SHANK BUSHING

152 519 68 BUSHING, VSTAGO Installed in the pivot points of the boom or feed assembly, this bushing acts as a sacrificial bearing surface between a steel pin and its housing. It absorbs the high radial and axial loads generated during drilling and tramming, preventing costly wear on major structural components.

As this component wears over time, you will start to notice excessive play or 'slop' in the joints. This looseness makes it difficult for the operator to position the drifter accurately, leading to slower cycle times and misaligned holes. Ignoring a worn bushing can also cause accelerated damage to the connecting pins and the bores of the boom itself.

Regularly check for any looseness in the boom joints during routine walk-arounds. Proper and frequent greasing is the best way to maximize the bushing's service life. When play becomes excessive, replace the bushing promptly to prevent more expensive repairs to the surrounding structures.