Reel shifted on my 1070 haybine.

The reel on my 1070 haybine shifted to the right (toward the drive end) Saturday while I was mowing. When it happened the guide casters came out of their track and got sheared off from hitting the edge of the track.

This mower had many years on it before I got it this summer.

Looking into it, it seems that the reel must have shifted gradually, wearing a hole in the shield over the reel drive sprocket.

Saturday, it must have finally shifted enough to do what it did.

So, what holds the reel in alignment left to right on this haybine? There must have been some bearing or stop collar or something that wore out. Any hints?

As an aside, I was able to make new casters to finish my season's cutting on Sunday (no equipment dealers open...gotta do what you gotta do)

Pictures of that little effort for your entertainment. By the way, the improvised casters were nested three point hitch bushings and 5/8" bolts. Since there was no room for nuts and washers, the bolts were tac-welded to the arm to stay in place.

The bushings did wear a little over three hours of use, but that was all that I needed.

I now have all winter to figure out and correct the root cause of failure.

By the way...it's a Hesston 1070

on a NH 469. there is a washer and cotter pin. You have to stack the right number on both sides of the bearing to get the right alignment.