Need help repairing disc harrow

[Mitigator33]

These are only a month or so old. I was going to work a plot and caught a tree. It bent what looks to be the rear axle.

How do I fix it? See pic.

 

[sweettractors]

Take the axle out and heat and straighten it. If it breaks, we have new ones. Ken Sweet

 

[HCJtractor]

A very common occurance. As Ken stated, you have to remove the whole axle from that gang. I find it easier to just replace it. They are fairly cheap. This would also be a good time to inspect all your discs in that gang to make sure there are no cracks.

 

[Mitigator33]

I have a machine shop that does a lot of work for me. We are going to take it by there to see if it is repairable or worth repairing.

 

[kebo]

I bought a new axle (1"OD I think) for a Leinbach harrow at the hunt club a couple years ago and it was about $29, as I recall. Not too terribly bad.

When you do get it all back together, MAKE SURE YOU GET THE NUT TIGHT again! Check it frequently the first few times you use it. Nothing worse than the nut coming loose, then the disc starts wobbling, then it eats up the threads on the axle shaft.

 

[allenr]

It happens.

Like Kebo said - get it tight and recheck it.

I've done it often enough that I eventually made a guide for each gang - works well.

 

[Mitigator33]

What is all involved in replacing it. I just ordered a new one for $30. Is it as simple as slide out and slide new one in or are we talking more involved?

 

[kebo]

Yep, with a normal straight shaft the discs and spacers will start dropping out as you slide it out. You might take some pic's, or use a marker and number the pieces in order so you know how it goes back together. Of course, the other side of the harrow should be identical, so that might be your best reference to make sure you get everything back together in the same order.

The only problem you might have is with the axle shaft being bent so bad, it might be difficult to get the last spacer and disc out. You may have to get your sawzall out and cut the bent shaft, or do some grinding? Hope not!!

When you put the new shaft in, use some grease to help everything go back together easier. And as I already mentioned, tighten the crap out of it, and then tighten it some more. With everything back together, the new axle and discs should spin freely by hand with no wobble. Be sure to check it again with wrenches after using it a short while. Would hate for you to gall up a new $30 dollar axle, like the numnuts did at my hunt club because they were too lazy to re-check it. Good luck!

 

[Mitigator33]

I have a sneaky feeling Murphy's Law will set in on me. Thanks for the help will post results. Probably be a few weeks.

 

[HCJtractor]

Allene, that guard is a great idea! I may have to copy that. As far as replacing the shaft, I would have it on my tractor so I could lift it to be able to remove the individual discs. Using jack stands for safety if you don't trust your hydraulics. Then after reassembly lower it into the ground so the shaft won't spin as you tighten it. Periodically check all nuts for tightness. You can do this by striking each gang with a piece of steel and listen to the tone. A tight gang will ring like a bell. Having a helper makes the job easier! It's also a good time to check the bearings

 

[brcisna]

mitigator,
Just curious. Do you have any idea what you hit / run over to bend the disc axle like this? it looks from all the paint still on discs,,you have barely used the unit?
Equiring minds want to know. Sounds like you are about set to make the repair on the disc. Good luck.

Take Care,
Barry