Tiller need info to set bearing lash for Long pto tiller model 1537

[dalesimms]

I bought a Long pto tiller model 1537 and it turns quietly, but had some wiggle when I picked up and down on the end of the tine shaft. I could see the movement was coming from the two main bearings supporting the tapered shaft so I decided to put new bearings in it. I also found the bearing up front at the pto input was pitted and replaced it too along with all related seals. I am sure the parts are correct.

After the rebuild, I used 10 ft/lbs torque on the nut over the pto shaft to load the bearings securing the pinion gear/pto shaft and tighten the two side threads to load the main tapered shaft bearings until I had .007" backlash when wiggling the ring gear and pinion together. It felt firm and new and then I hooked up pto shaft and turned assembly with my tractor and it sounded good.

After installing the two tine shafts on the tapered shaft, I turned it again with the pto ahd got a good bit of vibration along with a slight (what I would describe as grinding) noise. I took the tine shafts off and it was quiet again. My Cousin said the lash was not set right. I removed the tines again and we set the lash to .015" and it seemed to be a little bit more vibration after that. I could use any advice I can get as the proper lash and load on the main shaft as well

 

[leonz]

I bought a Long pto tiller model 1537 and it turns quietly, but had some wiggle when I picked up and down on the end of the tine shaft. I could see the movement was coming from the two main bearings supporting the tapered shaft so I decided to put new bearings in it. I also found the bearing up front at the pto input was pitted and replaced it too along with all related seals. I am sure the parts are correct.

After the rebuild, I used 10 ft/lbs torque on the nut over the pto shaft to load the bearings securing the pinion gear/pto shaft and tighten the two side threads to load the main tapered shaft bearings until I had .007" backlash when wiggling the ring gear and pinion together. It felt firm and new and then I hooked up pto shaft and turned assembly with my tractor and it sounded good.

After installing the two tine shafts on the tapered shaft, I turned it again with the pto ahd got a good bit of vibration along with a slight (what I would describe as grinding) noise. I took the tine shafts off and it was quiet again. My Cousin said the lash was not set right. I removed the tines again and we set the lash to .015" and it seemed to be a little bit more vibration after that. I could use any advice I can get as the proper lash and load on the main shaft as well

I wonder if the ends of the tilller shafts are worn enough that you wil be unable to preload the bearings as you have done as the vibration still occurs?

Perhaps you should have the end stubs measured with a micrometer to examine the existing wear? comparing them to new ones.

It may be time to replace the tiller shaft halves do to normal wear and tear UGH!!!!

 

[dalesimms]

Long no longer makes this tiller and parts like the tapered shaft are pretty much unavaliable. I had to use a hyradulic press to both remove the old bearings and install the new ones. outside the rear end assy the tapered shaft is in good condition. Keyways located on the tapered shaft are about a half inch wide and the tubes that slide onto the tapered shaft and actually hold the tines are in good condition.

 

[leonz]

Hello Dale,

My only other suggestion is to have spacers made to take up the backlash unless this bearing is inexpensive enough to purchase a set of bearings with
slightly wider width.

Are there/were there flat washers/spacers between the castle nut and the bearing cup?

Is /are the tab washers that hold the castle nuts in place still in good condition?


Perhaps it will be better to eliminate the adjustable bearing and replace it with a standard open bearing and eliminate the issue of backlash adjustment altogether?

 

[dalesimms]

before the rebuild the assembly turned very quietly and smoothly. There are no washers or spacers between the castle nut and bearing and the tabs are in good condition. Since I have tried changing the load on the main bearings I wonder if the load on the pto shaft bearings are correct when using 10 ft/lbs to load them. Do you think this would cause the slight grinding noise and moderate vibration? This only seems to happen after the added weight of the tube with tines is mounted onto the tapered shaft.

 

[leonz]

Hello Dale,

If the bearing is too tight they will grind. Is this bearing an oil lubed bearing or a greased bearing? You may have to switch to an axle weight of grease and pump it full every time you use it as it sounds as if the grease is much too thin.:thumbsup:

 

[dalesimms]

three of 4 bearings are lubed by the 90 weight (which includes the roller bearing directly supporting the pinion gear.

The bearing at the upper end of the pto shaft is above the lube level and is lubricated by grease and isolated by seals on either side of the bearing.

I guess I will have to experiment with how tight to get the pto shaft bearings and also the main shaft which is driven by the ring gear (those have the threaded castle nuts with built on tabs