Tailwheel pin bent, needs repair

[tmc_31]

Hey guys,

The other day I noticed that the tailwheel caster pivot shaft on my Rhino SE7 rotary cutter was bent. I took it off this morning and the bend is right at the bottom of the pin where it attaches to the yoke. Should be an easy fix, just heat it and bend it back.

The other thing I noticed was that the fit between this shaft and the caster pivot tube that it swivels in was very loose. I miked the shaft at 1.2455" O.D. (I think the original shaft nominal diameter was 1.250") and the pivot tube at 1.29" I.D. This is a little over .040" difference. Since the shaft still has paint on it, I am concluding that the wear is in the pivot tube. My question is how much clearance is normal?

Would it be better to cut the tube out and replace it or cut a bushing to fit down inside it?

Regards,

Tim

 

[tmc_31]

Ha,

Rosebud and a BFH! How to fix a bent pin

Tim

 

[George2615]

I'd probably do either of your suggestions of replacing the tube or making new bushings. Can't say if that wear is normal clearance or not. There has to be some clearance so you can grease it.

I never had that problem but did fix a friends rotary cutter tail wheel. He had backed into a tree and bent the arms that hold the pivot tube. I used a 4' pipe wrench with a cheater pipe slid over the handle to straighten the arms back up.

 

[Sportsman762]

The tail wheel is a low tolerance area. What you are seeing for tolerance is just fine.

 

[tmc_31]

Thanks Sportsman, I put it back together and filled it full of grease. We will see how long it lasts.

Tim