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 gates
In rare circumstances, e.g. if the gates have been knocked, they may become loose and noisy. They can easily be adjusted. The process for adjusting the gates is the same for both parts of the saloon gate and the left and right drafting gates. Each gate must be adjusted at the top AND bottom of the gate.
We recommend using 22 mm and 30 mm crow foot spanner attachments on a torque wrench for an accurate torque measurement:
However, if this is not available, you can use 220 mm (7/8") and 300 mm (1') spanners and apply force. Instructions are provided for both methods.
To adjust a gate:
On the bottom of the gate, hold the locking nut and loosen off the outside nut.
On the bottom of the gate, hold the locking nut and tighten the retaining screw with the crow foot spanner to 20 Nm (14 ft-lb) [or 7 kgf (15 lb) with a 300 mm (1') spanner]. This will set the pre-load and remove any gate movement.
On the bottom of the gate, hold the locking nut and tighten the outside nut with the crow foot spanner to 150 Nm (110 ft-lb) [or 50 kgf (110 lb) with a 300 mm (1') spanner]. This will hold the gate tightly in the gudgeon.
Repeat steps 1-3 on the top of the gate.
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