Supressor in Sipma Z-224 press not binding properly? Check out what to look out for
The Sipma Z-224 cubing press has been present in Polish fields for almost 50 years, and over that time it has become one of the icons of domestic agricultural machinery. However, despite its mature design, it has not yet made history, and thousands of copies are still in operation today.
Its undoubted advantages are known to most farmers, but many myths have grown up around its use and operating costs. For some, working with this baler is a nightmare, while other farmers praise it highly. The truth lies, as usual, in the middle, that is, in the case of the Z-224 press – inside. Among other things, it hides the unusual mechanism of the well-known for almost a century braid, which, thanks to its ingenious design, has remained in continuous use for many decades.
Its proper operation is based on the proper synchronization of the work of many components, so that this entire component, performing complex movements, captures, loops and cuts the string. Proper, long-lasting and, most importantly, trouble-free operation of the supercharger depends on its proper adjustment and regular service. However, even these steps cannot 100 percent prevent failures, because they do happen. Especially in older presses.
Another prerequisite for proper operation of the entire press is the use of high-quality replacement parts. The mechanically cooperating individual components of the supercharger wear out by wiping their working surfaces. This leads to the decalibration of the binding unit and, as a result, to the failure of the press at the most unfavorable moment for the user, namely during intensive work in the field.
Preventing sudden failures of the binding apparatus of the Sipma Z-224 dicing press is combined with its thorough inspection before harvesting. We can start it by examining the wear condition of the needle. There must be no burrs at the point where the string runs, and the condition of the needle insert should allow it to move freely.
Of utmost importance, the mounting location of the needle itself must ensure its stability at the maximum pivot point practically to the millimeter. As a result, the string it feeds is accurately captured and looped. Even a slight looseness on the needle attachment causes improper string feeding and, in extreme cases, the tip of the needle hitting the apparatus, breaking the needle and damaging the brace. Therefore, when inspecting, you need to pay attention to the condition of the circular mounting plane of the needle and the condition of the mounting screws. Even slight wear on the plane of its mounting contact qualifies the needle for replacement with a new one, and this is true regardless of its material.
When replacing a new needle, you need to follow the procedure for its proper installation. It is important to remember that the adjustment of a new needle must be done in several stages: both in terms of its alignment to the piston position and the distance of the needle from the string picker in the supressor.
However, in presses with a sizable mileage, it may not be possible to precisely adjust the needle relative to the shank due to the lack of repeatability of the adjustment measurement after a full needle movement. The reason for this is usually the supercharger itself, or rather, its mechanisms worn out during operation.
It can be difficult to assess the wear and tear of the bracket’s components without completely disassembling it. However, when you see signs of wear or small metal filings on its surface at first glance, you need to make a detailed inspection of the bonding apparatus. Experienced mechanics, initially assessing the condition of the apparatus, check the condition of the bushings and the seating of the pin securing the apparatus, which punches an oval hole in its body. A lot of wear and tear is also told by the braiding finger itself, including its seating and jaw opening that is too narrow and prevents the string loops from being tied properly.
Professional assessment of the working out condition of the supercharger’s components for repair should be based only on high-quality replacement parts. You may also find that the cost of individual components exceeds the price of a whole new supercharger. Again, it is worth choosing a component from a recognized manufacturer.
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