Dadant 20 Frame Extractor Walking

[riskybizz]

Yesterday I set up my new Dadant 20 frame extractor and loaded it up 20 medium frames of honey to extract.  I placed the extractor on the stand that I purchased with it.  I bolted the feet of the stand to a pallet and began to extract.  I was only able to get the speed control to 30-40% max. before it wobbled like crazy.  Perhaps it needs to be on a sturdier base?  I  did notice when I set the extractor up that the inside reel is not as as circular as the tank.  In other words its slightly out of round.  Is this typical of extractors like this?  There is a spot on the reel where its probably 3/4" out of round.  I'm not sure what the tolerances are for machines like this.  Maybe if I bolted the feet to 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood and placed the plywood flat on the floor it would solve the wobble.  Anyone have this issue with the Dadant 20?

[AllenF]

Frames must be balanced in any extractor.   Just like  clothes in the dryer.   If some of the frames are light, they must be opposite from each other.   You can bolt to the floor also, but balancing it is a must.   In any extractor.  And start spinning slow, then when most of the honey is spun out, increase speed.   

[VolunteerK9]

I havent tried it yet, but plan to next year. Read this post starting with Post # 10. (Posts made by 'Fuzzy')

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?244569-Preventing-an-extractor-from-walking

[Intheswamp]

<snip>  There is a spot on the reel where its probably 3/4" out of round.  I'm not sure what the tolerances are for machines like this.  

Is the "out of round" spot only on one side of the basket...sort of a circle with a bulge in one spot?  Or, does the basket have a very slight oval shape to it?  If oval then the "high sides" should balance each other and the "low sides" should, also...thus no "out of balance" issues.  If there is a bulge in one spot around the perimeter of the basket then you have somewhat of a problem.   

Seems on an extractor of that size/$$$ that the tolerance should be a bit closer...but I'm new to extractors and it maybe be a common malady.  The basket on my mentor's 9-frame SAF spins true and balances with little thought put into it.  From your statement it sounds like you have a single spot that is bulging...I would call Dadant and see what they say.

Best wishes,
Ed

[Intheswamp]

...and if all else fails you can try balancing it.  Some stainless steel attached in the right place (or other inert weight) could smooth it out for you.  It would take a little trial an error but you could probably get it to smooth out very nicely.  Naturally, getting the basket to be more uniformly round would help.

Did you try spinning it up without honey in it?

Ed

[bayouboy]

Riskybiz, it seems to me  than a brand new extractor from the factory, should be balanced and spin true every time, while empty ,right now.I would expect nothing less.That is an expensive and should be quality piece of equipment.I would definitely contact Dadant about it.And see what they say.
Good luck
Mike

[riskybizz]

Thanx for your comments i'll give them a call and see what they say. 

[Intheswamp]

Did you get a chance to call them yet?

Ed

[Joe D]

I have been using a 12 frame Dadant, it works fine.  With yours being brand new it should be under warranty, give em a call.  Good luck




Joe