A hub on a plate, or what you should know about growing hubs.
Hubs are components that are commonly used in agriculture. They allow you to properly tilt the angle of the disc or adjust the aggregate or harrow to suit your needs. However, this is just the beginning of their wide range of capabilities. In this article, we write about why discs are mounted with hubs, what machines use hubs, and how maintenance and maintenance-free models differ.
Why are the plates mounted with maintenance-free hubs?
The discs are mounted with maintenance-free hubs because:
- The proprietary bearing hub and bracket at each disc allows the disc’s angle of operation to be optimally tilted with respect to the direction of travel and the ground,
- Separate attachment of discs by hubs will make it easier for you to replace and service individual working parts (hubs and discs) without having to disassemble other working parts,
- By selecting the right hubs and discs for your machine, you will adapt your harrow or cultivator to your needs and the conditions in which they will be used, among other things. cultivation depth, soil quality
- Separate attachment of each working section (i.e., among other things, hub and disc) with a handle equipped with rubber or polyurethane shock absorbers further protects these elements from mechanical damage during heavy-duty operation.
Hub design
The hubs are made up of an axle and a body, which is sealed with sealing rings, o-rings and washers. Their task is to protect the bearing inside. This is mainly about moisture and pollution, especially dust.
In which machines are hubs used?
The hubs are used in such agricultural machinery as:
- cultivation units,
- disc harrows,
- disc plows,
- stubble cultivators,
- forestry harrows,
- shell harrows,
- seeding units,
- seeders,
- Stubble cultivators (grubbers),
- hybrid units.
Maintenance-free and maintenance-free hubs – how do they differ?
A distinction can be made between maintenance-free and serviceable hubs.
Maintenance-free hubs
– do not need to be greased, reducing machine service time. They provide a high level of structural integrity, as they are equipped with additional seals that protect the bearing from dirt, dust, as well as water.- Maintenance hubs – require greasing, which does not reduce the machine’s service time. It is worth mentioning that they are cheaper to purchase than maintenance-free hubs, but generate higher costs when it comes to maintenance. In this case, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, and pay attention to the condition of the seals, which are sensitive to both weather conditions and mechanical damage.
Damage to hubs – what should be done in such a situation?
The hubs are constantly in contact with water, mud, as well as dust, which affect the condition of these components. This, in turn, makes it necessary to maintain and replace them from time to time so that the device can function properly. Failure to do so can result in breakdowns and repairs that are felt in your wallet.
Particularly dangerous for hubs and bearings is dust. In most cases, it is it (getting into the machinery) and seal failure that leads to the destruction of the bearings in the hub. However, we are aware that systematic monitoring of components can sometimes be difficult during intensive field work.
However, possible damage can be identified by the leakage of grease and oil from the hub. In such a situation, the bearing and body should be taken apart and cleaned, and then the seals should be replaced. Depending on whether you have a foreign or Polish machine, the repair costs will be different. In the first case, they can cost you about 200-300 PLN, while in the second case – 30-50 PLN.
Have you noticed any play on the hub? In such circumstances, it is worth investing in a new hub or buying a repair kit. As for the latter, in theory it may allow you to save a lot, but in practice you never know if you will be able to assemble that component the way it was assembled from the factory.
Summary
The hubs are used in many devices. You can choose between serviceable and maintenance-free hubs – the former require regular maintenance, while the latter do not. However, it is worth remembering that nothing lasts forever, and even maintenance-free hubs need to be replaced from time to time to ensure smooth operation.
