OIL SEAL APPLICATIONS IN FARM TRACTORS

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The John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works, as manufacturers of farm tractors, does not manufacture oil seals. We rely on the manufacturers of oil seals for design assistance. After establishing the initial design, laboratory and field tests are required for verification.

One of the seal applications is on the crankshaft which must keep crankcase and transmission lubricants separated. Reliability and long life are imperative. Alertness as to the effect of detail changes on seal life is necessary to maintain long service life.

The front wheel bearing seals may be subjected to submersion in water and mud. Packing, lip and face type seals have been tested with the face type proving the most rugged, although the most costly of the three types.

A problem of design and space which was encountered in a hydraulic pump was overcome by design changes in the seal and in the pump.

Constant vigilance on assembly methods and tool maintenance is a requirement to keep quality level high.