If there is access to a flat surface (garage / shop floor, saw horses with plywood, etc.),
Method 2
makes the alignment / installation of the modules quite a bit easier. The completed
sub-assembly can then be lifted on to the pole and tightened in place.
Method #1
Attaching Gimbal to Pole
•
Place Gimbal on top of pole.
•
Orient Gimbal so that the welded channel “leans”
towards
true
south (adjust for magnetic declination).
•
Tighten bolts to 60 ft-lbs torque in turns to insure both
are tight.
Installing Axle
•
Install bolts in the order shown.
•
For purposes of installation, tilt the axle in
the shallowest position.
•
Bolts only need to be lightly tightened for
rack assembly.
•
After assembly is completed, tighten the
5/8” bolt to 75 ft-lbs, and the 1/2” seasonal
adjustment bolt to 30 ft-lbs.
Inner Axle
•
Install Inner Axle and tighten 3/8” bolts
enough to keep it in place.
•
The position of the Inner Axle will need to
be adjusted when installing modules.
Installing Bearings
•
Install bearings as shown. Note the mounting
side of the bearings faces outwards.
•
While holding the square welded nuts with
either a 1” open-end wrench or adjustable
wrench, tighten 5/8” bolts to approximately 40-
50 ft-lbs.
•
The bearings are designed to swivel and may
not look “square” with respect to the axle.
