My Attempt at Guage Wheels

JasonL · Oct 13, 2005

Just an update-- I tried out my guage wheels last evening. They worked well, but I definitely need some steel washers to go between the rubber ones and the spindle yoke. I don't know how much adjusting of the wheels I'll be doing, but I really like the ability to pull out the rubber washers and move them. A few more minor tweeks and I think I'll have it. Then they need some paint, and I'll take some final pictures. I'm also working on a grapple setup so have several projects going at the same time.

djradz · Oct 18, 2005

Jason, a couple of last suggetions. Many people don't bother making adjustments on the wheel spindles once they've got the blade set about where they think it will work. Instead, all they do is lengthen or shorten the top link, for minor changes in height. The further the wheels are mounted behind the spring teeth, the more effect this has on the height.

Also, you may want to try covering the bearing joints with silicone caulk, sort of as a seal. Yes, I know it needs to move, so I'd put a little oil (to serve like a mold release agent) so the caulk will stick to only one surface, and slide on the other. I think you'd be amazed at how well a "cast-in-place" seal can be made this way. When you pump grease in the zirk, in general it will ooze past, but it will keep most of the dust out of the grease and bearings.