Combines got the rotor out and in

Old_Pokey

Guest
Thanks for posting the follow up. Glad to hear you had only minor problems. I'm surprised the plywood did'nt work, but thats one of those variables that has to be delt with on the go, so to speak. So now that you got it back together, is it better balancedIJ
 

west_illini

Guest
so far seems alright. like I said, I have the elephant ears at the local welding shop. The previous owner rebuilt them by welding 3_8" keystock along the outer edge where the wear occurs. That keystock is 50% worn off so am having the local fabricator replace the stock. Should have a good edge on it again. Alot cheaper than new ears. He will try to balance them as closly as possible I also have new chrome wear plates too. I am anxious as to the difference in productivity in the machine with all the work I have done. Will find out in a couple weeks.
 

m

Guest
If you got the rotor out and it is an older machine you would be crazy not to replaced the front bearing. It is only a 60 dollar part and can be replaced a lot easier now than in the middle of busy harvest. Ours just went out and we had an afx rotor put in but they didnt replace the bearing. This was a lot of wasted time spent for what could have been saved by 60 bucks just my 2 cents though
 

west_illini

Guest
You really go me thinking last night so I am going ahead and replacing it this morn while the feeder and RT were of. I have the old one out now, just waiting on Dad with the new bearing. I could see a little play_ wobble in the old one when lite pressure is applied. THanks
 

swede

Guest
Congratulations on a successful RandR without getting hurt.Those rotors are heavy and bulky enough that you don't want one out of control. My only comment-I hope you took the time to inspect the interior of the cage for bent,worn etc.vanes.The best time to do it. Good luck with your machine.I know you've been through a lot.Hope it runs like a new one this fall.
 

west_illini

Guest
Thank you for the words of encouragment. Yes I did inspect the vanes. All were good. THey measured 3_4-7_8" on the short side. I called the dealer and they said new ones were 1" on the short side, so I am good to go. My only problem now is the balance of the rotor. I have the elephant ears off and it wants to settle to one side all the time. While out I did a VERY thorough cleaning of the rub bar mounts for dirt. (also I found a curved cyl. bar that was cracked and have a replacment on the way.) After installing the rebuilt bars last year I had this problem I added a pair of bolts with 2 thick washers each where a straight could have gone (butnot being used) It helped but it would still rock. It wasn't real noticable until 1000 rpm, that was why I wanted to pull it out. I can hear a bean rolling around inside (I did see one small hole from a foreign object) Regrettibly now, I didn't take it to get it balanced, but it is getting close to harvest and time is getting tight with several other projects and obligations (will be in Austin, Mn for the National Barrow SHow, for those nearby) going on at once. Things need to be wrapped up. I did find 3 large belts that wouldn't have lasted long and a couple bearings that I wouldn't have found bad if I wasn't stareing at it for so long. I will let everyone know how the ole girl runs in a couple weeks.
 
 
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