Farm Wagon Running Gear Maintenance Guide
In the farming world, running gear refers to the crucial undercarriage of your wagons—wheels, axles, spindles, steering pieces, and hitches—that keep your operation moving. Whether you're hauling hay, feed, or equipment, keeping your running gear in good shape ensures safety, reliability, and trailability across fields and roads.
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This guide from KORY Equipment is a practical, do-it-yourself resource designed for farmers who prefer hands-on maintenance. We’ll walk through a total maintenance plan, troubleshooting tips, and advice on restoring or upgrading your farm equipment’s running gear.
Introduction to Running Gear Maintenance
Farm wagons take a beating, especially during harvest and planting seasons. Dust, mud, uneven terrain, and heavy loads all wear down steering and suspension components. Over time, this wear leads to problems like wobbling wheels, steering failure, or a tongue that no longer aligns straight.
That’s why running gear maintenance is essential: it’s not just about extending the life of your equipment, but also keeping your crew and cargo safe.
Why Maintenance is Important for Farm Wagons
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Improves trailability: Fewer swerves, bumps, or wheel wobbles while towing
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Extends equipment life: Prevents premature failure of axles, spindles, and bearings
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Saves money: Preventive care avoids costly repairs or full replacement
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Boosts safety: Reduces the chance of accidents or damage to other machinery
Understanding Key Running Gear Components
Spindles
Spindles connect the wheels to the axle and allow them to rotate. If your steering freezes up, the spindles may be corroded or improperly greased.
Axles
Axles carry the wagon’s weight and keep the wheels aligned. A bent or cracked axle can affect steering and can lead to uneven tire wear or full failure.
Wheel Bearings
These allow your wheels to turn freely and should be greased regularly. Worn bearings can cause grinding noises and excessive heat.
Steering Components
Tie rods, pivot brackets, and steering arms direct the wagon. Seized parts or missing lubrication can also cause impact steering capabilities.
Tongue and Hitch
The tongue connects the wagon to your tractor. Cracks, loose bolts, or rusted joints can compromise towing safety.
Bolsters and Springs (if applicable)
Not all wagons have springs, but if yours does, inspect them for wear or damage to ensure weight is evenly distributed.
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Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide
Weekly Maintenance Tasks
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Check for loose bolts or nuts on axles and tongue
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Grease any visible zerks on spindles and steering arms
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Do a quick visual inspection for sagging or misaligned wheels
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
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Inspect tire wear patterns (could signal steering or axle problems)
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Test the hitch connection and safety chains
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Clean mud and debris from moving parts
Seasonal Maintenance Tasks
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Remove wheel hubs to inspect wheel bearings
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Apply fresh grease to spindles and steering joints
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Tighten all axle, bolster, and tongue bolts
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Ensure grease zerks are not clogged or missing
Annual Maintenance Tasks
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Replace any cracked or damaged steering components
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Repaint or seal exposed metal parts to prevent rust
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Consider restoring running gear if it's over 5 years old and showing significant wear
How to Grease Spindles and Steering Components
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Clean off old grease and debris from fittings
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Insert a grease gun into each zerk (usually found on spindles, tie rods, and pivot points)
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Pump until you see clean grease come through the fitting
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Wipe off excess and re-check every 30–40 hours of use
Checking and Replacing Wheel Bearings
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Jack up the wagon and remove the wheel
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Pull off the hub and inspect the bearings
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If pitted, cracked, or dry, replace immediately
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Repack with high-temp grease and reinstall
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Inspecting and Tightening Axles
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Look for signs of bending or fatigue cracks
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Torque bolts to manufacturer specs (contact KORY Equipment if unsure)
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Replace bent axles rather than trying to straighten them—this prevents future failure
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Maintaining the Tongue and Hitch
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Inspect welds and mounting points
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Tighten tongue bolts and check the jam nuts
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Clean and lubricate the hitch coupler
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Verify the tongue is aligned straight with the gear frame
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Common Problems and Solutions
Wobbling Wheels
Cause: Loose wheel bearings, bent spindles, or misaligned axles
Fix: Repack or replace bearings, check axle alignment
Steering Difficulties
Cause: Dried grease, seized joints, or bent tie rods
Fix: Apply fresh grease, replace worn parts, or restore alignment
Unusual Noises
Cause: Dry bearings, loose bolts, or worn-out bolsters
Fix: Grease components, tighten hardware, inspect spring mounts
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How KORY Equipment Can Help
High-Quality Replacement Parts
Whether you need new running gears, heavy running gears, spindles, or replacement hubs, KORY Equipment offers reliable components made in the U.S. that fit most farm wagons.
Expert Advice and Support
Not sure which part you need? Our team is ready to help you identify components and recommend replacements that keep your gear rolling. Just give us a call or reach out through our website.
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Keep Your Farm Running Smoothly
Running gear is the foundation of every wagon you tow. Regular maintenance can prevent everything from dangerous breakdowns to expensive downtime. Whether you're improving running gear trailability or restoring running gear that's seen better days, this checklist and guide can help you stay ahead of problems before they start.
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Visit KORY Equipment to shop quality parts or contact our team for personalized support. We're here to help you get the job done right.
