HARVESTING MACHINERY 147 



The sprockets by which the elevator rollers are driven 

 should always be in line. Adjustment may be made by 

 sighting across their face. 



198. Deck (9). The steeper the deck, the better; but 

 makers have made it rather flat in order to reduce the 

 height of the machine. The deck should be well covered 

 by the packers to prevent clogging. 



199. Main frame (10). Main frames are shipped either 

 separate or fastened to the platform. In the latter case, 

 if there is a joint, it is riveted and very seldom gives any 

 trouble in becoming loose. In the first case, bolts must 

 be used ; but they do not give any trouble if care is used 

 in assembling the binder. 



200. Platform (n). The platform is now universally 

 provided with an iron bottom, which is more durable and 

 smoother for the platform canvas to pass over. It is 

 made of painted iron, and it might be improved if it 

 should be made of galvanized iron, as it often rusts out 

 before the machine is worn out. 



201. Main wheel (12) . The main wheel is one of the parts 

 which usually outwear the rest of the machine. The 

 tendency is now to make the main wheel too small. The 

 larger wheel is more desirable, as it carries the load better 

 and is able to give a greater driving power. Main wheels 

 have now attained a standard size of 34 and 36 inches 

 in the side-cut machine. The steel wheel is now used 

 almost universally, the wooden wheel and the wooden- 

 rimmed wheel having gone out of use entirely. Three 

 types of spokes are used : the hairpin, the spoke cast in 

 the hub, and the spoke fastened to a flange of the hub 

 with nuts. The main wheel shaft or axle should be pro- 

 vided with roller bearings, and also a convenient and sure 

 method of oiling. The bolt in the lower part of the quad- 

 rant should always be in place. When the bolt is out 



