Problems With New Idea 456 Round Baler Solved

Problems With New Idea 456 Round Baler Solved BALERS Balers 22-4-39 Sandy Jackson, Etowah, Tenn.: "I had a problem with my New Idea 456 round baler breaking bearings and shafts on the main roller at the bottom. The problem was that the 1 to 1 1/2-in. shaft on the right side (from rear) wasn't long enough. The sheet metal would flex under load and allow the bearing (or bearing shaft) to move to the left out of the bearing holder. I broke 2 or 3 shafts and bearings. "I solved the problem by making the shaft 4 to 5 in. longer and adding an extra bearing. I installed a plate on the outside of the baler, then transferred the bolt pattern for the bearing holder to the plate and countersunk the bolt heads. Then I added a flange bearing with a bearing lock and set screw. The lock keeps the shaft from moving from side to side while the plate makes the assembly more rigid. Since the shaft was made longer, the sheet metal on the side of the baler had to be slotted vertically, the same as on the other (drive) side. This makes it easy to install with a floor jack. "I also found out that the belts on the newer 486 balers are the same length as on the older models. I wasn't satisfied with the narrow belts on my old model so I ordered some 11-in. wide belts for the new baler. To install them I removed the bar with the dividers, cut the dividers off, and welded enough back to locate the wider belts. It now works much better and should last longer."

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.