need advice on a Graco 3400

Looking for any advice on how to fix a problem with my Graco 3400 i purchased it brand new and from the get go almost every line has a slight curve to the left. It is become exhausting trying to compensate on every line and trying to force a straight line. I have checked the tire pressure in both rear tires and also let a left handed crew member run it (thinkin maybe the problem was me) and they had the same problem so it is definitely the machine. I have no other idea how to fix the problem, it has cost me a very very large contract and am desperate for any advice towards a solution thanks

Need to check alinement on the front wheel.

Make sure one of the back 2 tires of the machine's wheels are spinning freely. Some times the nut that hold the wheel onto the bearing and axle is too tight.

straightline wrote on Oct 12, 2011:Go to #2

Need to check alinement on the front wheel.

+1 Check front wheel alignment. E-Z proceedure to correct

One of my titans did that to me and I thought it was the front tire. It usually is. But this time it was one of the back tires. A bearing actually was coming apart and hanging up the rear tire. Nothing like having to chase down bearings out of town and repair the machine right in front of a contractor. I would have just dealt with it curving but the bearing was completely locking the tire up and we just couldn't keep putting down a line that veered that much.

I had a problem like that on my ThermoLazer. Turns out the front wheel alignment got bent during shipping...more that likely that is what you are having problems with.

Line Design, you simply need to align it. Lay on the ground and look at the underside of the caster. You will see a few things. On the front but underneath there is a 3/4" bolt. Above it is part of the blue caster and above that is a silver colored bracket. Scribe or mark a line from the silver area down onto the blue. Sratch it or use a marker. This will be your point of reference so you can see how much you moved it or have a point to return to to start over if you screw up. SLIGHTLY loosen the 3/4" bold just enough to allow you to tap the caster in the direction you feel the caster needs to go. Once moved, snug it down and push it. It is best to use a flat surface, snap a chalk line, and push the machine with one finger (at the center of the handlebars). Continue to adjust until it tracks as you expect it to. Nothing is bent. It is a very very simple fix. Lock down the 3/4" nut once you have it.

Cormac, my hat's off to you sir! Excellent advice on the front wheel alignment for the 3400. Doing this check before thinking that something was damaged in transit is the proper way to go about correcting this situation. Only a slight loosening of the 3/4 inch set bolt by the swivel wheel, enough to give you just a little bit of "play" there is what's needed. The registration mark of where you are now with the scribed or magic fine point pen line is right on! Snapping a chalkline on level ground for accuracy testing and pushing with only 1 finger along your chalkline at the extreme center of the meeting handlebars so as to not allow a 2 handed movement which could let either the left or right hand give an angled or stronger shove is THE perfect advice for anyone. I can see from your post that you are a credit to the GRACO team. A very good pat on the back to you from me Cormac!!!! I would trust the life of my 3400 in your hands any day! Well done.

Cormac is right on as usual. We use that exact method and align all our machines several times a season and they track perfect. There are a couple things we add to the sequence. Air all the tires prior to alignment and sweep the surface good and clean. One tiny pebble can cause the machine to roll of track.

Good evening Milt. I'm not the least bit surprised to hear you have a "perfect track record". Your equipment maintenance must be some sight to behold! I could most likely learn more good techniques from you. Enjoy the weekend.

Not really. They have paint all over them, one needs a new cable that's on back order and one a pump over haul and the kits laying on my desk. Golf (cone car) needs engine overhaul, both trucks need service and so many paint chips in the trailer can't open the door without making a mess. I'm a do as I say person not as I do. Just trying to get through the season. Three more latex jobs then switch to oil for a couple first Nov jobs on concreate then our years done. Then maybe will get some maintenance done. But they have to track straight as I can't drive straight.

Hey Milt, like Clint Eastwood once said, A mans Gotta gotta know his limitations! As for your machines having paint all over them, that just proves the machines see their share of work and the crew stays busy, too busy to try to keep the equipment clean. Besides, a clean looking machine does not mean that your work is the greatest in town, just busy in town! A satisfied client when the job is completed says and shows the rest. Major work in the shop such as engine overhauls are best done if possible during the "off" season. Your advice to others on the forum are always straight forward and accurate. Keep up the good work!