locking collar failure

[tattooman]

My front left axle came out while plowing. My frame was pulled apart. My break band was ripped in half. My sprocket was all chewed up. I ordered a new sprocket and break band from r.I. I also bought four and was given two split 1 1/4" collars. They fit perfect up against the bearings on the inside of the machine. I welded the frame back together and installed new parts. I feel much better knowing that the new collars are on my machine.

[Dave Smith]

Ouch, that had to hurt. Backing up the bearings with split collars sounds like a very good idea.