Mole Expander

[Panzer]

What's the best way to fit the expander to mole bullet. Is there a special kind of bolt for this job?

 

[john432]

Yes and a few links of chain to give it flexibility. That photo is from Spaldings web site

 

[Kevtherev]

Depends on make browns just couple of chain links and roll pin through slot on back of leg.

 

[clbarclay]

All the legs I've had use a joiner made from a few chain links, with the last link cut and welded to a long bolt shank. Works quite well, but I had to take a grinder to the back off the bullet it attaches to to make sure the chain links couldn't snag on it and pull the expander at an angle.

Like this https://www.agri-linc.com/mole-drainer-expander-coupling-and-bar-chain-assembly.html



I have seen some that just use a single flat bar and a cross shaped hole through the expander but never tried one. The expanders I have wear oval and if you rotate them they just spin back so the least worn part ends up in the shadow of the leg and hardly wears. With the bar and cross hole, I expect it should be possible to turn the expander regularly and wear it more evenly? Only concert I have with that style is the bar without chain links might get bent when the plough is dropped stationary into work.

Coupling Bar and Pins

4" Expander

Both styles use roll pins to hold the chain links or bar to the back of the bullet. I think all the ones I've seen up close have a second roll pin inside the first to strengthen it.

 

[Panzer]

Two roll pins, that's what I was thinking. Wasn't sure if they would be strong enough.

 

[clbarclay]

Double roll pins seem to be pretty standard fasteners for mole plough bullets. I haven't noticed much wear on the pin holding the expander chain links, while I have had a fair bit of wear on the outsides of the chain links once the bullets wear down enough.