August 15, 2014

In a few posts including July 17 2014 I explained how I hold sloppily machined parts from the constant loosening.  Instead of using the supplied set screws I use hardened bolts and tighten them until the heads snap off.  The problem with correcting weak links on a machine with dozens of them is the failure happens at another weak link. 

Today’s failure fell in between 3 strengthened weak points.   The Husqvarna Blue Bird Bed Bug was being used as a dog fence wire installer.  We were using an experimental blade provided by the blade manufacture. So far this blade has been free of the bending and breaking of the Husqvarna supplied blade. This failure was the 3/4 inch mild steel drive shaft that broke at the blade mounting hub.  With our broken bold fix of the hub and the sprocket this is the next weakest point.  On most other brands the blade drive shafts are made of reinforced 1” steel, while Husqvarna Blue Bird only uses ¾ inch steel. 

We were able to save and reuse both the hub and the sprocket for only one reason; our tightening procedure kept both parts from loosening and wearing.  Cost of the repair was about $60.00 including the labor. 

  

However the customer refused to use our back up machine and blamed the breakage on our poor maintenance.  He might have felt differently if he knew the Bed Bug’s drive was rebuilt 2 rentals ago.  I would classify this customer as one who will never be back.