same.

The thing I guess is somewhat usable, but seems like it could do some damage if I keep using it with the disks wobbling an inch or so. I just seems like if it was tighter, it would fix the problem.

So I wonder whether to try to take it apart and look at it or try to tighten it. I guess I will try once again to tighten it.

The gang has a bearing on each end with four disks. Each bearing has 2 grease fittings. I pump grease in them until it comes out the side. Takes alot of grease for all 16 fittings on the plow.

 

[sweettractors]

Hello Alan--You can probably tighten the gang several ways--Here are a few: 1--Drop the disc into the soil as deep as you can and try tighting with a long wrench (maybe a pipe wrench) by hitting it with Big shop hammer--2--Use a air impact wrench--3--Take off nut and put a extra spacer behind the cast end washer and then retighten--IF YOU DONT HAVE ANY LUCK WITH 1-2-3 THEN--4--Tear the complete assembly down and check for any broken parts, replace and reassemble--We probably have replacement parts. If you get to that point give us a call at 270-528-3323 or email us at sweet@scrtc.com and we will try to get you going--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New First Choice Grooming Mowers and Roto Tillers in Stock*

 

[Alan L.]

Here is a picture of the front left gang, the one that is loose. It was pitch dark out behind the barn, so its a little dark....

 

[Alan L.]

Here is the nut that won't tighten any more. Its out on the end of the gang.

 

[Alan L.]

Another try at the bearings.