Wheel Axle OVI 01.023 of the Two-Wheel Front Travel

Wheel Axle of the Two-Wheel Front Travel ZM-60U/90U/120U (OVI 01.023)

The wheel axle OVI 01.023 is the main load-bearing element of the lower part of the modernized two-wheel front travel of the ZM-60U/90U/120U series grain loaders. In the overall kinematic scheme of the strut, it acts as a pendulum (balancer) bridge that spatially unites two support wheels and is movably connected to the inner fork ZP 01.040. The main engineering task of this part is to evenly distribute the significant dynamic and static weight of the front part of the massive unit onto two points of support. Thanks to the hinged central mount, the axle is able to swing freely in the transverse plane — this guarantees that both rubber wheels will always maintain continuous contact with the threshing floor surface, ensuring maximum machine stability and smooth overcoming of unevenness, technological thresholds, or grain mounds.

Design Features of the Wheel Axle OVI 01.023

Structurally, the OVI 01.023 axle is a massive, thick-walled balancer-type beam designed to withstand intense alternating and impact loads. The factory marking with the "OVI" prefix directly indicates the origin of this part — initially, this component was developed for heavy self-propelled grain cleaners (OVS-25 series). The engineering decision to transfer this axle into the design of modern ZM-60U/90U/120U grain loaders was a vital step in transitioning from an unstable single-wheel strut to a reliable two-wheel front travel.

The primary material used to manufacture the part is high-quality structural carbon steel grade 45 (Steel 45) — the choice of this metal guarantees high fatigue resistance, excellent bending strength, and the ability to withstand the static pressure of the massive front frame without the appearance of residual deformations. A precise through-hole is made in the geometric center of the symmetrical beam, designed for the hinged connection of the inner fork ZP 01.040 with the axle ZP 01.601, which, incidentally, played the role of the wheel axle in the old design. Clearly calibrated mounting journals (necks) are formed on the left and right ends of the part, onto which two wheel hubs ZPT 1007 are installed along with rubber-coated wheels ZPT 1.6.2 or SMM 01.090 (depending on the modification). The journal surfaces undergo meticulous turning and grinding processing, which guarantees strict adherence to linear tolerances for the inner races of the metal-ceramic bushings, excluding parasitic play or wheel jamming.

Thanks to such a thoughtful scheme, borrowed from the OVS line, the updated grain loader front travel has gained unprecedented stability — the two-wheel support base holds the machine's balance much better, distributes weight over a larger area, and completely eliminates the effect of tipping or swaying of the unit during maneuvering on uneven surfaces or technological slopes of the threshing floor.

Repair Features of Axle OVI 01.023 and Replacement of Adjacent Parts

The wheel axle OVI 01.023 operates under constant load conditions, taking on the entire weight of the machine's front end and harsh dynamic impacts from site unevenness. Its wear is most often localized and concentrated in the areas of moving joints or mounting surfaces, so during front travel inspection, the following adjacent assemblies must be checked:

• Axle ZP 01.601
• Washer (protective/support) ZP 01.020.001
• Inner fork ZP 01.040
• Outer fork ZP 01.050
• Wheel hub: ZPT 1007
• Rubber-coated wheel: ZPT 1.6.2 or SMM 01.090 (depends on modification)
• Axle bearings and hub bushings

With insufficient lubrication or long-term operation, the central hole in the OVI 01.023 beam can become worn into an elliptical shape, and deep wear appears on the axle ZP 01.601 itself, leading to play in the entire bridge — the axle begins to wobble, causing frame misalignment, damage to the fork, and reducing the unit's stability. Hubs are mounted here on the side journals of the wheel axle, and it is important to check the condition of the inner races of the metal-ceramic bushings — if metal abrasion of the mounting seat occurs due to lack of lubrication or internal destruction, the old hub will sit on the new journal with play, which will lead to possible wheel misalignment. Wheels also have an impact on axle durability, where heavily worn rubber coatings, deformed rims, or lost geometry create constant harsh vibration — such shock waves are transmitted directly to the axle, accelerating the destruction of hub bushings and damaging the central assembly.

Despite the described wear scenarios, such critical consequences are easy to avoid thanks to regular technical maintenance (TM) and common sense during machine operation. It is important to understand that the modernized wheel axle OVI 01.023, like the front travel in our factory's execution, is designed for significantly higher loads compared to base analogs and has a solid engineering safety margin. The use of quality steel and strict adherence to journal processing technology make this assembly maximally durable, while regular greasing of lubrication points, scheduled inspections for play, and timely replacement of consumables completely eliminate the risk of serious destruction. Provided these simple rules and inspection schedules are followed, your unit's undercarriage will work reliably and stably from season to season.

Production Experience and Comprehensive Solutions from Zavod Moroza

The undercarriage of a massive grain loader requires the use of components designed for high dynamic loads. That is why Zavod Moroza manufactures OVI 01.023 wheel axles with strict adherence to structural steel 45 processing technology. Precise turning of the mounting journals and strict control of the part's geometry guarantee correct hub fit, the absence of play, and flawless operation of the pendulum assembly.

At our enterprise, you can order either a separate axle for current repairs or a fully equipped front travel assembly. We offer all necessary adjacent parts — central axles ZP 01.601, inner and outer forks, protective washers ZP 01.020, as well as hubs and rubber-coated wheels. Our technical specialists will help you select the optimal set of parts for precise restoration of your machine's kinematics. Choose original spare parts from the direct manufacturer to guaranteed return your equipment to factory endurance and be confident in its reliable and efficient operation.