How to fix broken shredder wheel?

[DeveloperMCD]

My 6' shredder's wheel seems to have busted out of the metal itself. It looks like welding is the only way to fix it, if welding is even an option in a case like this.
I looked at replacement wheels, but you only get the part I already have: I could take off the 4 bolts (remove the plate) and that's what I'd get in the mail for my replacement wheel. So can I weld this, or do I need to start over with a whole new wheel assembly?

Pictures are critical in a case like this, so I have provided some.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

My 6' shredder's wheel seems to have busted out of the metal itself. It looks like welding is the only way to fix it, if welding is even an option in a case like this.
I looked at replacement wheels, but you only get the part I already have: I could take off the 4 bolts (remove the plate) and that's what I'd get in the mail for my replacement wheel. So can I weld this, or do I need to start over with a whole new wheel assembly?

Pictures are critical in a case like this, so I have provided some.

Google 'brushcutter wheel hub' and you'll see several options. You'll need to match the axle size and bolt circle. Tractor Supply or Rural King may be a source.

Or weld it back up. A little wobble shouldn't hurt, just keep it under 65.

 

[jaxs]

I see what you mean. If it were possible to buy only parts that broke that would be the way to go. Rather than buy a complete assembly I'd weld it back together or possibly cut a new plate to weld onto axle/hub.

 

[jyoutz]

I see what you mean. If it were possible to buy only parts that broke that would be the way to go. Rather than buy a complete assembly I'd weld it back together or possibly cut a new plate to weld onto axle/hub.

That actually looks like a simple thing to weld. Last summer I hung up the tail wheel on a stump and completely bent the assembly and the pivot rod. The wheel itself was fine. I had a friend of mine who has a metal fabrication shop build an entire new assembly including the pivot rod re-using only the wheel. It works great but it was beyond my welding skills to build this.

 

[jaxs]

That actually looks like a simple thing to weld. Last summer I hung up the tail wheel on a stump and completely bent the assembly and the pivot rod. The wheel itself was fine. I had a friend of mine who has a metal fabrication shop build an entire new assembly including the pivot rod re-using only the wheel. It works great but it was beyond my welding skills to build this.

You are probably right but there's evidence it might not last long. That white spray paint makes me think it has been rewelded before. Noticing how it snapped suggests plate may be something far different to A36 hot rolled steel plate we expect for this application. There's no way of knowing without some forensics but stranger things happen with low budget equipment. As small as that plate is I could see a small manufacture buying drops from a production plant. Said plant could have an application calling for aloeid plate which doesn't like to be welded. If this wheel could jeopardize life or property in event of failure I would be urging op to have this inspected by someone with metallurgy training before welding on it and returning to service.

Does that explain why I mentioned possibility of cutting a new plate?

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I would clean it up, tack it in place, make sure everything's aligned, then weld it from both sides.

You're not really out much if it does not work.

If I was bored, or that wheel was outrageously priced, that looks like a nifty project for the CNC plasma machine and lathe.......but I digress....... (I can hardly wait to retire, so I have time for "projects' like this)

 

[chim]

I'd make a new 1/4" or thicker plate, clean the hub and weld it

 

[NCL4701]

Unless you can weld it yourself or it’s something odd, it’s likely just as cost effective to buy a replacement hub. Unlike a whole wheel assembly, they aren’t very expensive.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

My 'vote'....
I'd weld it back on,being anal about putting it back where it was busted from and getting it 90* vertical. 90% of the time will be getting it jigged up perfect. Maybe 4-5 good tack welds,let cool, check that it 90*, then rejig, weld 100%,let COOL...do NOT remove from jig for 2 hours. During that time find or make some 'reinforcement plate' (aka BIG washers ) that'll slide down flat and then weld them, do not remove from holding jig until cool .
Done right, the repair will outlive you........


hmm, NCL's post beat me... gee for $20 problem is kinda solved.... though NONE of them have reinforced joinery... Buy 2 of the $19.99 ones(my NOAH mantra...), install one now, have 2nd reinforced...put on shelf....hopefully never need it but.......