Tornado Axle 19143

The axle carries the whole working weight of the machine — a full solution tank, a full recovery tank, the motor and the pump — and it does so while being bumped over thresholds and into vans. Part number 19143 is the genuine Tacony axle for the MWH-800, Marathon 800 and Marathon 1200 extractors.

Compatible Models for the Axle

This part fits the following Tornado machines:

• Tornado 98164 MWH-800 8-Gallon Self-Contained Carpet Extractor
• Tornado 98166 20″ Marathon 800 Carpet Extractor (8 Gallon, 115V)
• Tornado 98167 20″ Marathon 800 Carpet Extractor (8 Gallon, 115V)
• Tornado 98168 12 Gallon Self Contained Carpet Extractor
• Tornado 98168 20″ Marathon 1200 Carpet Extractor (12 Gallon, 115V) — all series

A bent axle announces itself as a machine that tracks to one side, or that sits visibly lower on one corner. Stand behind it on a flat floor and sight along the wheels: a machine with a straight axle has both wheels vertical and in line. Any lean, or a wheel that wobbles as it turns rather than running true, means the axle has taken a knock.

The usual cause is a drop. These machines are heavy when full and they are routinely lifted in and out of vehicles, and an axle that lands on a kerb takes a permanent set even when nothing looks broken. The second cause is corrosion at the wheel ends, which starts as a wheel that is stiff to turn and finishes with a seized bushing that tears the axle surface every time the machine is moved.

Running a bent axle costs more than the axle. It loads the wheel bushings unevenly so they wear out early, it drags the machine off a straight line so the operator fights it all day, and it puts a constant side load into the chassis mounting points — which is one of the ways a chassis eventually cracks at a wheel boss.

When you change it, do the wheels and bushings at the same time. They are cheap, they are only reachable with the axle out, and fitting a new axle into worn bushings simply transfers the wear straight back. Check the retaining clamps while you are there too: a clamp that has been letting the axle shift is often the reason it was damaged in the first place.

Fitting is straightforward with the machine tipped and supported — support it properly rather than balancing it, because a full machine on its side is heavy enough to do damage. Slide the new axle through, fit the wheels and clamps, and check the machine rolls straight on a flat floor before you put it back to work.

Browse every assembly for this machine on the Tornado 98168 Marathon 1200 parts hub, and see the manufacturer’s range at tornadovac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tornado machines does the axle 19143 fit?

It is used on the Tornado 98164 MWH-800 8-gallon self-contained extractor, the 98166 and 98167 20″ Marathon 800, the 98168 12 Gallon Self Contained extractor and the 98168 20″ Marathon 1200 in all series. Call 763-535-0770 with your model number if you are not sure.

How do I know the axle is bent?

Stand behind the machine on a flat floor and sight along the wheels. Both should be vertical and in line. Any lean, a machine that tracks to one side, or a wheel that wobbles rather than running true means the axle has taken a knock — usually from being dropped while full.

Does it matter if I keep running a slightly bent axle?

Yes, and it costs more than the axle. It wears the wheel bushings unevenly, drags the machine off a straight line so the operator fights it all day, and puts a constant side load into the chassis mounting points, which is one of the ways a chassis eventually cracks at a wheel boss.

How do I order the Axle (part# 19143) or get help?

You can add the Axle (part# 19143) directly to your cart on this page, or call us at 763-535-0770. Our staff at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428 has been servicing Tornado equipment since 1956 and can help confirm the right part for your machine.

Questions? Call us at 763-535-0770 or visit us at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428.