Checked the archives and could not find anything related to my problem. I just purchased a tumbler from Van Dykes. It is a direct drive model in the 30 gallon size. Tumbler rides on 4 wheels. 2 Wheels are on the axle that is driven by the motor. Problem is that the barrel makes a couple of revolutions and then stops. Axle is turning the wheels but wheels are not turning the drum. Eventually it turns again and then stops again. I have tried adjusting the wheels to various positions with no luck. Put in a couple cubic feet of media and deer hyde and still no luck. Called Van Dykes 3 times left messages. No reply. Any out there have same tumbler with same problem? If so, what do I need to do to correct it?
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Dan,
I had the same problem years ago with a Van Dykes tumbler. I solved the problem by getting an old tire innertube, slicing it open(only cut it length wise so you have double the width, keep it maintained in a circle) slide it over the barrel and it allows the wheels to grip and turn the barrel. Hope that helps.
Mike
Dan, first, it's an belt driven system, not direct drive. That makes the fix really easy.
I went to the Farm Tractor Store and bought a "V" belt pulley the same size as the one that comes with the unit. Loosen the stops on the lawnmower wheels and slide the axel back to give you enough room to install the pulley. (If it doesn't, just buy the 1/2 rod and replace the entire axel. It's simple enough.)
Once you have the extra pulley in place, take a string and tie it around all three pulleys, mark it and then measure it. Then go buy a "V" belt that length. If you are between measurements, buy the longer one and then install an idler wheel in between the two barrel pulleys. Mine was, so I bought a piece of rod stock and bent it "L" shaped. On the short leg of the "L", I put a washer, a small "V" band pulley, a washer and a cotterpin through a hole I drilled. On the long leg of the "L", I threaded it. I drilled a half inch hole through the frame of the tumber. I put a nut and a washer on the leg of the "L" and screwed it all the way down. In inserted the threads up through the frame, installed another washer and another nut.
Install the larger belt. Install the idler pulley so that you can loosen or tighten those jam nuts to apply extra tension on your belt. The bottom nut does the tensioning and the top nut will lock it in place once you get it to where you want it. Now you have a 4WD tumbler and even the heaviest loads will turn.
And I know that it is a easy fix. I like Mikes way it seems to be simpler than George's. Also those strips of grip tape( the sand paper like stuff) might work.
Here's my question though why doesn't Van Dykes fix this? If it happened years ago with Mike and we all know that George bought his eon's ago. Don't beat me up I am Just asking. I was thinking of getting one myself and does the 55 gallon do the same thing.
A good glue and sand might do the trick. Turn on the system and place a marker right above each wheel to mark the center line as the barrel turns. Then sand the barrel so that the glue will stick. Duct tape may even work?
Mike, I finally got to speak to a phone operator at Van Dykes after waiting two days and no return phone calls. Told them no one was returning my calls. He put me on hold and then came back saying that one of the product specialist told him to tell me to use an old inner tube like you suggested. I did this and it seems to work.
George, I am going to copy your suggestion and keep it in case the inner tube doesn't work out.
Joey, I asked the same question of Van Dykes and, of course, the person answering the phone did not know. Now I know why I was not able to get the product specialists or the manager to call me back. They obviously have knowlege of this problem and do not want to fix it. I do not think much of Van Dykes. Never had a problem with a procuct before, but you would think when you spend $500 on a piece of equipment that it would at least warrant a return call, maybe an apology even. Joey, for a few dollars more you can get the 8 wheel tumbler. I got the 4 wheel model. Maybe more wheels would help. Also the 30 gallon tumbler drum is a pain in the ass getting the lid on and off with that metal band.
Thanks for the input everyone.
Dan,
Glad everything worked out. I checked my tumbler just to make sure and it is a direct drive. the shaft comes out of the motor and has two wheels on it that rest against the barrel. It is old (about 20 years) and still going strong. In fact, the inner tube is so old it's starting to dry rot so I'm looking for another one.
Mike