Anyone have access to a 30+ ton puller?

vetteboy

NAXJA Forum User
Location
morganville, nj
We've got this gearbox at work with a big coupler on it, and it ain't coming off. The biggest puller in our shop is ~17 tons and we have a high-flowing oxy/acetylene rosebud torch (with twin fuel tanks)...the combination of these two tools with a BFH isn't working.

Our shop is located in Somerset, NJ...if there's anyone in the area who's got something they wouldn't mind renting (I could pick it up), or if you'd want to come give it a shot, it'd be greatly appreciated and we'd be willing to pay for it as well.

This is about the biggest thing we get here, and this is the only one that's ever been a bitch, so rather than buy a huge and expensive paperweight I figured I'd see if there's someone on here we could help out first...

Pic below, I can get dimensions if needed.

gearbox.jpg
 
I use to make pullers out of 1” or ¾’ plate, ¾” B7 all thread, and a 30 ton port-a-power. Load up the puller then stat heating form the outside in. The important thing to remember is to heat the part fast, you want the part being removed to expand before the shaft start to heat up and expand. You may need to use 2 rosebuds to heat it quickly. If the shaft gets hot the part will never come off. If the part does not move before the shaft heats up, you must let the whole assemble cool then start over. Good luck!
 
How much would a new coupler cost?
Cut it off.
Or notch it with a cutoff wheel to relieve tension, pull off with your small puller.
Weld repair the coupler before re-installing (provided the customer is OK with that!)
 
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