Keep Gang Assemblies Tight
□ To ensure proper function and maximum durability, the axle nuts should be checked and
tightened daily during the first (7) days of operation when the disk is new or after replacing any of
the gang components.
□ Loose axles may bend or break or cause damage to other components of the gang assembly.
Maintaining tight gangs is necessary to ensure maximum bearing life.
□ A loose gang assembly is evident when some disk blades stop turning when disking or turn at a
different speed than other disks on the same assembly.
□ To tighten the axle without removing the gang assembly
from the disk:
To minimize the possibility of thread damage, clean out
the cavity between the inside of the nut and the flat milled
surface at the end of the axle. After using compressed
air or a pressure washer to remove as much material as
possible, pour or spray a light oil or penetrating fluid into
the cavity.
Unbolt and remove the nut locks from
the end washers on both ends of the
axle.
Loosen but do not remove the bolts
holding the bearings to the bearing
standards.
Place one wrench on an axle nut to
prevent the axle from turning.
Use the other wrench and an
extension (i.e. 4 to 5 foot length of 2”
pipe) or a sledge hammer to tighten
the axle nut on the opposite end of
the axle. Tighten the nut to
approximately 2000-2200 ft/lbs.
Retighten the bearing bolts.
If the gang is excessively loose it may be necessary to completely disassemble the entire assembly
and clean the mating surfaces between the spools, bearings, end washers and disk blades.
□ If it is necessary to remove and disassemble the gang assembly, use suitable lifting devices and
supports to prevent injury.
With the disk lowered to the ground, first remove the scrapers and then unbolt the bearings from
the bearing standards. There are four 1-1/4” x 5” bolts holding each gang assembly to the gang
bar. Once the bolts are removed, raise the disk high enough to either roll or pull the assembly
from under the disk. Block the gang to prevent it from rolling. Remove the nut locks from both
ends of the assembly. Use one wrench to keep the gang from turning while using the other
wrench to tighten the nut at the opposite end of the assembly.
It may not be possible to properly tighten the gang if dirt, grit or debris has built-up between the
components. In this case remove a nut from one end of the axle, slide off the end washers,
bearings, spools and disk blades. Thoroughly clean the mating surfaces between the
components and reassemble on the disk gang (see assembly section). Clean the threads on the
axle and in the axle nut. Apply an anti-seize compound to the axle threads and reinstall the nut.
Tighten the nut and reinstall the nut locks. Place the assembly under the disk and bolt to the
gang bar bearing standards. Occasionally turn the gang while tightening the bolts to check the
gang turns freely. Retighten the bearing bolts after the first 10-12 hours of operation.
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