*Apologies for the sound quality*
Basic tools needed:
Airgun
Extension Swivel-socket
27 Left, 27 Right blades
3 end blades
72 nuts, 72 bolts (Blade amount, bolts, and socket sizes vary depending on machine)
Safety glasses
Ear protection
The first step is to detach the roller bar and lift the machine onto jack stands. Next, lift the screening tines and secure them so they don’t fall on your head while you’re working.
When we refer to left and right blades we’re speaking about which way the blade curves when viewing the machine from behind while attached to a power unit. A right blade indicates that the blade attaches to the left side of the rotor shaft but the cutting edge veers to the right. Conversely the left blade attaches to the right of the rotor shaft but veers left.
Attach one right blade then attach one left blade. If that is confusing just take one blade off, match it to a new blade then install the new blade. What is important to remember in both cases is that the rotor shaft spins in a clockwise direction so make sure that each blade will strike the ground with the tip. Also it is important to elaborate since the sound quality was lacking in that part of the video; make sure you’re using stock Rotadairon bolts and nuts with each blade. There is such a thing as metal fatigue and reusing 20 year old bolts that have just as much wear on them as the worn blades you’re replacing increases the likelihood of loosing a blade during operations.
Some of our customers have tried to source alternative bolts and they usually end up burying a few blades once the machine is back in operation. Protect your investment by using the bolts designed for the machine. For additional security, tac weld each nut to each bolt.
You might be wondering how often you’ll need to change your blades. That depends. In which type of soil are you tilling? If you’re tilling in sand it is literally sanding down the blades as you work and may wear out faster than in clay or rocky soil. We’ve had blades last 10 years. Others have lasted 20.
Again, don’t forget to secure the screening tines so they don’t fall on your head when you’re working.