Checking the gates
Gates should be checked as part of troubleshooting.
To visually check the gates:
When the drafting gates are closed and the saloon gate is open (straight race), all gates should fit within the profile of the structure. No gate should protrude into the race.
The left and right draft gates should fully open without colliding. There should be <10 mm (1/2") clearance between gates.
The rubber gate stops and top buffers are designed to prevent stress on the tie-rods and cylinders. All gates should make contact with the rubber gate stops and top buffers when the gates are opened and closed. Both parts of the saloon gate should make contact simultaneously.
Adjusting the gate pistons
In rare circumstances, e.g. if the gates have been knocked, they may become mis-aligned. Over-extending the gates could strain the system and cause damage, while limited movement may prevent gates from functioning properly.
They gates can easily be adjusted so that they reach their full range of motion. The process is the same for both parts of the saloon gate and the left and right drafting gates.
To adjust the pistons:
Loosen the nut at the end of the piston rod using two 19 mm wrenches.
Rotate the bearing at the end of the piston, moving it in or out to make the adjustment:
Once the bearing is in the desired position, tighten the nut against the bearing to lock it in place.
Apply thread locker e.g Loctite to help prevent the nut loosening over time.
Adjusting the air cylinders
The four air cylinders can be adjusted to change how fast they open and close the gates and the cushioning at the end of each stroke.
To adjust the air cylinders:
Find the adjustment points on the cylinder:
Turn the speed screw to control how quickly air flows from one chamber to the next. This affects how fast the cylinder extends and retracts. Turn the screw clockwise to reduce the speed or anti-clockwise to increase the speed. You will feel one click as the speed screw is turned. Test and adjust the speed of each cylinder until the desired speed is achieved.
Use a 2 mm Allen key to turn the cushioning adjuster. This affects how much of a ‘soft-close’ the gates have. Turn the cushioning adjuster clockwise to increase the cushioning effect or anti-clockwise to reduce it. Test and adjust the cushioning until the desired effect is achieved.
💡We recommend turning the cushioning adjuster all the way clockwise to the end of its travel (do not force). Then turn it one and a half turns anti-clockwise. This is usually about right or at least a good starting point.
You may also be interested in: