Auger Drives & Bit Maintenance: The Secret to Efficient and Reliable Performance
Efficient heavy machinery equipment is essential for construction crews, but finding your equipment working less efficiently can be frustrating. Often, this decline in performance is a result of neglecting routine maintenance. Neglecting to service your auger bits can lead to decreased efficiency during jobs and potentially damage your equipment, creating an unsafe work environment. In this guide, we’ll explore why and how you should service and maintain your auger bits for optimal performance.
Why Proper Maintenance Matters for Your Auger Drives & Bits
Key Maintenance Tips for Your Auger Bits
Preventive maintenance can extend the lifespan of your auger bits and keep your construction projects running smoothly. Here are some essential maintenance tips to follow:
Checking the Vital Oil Levels
Regularly monitor the oil levels in your auger Drive’s transmission box, performing this check every 40 hours of operation or every 30 days, whichever comes first. If you hear unusual noises from the transmission box or notice it becoming excessively hot, this may be due to overheated oil.
Low oil levels in the gearbox can result in the gearbox seizing up during operation. To address this issue, inspect the top of the transmission for any signs of leaking oil, particularly around the bottom of the output shaft. If you identify any problems, replenish, or replace the transmission oil as needed.
Always consult your operator’s manual when working with your auger drive to ensure it operates within the correct specifications.
Inspecting the Flexible Drive Shaft
For auger drive models equipped with a flexible drive shaft, conduct inspections every 50 hours of operation. This involves checking the shaft housing for any damage and examining the rubber casing for tears. Small tears can often be repaired using shrink tubing or duct tape, but extensive damage requires replacing the entire housing.
Inspect the core for broken wires or kinks, replacing damaged components as necessary. Refer to the owner’s manual for guidance on cleaning, greasing, and disassembling the drive shaft.
Some manufacturers recommend using white lithium grease for lubrication, capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid standard lubricants, as they can degrade quickly, increasing the risk of drive shaft damage. When applying grease, be careful not to use excessive amounts, as this can accumulate on the flex shaft, potentially causing overheating and shortening the shaft’s lifespan.
Ensuring Clutch and Throttle Efficiency
Make it a habit to check the clutch for signs of wear every 30 days. Clutch issues may not be immediately evident, but a worn-out clutch can result in suboptimal performance when engaging the auger or when it needs to operate at full speed.
If you observe clutch slippage, inspect the drum and shoes, cleaning or replacing the padding as needed. The throttle regulates the engine’s speed and power, so ensure it operates correctly to prevent the auger from turning when the engine is idle.
Some auger drives come with a throttle bracket assembly. Verify that the bracket fully engages before the lever bottoms out. If binding occurs, adjust the bracket clip slightly and recheck.
If your auger drive doesn’t have a sliding clip, ensure the bracket’s moving arm pulls away from the governor’s arm when the throttle is fully engaged. At idle, the moving arm should push against the governor’s arm. Before using the drill, examine the throttle cable and the bracket assembly for signs of broken, stretched, or discolored clutch springs or clutch shoes, replacing them as necessary.
Don’t Forget the Blades on the Auger Bits
The effectiveness of your auger bits diminishes if the blades (or flights) and points are worn out. Regularly inspect the blade’s sharpness and replace it if it becomes dull or worn. If your auger bit requires new blades or points, refrain from using it until you’ve replaced these components. It’s a good practice to keep replacement parts in stock for swift replacements, minimizing downtime.
The Importance of Torque Tube Examination
High-quality auger drives often include torque tubes, which help reduce the impact when encountering rocks. This feature ensures that the drill remains under control, enhancing safety for both the equipment and the operator. Torque tubes typically require low maintenance, but it’s essential to inspect them for any cracks before use.
Additionally, check the spring-button attachment system to ensure the button is securely fastened. If the spring-button attachment system is damaged, replace it to avoid losing pins and bolts from the drill.
While it may seem tedious to check these details before each operation, these maintenance practices can prevent significant expenses and equipment downtime. If you have any questions about auger bit maintenance or are considering purchasing a new auger bit, don’t hesitate to contact Solaris Attachments today at (888) 754-3609 or visit us at https://solarisattachments.com
By investing in maintenance, you not only ensure your equipment’s longevity but also maintain a safe and efficient work environment. Reach out to Solaris Attachments for all your auger bit needs, from maintenance to purchasing new bits.