Any machine that has moving or rotating parts requires routine maintenance to ensure that it performs at optimal capacity. This is especially true of size reduction equipment which has grinding elements that will wear over time. Schutte Hammermill equipment is very ruggedly constructed and with proper routine maintenance will remain in service for many years to come. To achieve this, we recommend periodic inspection of all wear parts.
Periodic inspection and replacement is necessary for components that will wear. To avoid costly downtime, we recommend that one set of each of the following components be kept on hand.
Inspecting and replacing wear parts:
Hammers
Important to Know:
- Depending on the application, hammers will be either 2-way or 4-way reversible, indicating the number of rotations possible before replacing.
- Hammers should be rotated when the cutting edge is well rounded and the machine is not at top efficiency.
- Hammers should always be replaced in factory balanced sets.
When to Replace:
- Replace hammers when both/all cutting edges are rounded.
- Replace hammers when there is a noticeable imbalance of hammer edge wear on any (or several) individual rows.
Hammer Rods
Important to Know
- As a best practice, hammer rods should be inspected each time hammers are rotated or replaced.
When to Replace
- Replace hammer rods once they become grooved.
- Replace hammer rods if they exhibit any taper wear near end caps, lock nuts or other affixing device.
Screens & Bar Grates
Important to Know
- Screens, or bar grates, are a key factor in determining finished particle size.
When to Replace
- Replace screens when the perforations become elongated or when there is a hole larger than any two perforations (screens)
- or bar edges become rounded (grates).
Wear Plates
Important to Know
- Wear plates are commonly used on equipment processing hard and/or abrasive materials. These replaceable components protect the mill housing, extending the life of the machine.
When to Replace
- Replace wear plate when they show signs of thinning. Earliest signs of thinning will be seen around the bolt heads. It is critical that the plates be replaced prior to the wear-induced release of any bolts.
Bearings
Important to Know
- Bearings carry the load of the rotor and can wear out over time. It is recommended that they be replaced in pairs.
When to Replace (or otherwise perform maintenance)
- Replace bearings if they give off excessive heat,
- the outer ring begins to spin,
- the bearing shows signs of vibrations within its housing,
- or if the bearing emits unusual whines or squeaks