To our Valued Customer:
This safety bulletin is part of an ongoing effort to provide quality service and support for all Alliance Machine Systems International, LLC products. If you need assistance or more information, please call Gary Kneale, Field Service Manager, at 509-535-0356 and select Option two.

Description of Issue

The extendo of the Electric Mini Feeder (EMF) is attached to the mainframe at two main pivot point locations. Two jack screws (one operator side and one drive side) are attached to the extendo as well as to the upper portion of the mainframe.  We have been notified of an incident involving the failure of one or more Extendo attachment points.  Alliance recommends inspections of the following items:

• Main pivot bearing housings
• Connecting pin between extendo and jack screws
• Connection between jack screws and upper portion of main frame
• Timing of the two jack screws relative to each other.

Discussion

Alliance has determined that all EMF machines covered by this document should have the above mentioned items inspected.  If you received this notice then your machine is covered by this bulletin and Alliance is asking you to perform the following inspections/procedures.

Recommended Action

Alliance recommends that you take the following actions as soon as possible after receiving this safety bulletin.  Please call Gary Kneale, Field Service Manager, at 509-535-0356 and select Option two if you need assistance or more information.

• Lower extendo to lowest position.  Place 4’ level across the extendo above the “end of extendo tampers”.  The extendo should be level.  If not, please call Alliance Field Service at 509-535-0356 and select Option two.
• Retract extendo to shortest position.  Lower extendo to lowest position.  Support the extendo (7,000 lbs.-3,175 kgs.) on jack stands for bolt removal/replacement described in Step 9 below.  Lock out the machine according to Operator Manual procedures.
• Inspect the two main pivot points, one on either side of the machine.  The pivot point bearing assembly consists of a 4-bolt flange bearing as well as a stub shaft welded to the extendo.  Inspect the cast housing of the bearing for cracks.  Check that the flange bearing bolt torque is 57 ft-lbs (77 Nm)

 

• Inspect the two lower end jack screw connection points, one on either side of the machine.  Verify that the pin connecting the lower end of the raise/lower jack screw to the extendo is in place and secured.  Some designs use two snap rings to capture the pin; others use a flat bar.  Ensure that whatever capture technique that is used is in place and secure.   Visually inspect both the pin and the mounting ear for wear. 

• Inspect the upper jack screw connection points.  Remove dust cover.  Verify that all parts are tight and all bolts in place.  Verify that there is no visible wear of the bronze bushings in the mounting bracket.  Verify that there is no steel-to-steel contact between the ears and the mounting bracket.  Check for wear spots, exposed steel, bronze dust, etc..

 

• Verify the spacing between the bracket and the shaft mounting ears is .22” (5.5 mm) as shown below.  

 

• Verify the torque on each of the 8 M12x1.75 screws that connect the mounting bracket to the main frame cross member is 57 ft-lbs (77 Nm).

 

• Replace each of the 4 M12x1.75 screws that connect the shaft ears to the motor adapter plate.  Use Loctite #242 (blue) and torque each to 57 Ft-lbs (77 Nm).  Use Class 8.8 (Grade 5) socket head cap screws, 30 mm long with flat washer and lock washer (screws and washers supplied by Alliance with this bulletin).  Insure that both the flat washer and lock washer are installed with each screw.

 

• If any wear is noticed on any of the inspected parts, or if the assemblies are not as described or pictured, please contact our Field Service department for more information.