Compaction wheel mounting system and method for use

Abstract

A compaction wheel (160) mounting system and method for use is disclosed. The compaction wheel mounting system preferably includes a shaft (105) with a key channel, a key (120), and a compaction wheel (160) with a compaction wheel sleeve (125) having a compaction wheel sleeve channel (150) that removably couples to the shaft and is held in place with the key (120) and a fastener. The compaction wheel mounting system provides a time efficient way for a user to safely and easily repair a bearing assembly in a compaction wheel system.

Description

[0001] Compaction Wheel Mounting System and Method for Use [1] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 471,287 filed on June 6, 2023. This application is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. [2] FIELD [3] The current invention is a compaction wheel mounting system and method for use. [4] BACKGROUND [5] Heavy construction equipment is used to aid in large scale construction projects involving earth moving. In particular, in infrastructure construction projects, large amounts of dirt are moved when building roads, laying pipe, and constructing other types of large scale projects. For the projects to be constructed correctly and prevent failures, once the dirt is moved, it must be replaced and compacted to a specified degree. This type of compaction requires the use of specialized compaction wheel systems that fit on heavy construction equipment. These compaction wheel systems include compaction wheels on a shaft and include bearings inside of bearing assemblies. The bearings inside of the bearing assemblies must be replaced at some frequency as part of regular maintenance because of the heat and pressure exerted on the bearings during operation of the compaction wheel systems. An easy and cost effective way to change these bearing assemblies is currently needed in the field. [6] The nature of the current compaction wheel systems provides for a difficult and time-consuming method to change the bearing assemblies when the bearings go out. This causes extra, unwanted down time on the machine and project, and can cause structural damage to the actual machine and compaction wheel system. The current design requires that the compaction wheel system be brought into the machine shop in order to complete the necessary maintenance. The current device and method are a system where the outside compaction wheels must be cut off of the shaft in order to remove it to change the bearings. During this process, the shaft of the compaction wheel can be compromised or even broken. This is undesirable when using heavy equipment machines that are working under high pressure and heat. A compromised, damaged, or broken shaft can cause serious damage on the job site, bodily injury, or even death. If the compaction wheel comes loose by falling off of the compromised shaft or breaks off of the shaft, the resulting damage could be catastrophic. An improved design is needed that is easier to complete, is more cost effective, saves time, and is overall safer. [7] One preferred aspect of the invention is a new device and method where the outer compaction wheels of the compaction wheel system bolt on to the shaft. An improved shaft includes a tapped, threaded cut out that allows the outer compaction wheel to bolt on to the shaft. A new bolt on compaction wheel is placed flush with the shaft. A compaction wheel sleeve is welded to the compaction wheel and a bolt put through the compaction wheel and the shaft to lock the compaction wheel in place. Unlike the previous and current designs, no weld is made near the shaft, but, rather, on the compaction wheel. This is an advantage over the previous and current designs in that it provides higher integrity of the device and cuts the repair time significantly. [8] It is believed that the prior art does not include a bolt on type compaction wheel where the compaction wheel can be easily removed and the bearing assembly disassembled in order to change out the bearing assembly in a timely manner. It is believed that the prior art includes compaction wheels that are welded on to the shaft and require a high temperature metal cut to get to the bearing assembly and bearings, and once the bearing assembly is replaced, the compaction wheel must be welded back onto the end of the shaft. When welding the compaction wheel back on to the shaft, it is believed that the bearing assembly and bearings are also heated which impairs their integrity causing them to require changing quicker. Moreover, it is believed that the shaft also becomes impaired over time as the repetitive cutting and welding cycle deteriorates its integrity. [9] SUMMARY

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods in which a compaction wheel mounting system and method for use includes a compaction wheel, a compaction wheel sleeve with a compaction wheel sleeve channel, and a shaft with a key channel and a key. These pieces fit together to create the current invention for easy maintenance of a compaction wheel system.

[0011] A compaction wheel mounting system comprises a shaft with at least one key channel and at least one mounting device and at least one key. The at least one key is coupled to the at least one key channel. The compaction wheel mounting system also includes a compaction wheel sleeve. The compaction wheel sleeve has a first radius and has a cylindrical cavity of a second radius. The second radius is less than the first radius and forms a ring between the first radius and the second radius. The compaction wheel sleeve also includes a first closed end that includes at least one mounting passage and a second open end. The ring also comprises a compaction wheel sleeve channel in the ring to removably couple to the key. The second open end couples to the shaft. At least one fastener is also included that couples the compaction wheel to the shaft using the at least one mounting device through the at least one mounting passage.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a compaction wheel mounting system for use with compaction wheels.

[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide a compaction wheel mounting system that bolts the compaction wheels to the shaft.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compaction wheel mounting system that reduces the time to change the bearing assemblies.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compaction wheel mounting system that better withstands the heat and pressure exerted on it.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compaction wheel mounting system that allows a time efficient way to change the bearing assemblies.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compaction wheel mounting system that allows a cost effective way to change the bearing assemblies.

[0018] The method, overall operation, and technical characteristics of the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of preferred embodiments and the illustration of the related drawings herein.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Fig.1A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system.

[0021] Fig.1B is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system shown in Fig.1A.

[0022] Fig.1C is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system shown in Fig.1A.

[0023] Fig. 2A is side view of a first end of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system.

[0024] Fig.2B is a side view of a second end of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel removed.

[0026] Fig. 4 is an inner side view of the preferred embodiment of the outer compaction wheel disconnected from the compaction wheel mounting system.

[0027] Fig. 5 is a perspective front view of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel removed.

[0028] Fig.6A is a perspective side view of the preferred embodiment of the first shaft end of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel removed.

[0029] Fig. 6B is a perspective side view of the preferred embodiment of the second shaft end of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel removed.

[0030] Fig. 7 is a perspective side view of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel removed and including the bearing assembly.

[0031] Fig. 8 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system showing the end of the shaft with the outer compaction wheel removed and the key coupled to the key channel.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting showing the outer compaction wheel, bearing assembly, and key channel.

[0033] Fig. 10 is an end perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting with the outer compaction wheel, bearing assembly, and key channel.

[0034] Fig.11A is a side perspective view of the first shaft end of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel, bearing assembly, and key channel.

[0035] Fig.11B is a side perspective view of the second shaft end of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel, bearing assembly, and key channel.

[0036] Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the first shaft end of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel and key channel, and a partially mounted bearing assembly.

[0037] Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the second shaft end of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel and key channel, and a partially mounted bearing assembly.

[0038] Fig.13 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system with the outer compaction wheel and key channel.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] As shown in Figs.1A and 1C, the present invention relates to a compaction wheel mounting system 100 that is used to easily maintain a compaction wheel system 700. As seen in Figs.2A, 2B, 3, and 4, in the preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel mounting system 100 includes at least one outer compaction wheel 160 that is removably coupled to the shaft 105 at the wheel assembly connection point 170. In particular, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the compaction wheel mounting system 100 includes a shaft 105 with a key channel 110 and a mounting device 115, and a key 120, while the outer compaction wheel 160 includes a compaction wheel sleeve 125, a ring 145, and a compaction wheel sleeve channel 150. The key 120 mountably fits into the key channel 110 on the shaft 105 and the compaction wheel sleeve channel 150 on the compaction wheel 160. Finally, a fastener 165, shown in exploded view Fig. 1C, removably couples the outer compaction wheel 160 to the shaft 105 using the mounting device 115 through the mounting passage 128. It is preferred that the mounting device 115 is a mounting hole, and more preferably, a tapped mounting hole of sufficient depth to accommodate a lug or a lug bolt.

[0041] As seen in Figs.1B and 1C, the shaft 105 is coupled to a shaft mount 500 which in turn in coupled to an equipment mount 505. The equipment mount 505 removably couples to the heavy operating equipment used on the work site with the compaction wheel system 700. These elements, when combined, create a compaction wheel mounting system 100 that allows a user to easily remove the outer compaction wheel 160 for maintenance. Each piece on the shaft 105 and compaction wheel 160 removably couple together such that when engaged, the compaction wheel mounting system 100 provides an effective and safe operation, but when the inner portions of the compaction wheel system 700 require maintenance, such as bearing assembly 200 (shown in Figs.2A and 3) replacement, the outer compaction wheel 160 is easily, safely, and efficiently removed. Rather than spending days or weeks to replace or repair the inner bearing assembly 200 as is the present method, the current invention allows the operator to easily remove and recouple the outer compaction wheel 160 from the shaft 105 to complete the repair and maintenance with ease and without degradation to the compaction wheel system 700.

[0042] A similar coupling of a second outer compaction wheel 161 is made to the second end 107 of the shaft 105 with its respective fastener 165 via the mounting passage 128 and mounting device 115. The same mechanism is used on the second outer compaction wheel 161 as on the first outer compaction wheel 160.

[0043] In the most preferred embodiment of the compaction wheel system 700 shown in Figs.1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, there is a first outer compaction wheel 160 and a second outer compaction wheel 161. The first outer compaction wheel 160 couples to the first end 106 of the shaft 105, and the second outer compaction wheel 161 couples to the second end 107 of the shaft 105. Shown in Figs.3, 5, 6A, 6B, 7, and 8, each shaft end 106 and 107 includes a key channel 110 and a mounting device 115, and a key 120. Moreover, as shown in Figs.1C, 2B, and 4, the outer compaction wheel 160 includes a shaft side 162 and an outer side 163. The compaction wheel 160 includes a compaction wheel sleeve 125, a ring 145, and a compaction wheel sleeve channel 150 with a mounting passage 128. A fastener 165 removably couples the outer compaction wheel 160 to the shaft 105 using the mounting device 115 through the mounting passages 128 on the end 106 of the shaft 105. It is preferred that the outer compaction wheel 160 concentrically surround and couple to the compaction wheel sleeve 125. Preferably, the compaction wheel sleeve 125 is made integral with the compaction wheel 160 through welding. A single weld is made between the compaction wheel sleeve 125 and the outer compaction wheel 160.

[0044] As seen in Figs.3 and 4, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first end 106 of the shaft 105 with the corresponding key 120 and key channel 110 fits into the compaction wheel sleeve 125 and corresponding ring 145 via the compaction wheel sleeve channel 150. In the preferred embodiment the compaction wheel sleeve channel 150 is 9.525 cm (3.75 inches) in diameter and 8.89 cm (3.5 inches) in length. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the ring 145 has a thickness of 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) and a more preferred thickness of 2.54 cm (1 inch). The fastener 165 then removably couples the outer compaction wheel 160 to the shaft 105 using the mounting device 115 through the mounting passage 128. It is preferred that the outer compaction wheel 160 concentrically surround and couple to the compaction wheel sleeve 125.

[0045] The compaction wheel sleeve 125 further comprises a first closed end 127 that includes a mounting passage 128 and a second open end 130. The second open end 130 of the compaction wheel sleeve 125 includes a compaction wheel sleeve channel 150 in the ring 145 to removably couple to the key 120. The second open end 130 of the compaction wheel sleeve 125 couples to the shaft 105.

[0046] As seen in Figs.1A, 1B, and 1C it is preferred that the fastener 165 is a counter sunk allen head bolt. More preferably, it fits flush to the mounting passage 128 that is on the outer side 163 of the compaction wheel 160 when the fastener 165 is in place in the mounting device 115 and mounting passage 128. However, any type of fastener 165 that provides proper capabilities can be used. This fastener 165 can be a lug screw, a lug and lug nut, or a lug post. Preferably, the fastener 165 is fine threaded and is treated with a thread locker solution to prevent the fastener 165 from leaking or loosening during vibration caused while the compaction wheel system 700 is operating. More preferably, the fastener 165 is a 1 inch diameter by 2 inch long, fine threaded bolt. But, the fastener 165 may be of any number, diameter and length of sufficient strength to couple the compaction wheel 160 to the shaft 105; for example, multiple bolts and multiple passages may be used to secure the compaction wheel 160 to the shaft 105, and the multiple bolts may be of smaller diameter, and possibly different lengths, than the single bolt. Additionally, it is preferred that the fastener 165 be checked every 8 hours during use to ensure proper torque and / or tightness of the fastener 165.

[0047] As shown in Figs.1A and 1C, between the outer compaction wheels 160 and 161, along the shaft 105, is at least one inner compaction wheel 400. In alternate embodiments, there can be multiple inner compaction wheels 400. These inner compaction wheels 400 are free wheeling on the shaft 105, and do not rotate along a bearing assembly system 200. Therefore, because of this design, these inner compaction wheels 400 do not require maintenance where they must be removed from the shaft 105. While, as the preferred embodiment shows the device with at least one inner compaction wheel 400, these inner compaction wheels 400 are not required for this invention.

[0048] As seen in the exploded view of Fig.1C, it is preferred that the shaft 105 runs through the center of the entire compaction wheel system 700. The preferred shaft 105 length varies depending on the width and number of compaction wheels 160 and 161 and inner wheels 400 that are arranged along the shaft 105. The preferred outer diameter of the shaft 105 is 10 cm (3.94 inches) but can be any diameter that accommodates the outer compaction wheels 160 and 161 and their corresponding compaction wheel sleeve 125 and the inner compaction wheels 400. Preferably, the shaft 105 is made of 4140 stress proof solid steel because of its high strength qualities. While this is preferred, the shaft 105 can be made of any appropriate material that provides the proper strength and capabilities to work under the high stress pressures that are exerted by the heavy machinery during normal operation. The preferred shaft 105 strength is 6.55x105KPa (kilo Pascals) (95 KSI (kilopound per square inch)) to ensure safe and effective operating conditions. Moreover, it is preferred that the shaft 105 is treated with an anti-seize treatment to ensure that the bearing assemblies 200 and the outer compaction wheels 160 and 161 and inner compaction wheels 400 easily slide on and off the shaft 105.

[0049] As shown in Figs.9, 10, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, and 13 the first end 106 and second end 107 of the shaft 105 include key channels 110 that are machined into the shaft 105. It is preferred that the key channels 110 are 1.9 cm (0.75 inches) deep by 2.54 cm (1 inch) wide by 9.2 cm (3.625 inches) long. The corresponding keys 120 that fit into the key channels 110 (shown in Figs.3, 5, 6A, 6B, 7, and 8) are preferably 2.54 cm (1 inch) deep by 2.54 cm (1 inch) wide by 9.2 cm (3.625 inches) long. These dimensions ensure that the outer compaction wheel 160 fits properly on the shaft 105 and remains properly locked and balanced during operation of the compaction wheel system 700. As with the shaft 105, it is preferred that the keys 120 are made of 4140 stress proof steel with a strength of 6.55x105KPa (95 KSI) to ensure proper strength and working conditions.

[0050] Preferably, as shown in Figs.1A, 2A, and 4, the outer compaction wheel 160 shown in Fig.4 has a shaft side 162 and an outer side 163. The shaft side 162 of the compaction wheel 160 includes the compaction wheel sleeve channel 150. In the preferred embodiment, the compaction wheel sleeve 125 has a first radius 126 that forms a cylindrical cavity 140 with a second radius 135. Preferably, the second radius 135 is less than the first radius 126 and forms a ring 145 between the first radius 126 and the second radius 135. This thickness is preferably enough to allow the ring 145 to be welded to the outer compaction wheel 160. More preferably, the ring 145 has a width sufficient to for the compaction wheel sleeve channel 150. Most preferably, the ring 145 is 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) thick and is made of ASTM A-36 mild steel. However, the ring 145 can be made of any material that provides the properties required.

[0051] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the outer compaction wheel does not include a separate compaction wheel sleeve. Rather, the compaction wheel comprises a mounting passage with a first closed end and a second open end. In this embodiment, the second open end couples to the shaft, and a fastener couples the compaction wheel to the mount device using the mounting passage. In this embodiment, the shaft can include a key channel and a key, and the compaction wheel includes a compaction wheel channel that is integral to the compaction wheel and couples to the key.

[0052] The changing of the bearing assemblies 200 at some frequency is the factor driving the need for the ability to easily remove the outer compaction wheel 160 from the compaction wheel system 700 at some frequency that the current invention provides. As seen in Figs.6A and 6B, in the preferred embodiment, there is a bearing assembly 200 at each end 106 and 107 of the shaft 105. It is preferred that the each bearing assembly 200 is rated for 2.41x105KPa (35,000 PSI (pounds per square inch)) for a total of 4.83x105KPa (70,000 PSI) for both compaction wheels 160 and 161 on each end 106 and 107 of the shaft 105. However, it is most preferred that each bearing assembly 200 is rated for 4.14x105KPa (60,000 PSI) for a total of 8.27x105KPa (120,000 PSI) for both compaction wheels 160 and 161 on each end 106 and 107 of the shaft 105. These bearing assemblies 200 become worn down over time through use of the compaction wheel system 700 under high pressure operating conditions.

[0053] Moreover, under the current method of changing the bearing assemblies 200, the shaft 105 is permanently coupled to the outer compaction wheel 160. In order to change out the bearing assemblies 200 under this old system and method, it is required that the end cap of the compaction wheel 161 be cut out with a high heat metal cutter to remove the compaction wheel 160 from the shaft 105. Once the outer compaction wheel 160 is removed, the bearing assemblies 200 can be unfastened and replaced with new bearing assemblies 200. The compaction wheel 160 is then placed back onto the shaft 105 and rewelded onto the shaft 105. This process can take days to weeks to complete and wears down the integrity of the compaction wheel 160, the shaft 105, and the bearing assemblies 200. The high temperature of the welding process breaks down the integrity of the shaft 105, the compaction wheel 160, and the bearing assemblies 200. The grease that is used in the bearing assemblies 200 to properly lubricate the bearings, dries with the high heat of the welding process causing premature wearing of the bearings in the replacement bearing assembly 200. Thus, there is a long felt need for the current invention.

[0054] As seen in Figs.2A, 2B, and 9, the preferred embodiment of the current invention includes a grease line 510 that runs up along the shaft mount 500 behind a grease line mount 512. The grease line 510 allows an operator to maintain the bearing assemblies 200 by ensuring that they remain lubricated during operation. The grease that is used is a high temperature and high weight grease. This type of grease provides the best lubrication for the bearings in the bearing assemblies 200.

[0055] Moreover, it is preferred that the bearing assembly 200, as shown in Figs. 3, 5, 6A, 6B, 7, and 8 fits over the shaft 105 and is coupled to an inner bearing mount face 305 (shown in Figs.9, 10, 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B) of a bearing mount 300. It is preferred that the bearing assembly 200 is removably coupled to the bearing mount 300 using threaded fastening posts 310 that are permanently coupled to the inner bearing mount face 305 and pass through aligned holes 205 on the bearing assembly 200 and are secured using nuts 315. However, this removable coupling could be facilitated by any appropriate fastening mechanism that allows the bearing assembly 200 to be removed and replaced when the bearings inside the bearing assembly 200 become worn down.

[0056] The present invention also provides a method of changing and repairing a bearing assembly 200 of a compaction wheel system 700. In the preferred method, the outer compaction wheel 160 is removed from the shaft 105. The original shaft 105 of the compaction wheel system 700 is either replaced with a shaft 105 that includes a key channel 110 and mounting device 115, as described above, or the shaft 105 is machined to create the preferred key channel 110 and mounting device 115. In determining whether to remove and replace the entire shaft 105, the user determines whether the original shaft 105 retains the required strength to safely and effectively operate the compaction wheel system 700.

[0057] Further, a compaction wheel sleeve 125 is created to couple to the compaction wheel 160. As described above, the compaction wheel sleeve 125 has a first radius 126 that forms a cylindrical cavity 140 with a second radius 135. Preferably, the second radius 135 is less than the first radius 126 and forms a ring 145 between the first radius 126 and the second radius 135. The ring 145 further comprises a compaction wheel sleeve channel 150 that removably couples to the key 120. The compaction wheel 160 is then fastened to the shaft 105 using the mounting device 115 through the mounting passage 128.

[0058] Additionally, the present invention can come as kit to repair a compaction wheel 160 and the bearing assembly 200. The kit comprises a compaction wheel sleeve 125 having a first radius 126 and forming a cylindrical cavity 140 of a second radius 135, where the second radius 135 is less than the first radius 126 and forms a ring 145 between the first radius 126 and second radius 135. The compaction wheel sleeve 125 further comprises a first closed end 127 that includes at least one mounting passage 128 and a second open end 130. The compaction wheel 160 concentrically surrounds and couples to the compaction wheel sleeve 125. It is preferred that the kit also includes a shaft 105 having a cylindrical surface and a first shaft end 106 and at least one mounting device 115.

[0059] It is preferred that the kit also includes at least one key 120 wherein the shaft 105 includes at least one key channel 110 in the cylindrical surface beginning with, and perpendicular to, the first shaft end 105 and the compaction wheel sleeve 125 includes at least one compaction wheel sleeve channel 150 and wherein the at least one key 120 matingly couples to the at least one key channel 110 and the at least one compaction wheel sleeve channel 150. Preferably, the kit also includes at least one fastener 165 wherein the at least one fastener 165 couples the second open end 130 of the compaction wheel sleeve 125 to the shaft 105 using the at least one mounting passage 128 and the at least one mounting device 115. It is also preferred that the kit include at least one bearing assembly 200. This bearing assembly 200 includes the bearings and elements as described above to fit over the shaft 105 and couple to the bearing mount face 305 of a bearing mount 300.

[0060] As seen from the above description, the present invention creates an improved device and method for mounting a compaction wheel system.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A compaction wheel mounting system comprising: a shaft having at least one key channel and an at least one mounting device; at least one key, wherein the at least one key is removably coupled to the at least one key channel; a compaction wheel further comprising a compaction wheel sleeve having a first radius and having a cylindrical cavity of a second radius, where the second radius is less than the first radius and forming a ring between the first radius and second radius and further comprising a first closed end including an at least one mounting passage and a second open end, and further comprising a compaction wheel sleeve channel in the ring to removably couple to the key; wherein the second open end couples to the shaft; and an at least one fastener wherein the at least one fastener couples the compaction wheel to the shaft using the at least one mounting device through the at least one mounting passage.

2. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 1 wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of: a lug screw; a counter sunk allen head bolt;a lug nut and post; and combinations thereof.

3. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 1 wherein the at least one mounting device is selected from the group consisting of: a mounting hole; a post with a lug nut; and combinations thereof.

4. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 1 wherein the compaction wheel concentrically surrounds and couples to the compaction wheel sleeve.

5. A compaction wheel mounting system comprising: a shaft having an at least one mounting device; a compaction wheel further comprising a compaction wheel sleeve having a first radius and having a cylindrical cavity of a second radius, where the second radius is less than the first radius and forming a ring between the first radius and second radius and further comprising a first closed end including an at least one mounting passage and a second open end; wherein the second open end couples to the shaft; and an at least one fastener wherein the at least one fastener couples the compaction wheel to the shaft using the at least one mounting device through the at least one mounting passage.

6. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 5 wherein:the shaft further comprises at least one key channel; an at least one key; and wherein the compaction wheel sleeve further comprises a compaction wheel sleeve channel in the ring to removably couple to the at least one key.

7. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 5 wherein: the shaft further comprises at least one key channel; and wherein the compaction wheel sleeve further comprises at least one compaction wheel sleeve channel with at least one integral key in the ring to removably couple to the at least one shaft key channel.

8. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 5 wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of: a lug screw; a counter sunk allen head bolt; a lug nut and post; and combinations thereof.

9. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 5 wherein the at least one mounting device is selected from the group consisting of: a mounting hole; a post with a lug nut; andcombinations thereof.

10. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 5 wherein the compaction wheel concentrically surrounds and couples to the compaction wheel sleeve.

11. A compaction wheel mounting system comprising: a shaft having at least one mounting device; a compaction wheel having at least one mounting passage with a radius wherein the at least one mounting passage has a first closed end and a second open end; wherein the second open end couples to the shaft; and at least one fastener wherein the fastener couples the compaction wheel to the at least one mounting device using the at least one mounting passage.

12. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 11 wherein: the shaft further comprises at least one key channel; an at least one key; and wherein the compaction wheel further comprises a compaction wheel channel to removably couple to the at least one key.

13. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 11 wherein: the shaft further comprises at least one key channel; and wherein the compaction wheel further comprises at least one compaction wheel channel with at least one key to integrally couple thereto such that the key can removably couple to the at least one shaft key channel.

14. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 11 wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of: a lug screw; a counter sunk allen head bolt; a lug nut and post; and combinations thereof.

15. The compaction wheel mounting system of claim 11 wherein the at least one mounting device is selected from the group consisting of: a mounting hole; a post with a lug nut; and combinations thereof.

16. A method of repair of a compaction wheel mounting system comprising the steps of: removing at least one compaction wheel from the compaction wheel mounting system; creating at least one key channel and at least one mounting device in a shaft; placing at least one key in the at least one key channel; creating a compaction wheel sleeve in a compaction wheel having a first radius and having a cylindrical cavity of a second radius, where the second radius is less than the first radius and forming a ring between the first radiusand second radius and further comprising a first closed end including a mounting passage and a second open end, and further comprising a compaction wheel sleeve channel in the ring to removably couple to the key; coupling the compaction wheel sleeve to the compaction wheel; and fastening the compaction wheel to the shaft using the mounting hole through the mounting passage.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of creating at least one key channel and at least one mounting device in a shaft is selected from the group consisting of an original shaft and a replacement shaft.

18. A kit for repair of a compaction wheel comprising: a compaction wheel sleeve having a first radius and forming a cylindrical cavity of a second radius, where the second radius is less than the first radius and forming a ring between the first radius and second radius and further comprising a first closed end including at least one mounting passage and a second open end; wherein the compaction wheel concentrically surrounds and couples to the compaction wheel sleeve 19. The kit of claim 18 further comprising a shaft having a cylindrical surface and a first shaft end and at least one mounting device.

20. The kit of claim 19 further comprising at least one key wherein the shaft includes at least one key channel in the cylindrical surface beginning with, and perpendicular to, the first shaft end and the compaction wheel sleeve includesat least one compaction wheel sleeve channel and wherein the at least one key matingly couples to the at least one key channel and the at least one compaction wheel sleeve channel.

21. The kit of claim 20 further comprising at least one fastener wherein the at least one fastener couples the second open end of the compaction wheel sleeve to the shaft using the at least one mounting passage and the at least one mounting device.

22. The kit of claim 21 further comprising at least one bearing assembly wherein the at least one bearing assembly includes bearings fits over the shaft and couples to the bearing mount face of a bearing mount.

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