Replacing zerks on aerator

kavery · Aug 15, 2010

I recently bought a Turf-aire 36" Heavy Duty 3pt aerator. It weighs in at about 600 lbs and easily sinks into the ground. Each of the spike wheels has its own grease zerk, the wheels appear to be cast iron, but I am not sure. The zerks are press in, not screw in. I pulled 2 of the zerks out the 1st time I greased it. I am looking for any advice on getting the zerks back in. I have tried several times unsuccessfully. There is not much space between the wheels and it seems impossible to get enough force on the zerks to push them in. I am hoping I do not have to disassemble the entire thing and put them in a vice.

smstonypoint · Aug 15, 2010

You can buy self-tapping zerks -- I bought a pack (1/4-28") from Fastenal. I'm not sure about other sizes.

Steve

kavery · Aug 15, 2010

Ok I don't know much about zerks. Is there a tool to put on self tapping zerk? If so how big is it? I have very little room to maneuver between the wheels. Also will the self tapping zerks work in cast iron? It seems harder/ more brittle than steel.

leonz · Aug 15, 2010

the box end wrench size that fits the zerk flats-5/16? should be fine if you do not have room for a quarter inch drive socket to fit it.

If the fittings came out when you greased it, the clearances are extremely tight and will be difficult to get grease to flow.

I think you are in for a long fight this winter to remove each roller/penetrator and tap each fitting hole with the proper fiting OR use a turbine oil in a grease gun to lubricate it after reinstalling the new fittings- word of warning be sure the length of the fittings threads is less than the shoulder it is installed on other wise it will be wedged against the tube the aerotor rolls on.

Ii bet if you change to a very light turbine oil it will be fine as the clearances are the issue.

smstonypoint · Aug 16, 2010

leonz said:
the box end wrench size that fits the zerk flats-5/16? should be fine if you do not have room for a quarter inch drive socket to fit it.

<snip>

I think it would go a lot easier for you if you can use a socket.

Steve