Technical Repair Guide: Servicing a Lemken Plough's Mouldboard and Shares

Welcome to our knowledge center! Today, we're diving into the intricacies of repairing a key agricultural tool that is vital for farmers worldwide: the Lemken plough. Our focus will be on servicing the mouldboard and shares, crucial components for the effective operation of a plough. This guide is tailored for mechanics at John Deere dealerships who also represent brands like Lemken, Kuhn, and Kverneland, but it's a valuable resource for any technician in the agricultural machinery repair field.

Understanding the Lemken Plough

Lemken is renowned for its high-quality, durable, and innovative agricultural tools, and its ploughs are no exception. The mouldboard and shares are essential parts of the plough, responsible for cutting through and turning over the soil. Proper maintenance and timely repair of these components are critical for optimal plough performance and longevity.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before we begin, ensure you have the following tools and materials ready:
- A full set of wrenches (including a torque wrench)
- A hammer
- Replacement shares and mouldboard (specific to the Lemken model you're working on)
- Grease and lubricant
- Cleaning rags
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles)

Step 1: Inspection

Start with a thorough inspection of the plough, focusing on the mouldboard and shares. Look for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. It's essential to identify if the mouldboard is merely worn or if it has structural damage. Similarly, inspect the shares for any cracks, bending, or excessive wear.

Step 2: Removing the Old Shares and Mouldboard

1. Safety First: Ensure the plough is securely supported and cannot move or fall during repair.
2. Removing the Shares: Using the appropriate wrench, loosen and remove the bolts securing the shares to the plough. You may need to tap gently with a hammer to release them if they are rusted or tightly fixed.
3. Removing the Mouldboard: Similarly, loosen and remove the bolts attaching the mouldboard to the plough body. Take note of any spacers or alignment pieces for correct reassembly.

Step 3: Cleaning and Preparation

With the old parts removed, use this opportunity to clean the area thoroughly. Remove any rust, dirt, and debris from the mounting surfaces. A clean surface ensures a smooth installation process for the new parts.

Step 4: Installing the New Mouldboard

1. Positioning: Carefully align the new mouldboard with the mounting points on the plough body.
2. Bolting: Start by hand-threading the bolts to ensure correct alignment. Once all bolts are in place, tighten them progressively in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure. Consult the Lemken manual for the correct torque specifications.

Step 5: Installing the New Shares

1. Alignment: Position the new shares correctly, ensuring they align with the mounting holes.
2. Securing: Insert and hand-tighten the bolts. Once all bolts are in place, use the torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer's recommended specifications.

Step 6: Final Checks and Lubrication

With the new parts installed, perform a final inspection to ensure everything is secured correctly. Apply grease and lubricant to any moving parts and areas prone to rust. This step is crucial for preventing wear and ensuring the longevity of the newly installed components.

Conclusion

Servicing the mouldboard and shares of a Lemken plough is a task that requires precision, attention to detail, and an understanding of the machinery. By following this guide, mechanics and technicians can ensure they provide the best possible service, maintaining the high standards of performance and durability that Lemken is known for.

This guide is designed to assist dealers and technicians in ensuring agricultural machinery operates at peak efficiency, ultimately supporting the farming community with reliable and effective tools. Remember, always refer to the specific model's service manual for detailed instructions and specifications, as there can be variations between different Lemken plough models.

Happy repairing, and here's to many more successful ploughing seasons!