I have a Ford 542 Bailer that has been working great until . . . The feed forks-to-plunger timing is slipping whenever the feed forks are under stress. I finally saw it happening last night. When a larger amount of hay entered the pickup chamber, the feed forks appeared to hesitate or actually stop, while the plunger kept on going. I got the bailer stopped, and checked the forks to find that the feed forks had "slipped" approximately 1/2 plunger stroke behind where they are supposed to be (and where they were 15 minutes before when I verified the timing was good!) I can see that a couple more "slips" under stress and the plunger would (again) bash the forks. I did verify that the inner and outer forks remained 180 degrees opposite with respect to each other. Also, I have now taken the feed fork gear box apart, but don't see anything suspicious. Anyone with similar experience?? or thoughts of the cause or cure?? Any help or thoughts are appreciated - Thanks in advance! Bill (I posted this last night, but apparently I was one of the lucky ones to have my post floating in cyberspace - so, if this ends up being a repeat: sorry!)
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