Overhaul Videos

TEAR DOWN

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 02:59:00 -0800

The first step of an overhaul is to totally disassemble the cotton picker unit. The parts are placed on dedicated buggies for that particular head. Each buggy goes to a different section of the shop where the parts are inspected, repaired or replaced. At the end of the overhaul, all the parts meet back up with the cabinet for final assembly.

BAR SECTION - SPINDLE ASSEMBLIES

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:58:24 -0800

The most labor intensive part of an overhaul is in the bars. In our shop every bar is totally disassembled so that each bar, shaft, nut and spindle can be inspected. With the spindle assemblies disassembled, each spindle is reviewed for wear. This is done by projecting the profile of the spindle onto a large screen. The remaining life of the spindle can then quickly and objectively be assessed. Each spindle nut bushing is then gauged for wear. The nuts with excessive wear are sent to our rebushing machine. These processes allow customers to purchase only the replacement parts necessary. We do not do automatic replacement of parts unless requested to do so by the customer. The parts that passed the inspection and the new parts then go to the assembly machine where each assembly is given new dust collars.

BAR SECTION - BAR REPAIR

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:57:21 -0800

The first step in the bar section is for the bar to be inspected for cracks which reveals the fatigue caused by worn sleeves, journal heads and/or cam tracks. The bar is then straightened where any bend has occurred. Once the bar is confirmed to be in good condition, sleeves pass inspection or are replaced, the bottom bushings are either ground or replaced, and bar taps are installed to improve wear.

BAR SECTION - DRIVE SHAFT

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:56:37 -0800

The drive shaft machine helps our mechanics to quickly replace the worn gears while keeping those that are usable. As always with an R.M. King Company overhaul, only the parts that are worn out are replaced. The customer can rest assured with the flat overhaul rate, the overhaul cost is not increased by these services. Once the drive shaft is repaired; the completed spindle assemblies, bars and shafts are assembled and await final assembly.

DOFFER & MOISTENER SECTION

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:55:17 -0800

R.M. King Company was among the first to introduce the polyurethane doffer to the industry. With this experience, we take pride in providing our overhauls with the R.M. King doffer. When new doffers are not necessary, the doffer assemble is put on our multi disc grinder to obtain proper spacing. Similarly, each moistener column is repaired. This typically entails straightening and realigning the column. When necessary, a new holder is attached to the existing column. R.M. King Company also provides one of the industries best moistener columns and moistener pads.

PARTS DEPARTMENT

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:54:23 -0800

The parts department handles all the parts that are not part of the bars, cabinet, doffer or moistener. There is a complete checklist the mechanics go through to ensure that everything is thoroughly inspected. Not only are the parts reviewed to determine if they need replaced, but the parts' condition can reveal symptoms of problems in other sections of the machine. The gearbox is completely disassembled and seals are replaced while examining its components. When the mechanic is finished, these parts meet back up with the cabinet for pre-assembly.

CABINET

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:53:47 -0800

One of the most import aspects of a complete overhaul is aligning the cabinet. This ensures the doffers have maximum contact with the cotton to prevent wrapping on the spindle. During a severe plug up, it is possible to bend the frame of the cabinet. This will result in the bars rotating on a different plane than the doffers and moisteners. When this occurs it will manifest itself in wrapping cotton on the spindle even though the bars are shimmed correctly. Special attention is given to the bottom of the cabinet by adding wear plates. These plates are replaceable and protect the base plate in high wear locations. Our welding shop then repairs all the remaining sheet metal parts and preps the cabinet for final assembly.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:52:25 -0800

After all of the components have passed through their respective sections of the shop, one of our senior mechanics assembles the machine. This is a great opportunity for the mechanic to review the work which took place during the overhaul. With the machine assembled, all of the final alignments are made. The last step in an overhaul is to run the machine. The unit is connected to a drive shaft which runs the picker head at 1/4 speed. This provides one last check in confirming the quality of the work.