Trailer Tire WEAR PROBLEM on a WM 40 Super

[Tom]

I know you already know this but I have to say it.   

The way a WM is built, the coupler is on one side of the mill and the axle is set at an angle, intentionally, so that it trails in the lane rather than across the middle line.

That doesn't mean that somethng isn't screwed up, but, don't fix the wrong thing.

[Gilman]

I don't think it is over/under inflation.  The wear is on one edge only of each tire. 

Yep Tom,  I measured the distance from the center of the ball coupler to both tires and they are within 1/2 of an inch.  I can't get much more accurate without more work due to the hydraulic box being in the way.

I the photo, I was trying to point out that the axle isn't perpendicular to the tire.  Ignore the axle frame and the mill frame and just look at the tire compared to the round axle.  Doesn't look right to mee. I did the same visual inspection to the loader side and the tire looked perpendicular to the axle.  I might be seeing things but the operator side tire being out of square to the axle could account for the 1 7/8" of toe.

I can't find any visual signs of structuaral damage that I might have done to the axle to cause this.  It might be time to set up the mill, way off the ground and drop the axle.

I just don't have the time for this in the next few weeks.  I HATE seeing the tires wear like this.

I do appreciate everyone's input in helping me fix this problem.

[Furby]

Maybe.............
The rims are bent from messing with some biguns
Jack it up and spin the wheel.

[Stump Jumper]

i can see the hub is not inline with the axle tube not welded on strait .

[Gilman]

Stumpy,
That's kinka what I'm thinking.  I'm going to have a trailer repair shop look at it and give me their opinion.

Having a good idea of how much force it would take to bend the shaft, I don't see any signs of such an impact.  When sawing this winter at the local sawmill, the forklifts were never on this side of the machine.  I also kept the wheel on it so I wouldn't walk into the studs with my delicate shins.  Thus, there should be some signs on the tire & rim of being struck.

I'm still being open minded of why it's out of alignment and how to fix it, but I'm thinking I got a special order Dexter axle, the 5200# lemon axle.

[Gilman]

Thanks again for all the input.

I decided this morning to just take the mill over to Woodmizer, Portland.  I showed them the problem and their techs were great.  The tech helping (sorry forgot the name) went and talked to Ken Barton, the Portland manager about the problem.  The tech came back out and got me a new axle assembly.



I'll replace my axle assembly with this new one and return the defective one to Woodmizer.  They are going to send it back east and see if WM can figure out where the problem came from.

Another satisified WM customer. 

[Buzz-sawyer]

 

[submarinesailor]

Outstanding!!!  Good for you and WM.

Bruce

[Duncan]

Stopped by gillman's shop yesterday and looked at it.  Boy is it crooked.  Glad to hear that WM is changing the axle, but I would probably request that they do a big job like that over at their shop since it is resonably close to him?  What do you think Dave?  That way you won't have to deal with going back and forth shipping ect.


??

[Rockn H]

That's what I was thinking.  Since the axle kit is premade for a WM it wouldn't take 10 min with an impact wrench and a jack.  And would cut out a lot of running back and forth.

[bitternut]

Don't know why you think an axle needs camber. I know they sell them with a bend but seems as though they do that so they can make the axle out of lighter material.

I welded up this 6 x 12 single axle trailer including the axle. I used schedule 80 pipe for the tube with 3500# spindles and 5 leaf heavy duty springs. This trailer carries a full cord of green split wood with ease and the tires show no sign of wear with a couple thousand miles on them.

Seems as though that axle was  wrong from the start. Don't know how you could bang into something to cause the problem without some other damage being visible. I think they should replace and install a new axle package if it was defective.

Here is a picture of mine hauling a skidsteer. Just slightly overloaded. I think I need to weld up a larger trailer with dual axles.

[beenthere]

 
Read post #25
Been done already by WM

[bitternut]

Glad to hear they stood behind their product. Wish I had one parked in my barn. Maybe someday.

[sparks]

Gilman I'm suprised they did not put it on for you. If the axles is defective we cover it parts and labor. If they are close to you and you don't have time to do it, run it over there and they can.  A lot easier to do with a forklift that's for sure.   Thanks

[Gilman]

Got the new one on.  It's really a two man job.  I sure am glad that I have a forklift. 
It tracks straight now too

If I were to do it again, I would ask WM if I could help them install it.