How Do I Know If I Need a New Shredder Rotor?
“I just took over an aging shredder. How do I determine if I need a new rotor and how much life is left in it?”
Good question! First, compare the original condition to the current condition. Try to find the rotor arrangement drawing, which came with the shredder when it was new or when the replacement rotor was purchased. This drawing should show disk thickness and key dimensions.
✔️ Check that the tie rods are still holding the rotor tightly together
Measure the outside-outside end disk distance across the rotor. If it’s growing an inch or more, the spread can mean loose or broken tie rods or loose or missing end disk nuts. A loose rotor will have limited life.
✔️ Look at rotor disk thickness and edge wear
Monitor the disks diameter indirectly, by tracking the distance between hammer pin hole and edge of the disk.
✔️ Monitor disk thickness and “wash out” around the hammer swinging area about the pin hole.
✔️ Check bearing bolts for tightness and bearing housings for damage
Clean up debris and keep bearing areas clear.