The bearings on the Lemken Terradisc (latterly Smaragd 9) levelling discs need regular attention, but, should you fail to do the necessary, this article will certainly come in useful. Here we look at how to replace a dead bearing and weld a new hub pin in place.
The first primary cultivators with two rows of winged tines were launched over 30 years ago. Lemken was at the forefront of developing this type of straw incorporating harrow when it introduced the Terradisc, though it was quickly joined by a gaggle of others all featuring the same format: tines with wide working wings at the front for loosening and mixing, followed by concave discs working at an angle that mix and level.
It is the latter that can cause a spot of bother if not properly maintained. If the bearings do not get sufficient grease, then they will eventually eat away at the stub axle to the point that replacing just the bearing is not going to cut the mustard. The only long-lasting remedy is to fit a new stub, and, to make the job somewhat easier, Lemken sells the bearings and axle pin in a kit.
While most farmers will not shy away from replacing a worn bearing or seals, taking the angle grinder to a machine requires a different level of certainty. The main fear is the discs are positioned at a specific angle, and this means that the new stub axle needs to be welded at that angle. So to enable you to get the job done properly we contacted the seasoned engineers at Lemken, who helped us to produce this guide.
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