To Grout, or not to Grout ....

[CharlieS]

The recent thread on resetting pins got me thinking about grouting.

I have heard 1) Always grout 2) Grouting is not really needed if the mounting base is strong. Of course, leveling is always needed, using washers.

My stores are mixed, some machines are grouted, others aren't. I can't say that I can tell any difference in vibration or maintenance issues. All have been in place for at least several years.

So, what are the opinions here. And if grouting is recommended, do you only grout metal bases, or do you also grout when you have a direct machine to concrete mount?

BTW, I never could find the right type of grout. I always looked in the tile floor grout section. However, this weekend at Lowe's, I say the correct non-shrinking grout in the concrete (quikcrete) area.

Charlie

[Glenn]

Grouting spreads the vibration over a greater area. Without grouting all the strain is concentrated at the anchoring bolts only.

[Ken]

I always use grout,I feel it help a little.

[Anonymous]

Okay, how do you grout? Do you push the grout under the base and then tighten the bolts or do you grout after tightening the bolts. If the base is sitting flat on the floor, what are you grouting?

thanks

[Glenn]

You level the machine with washers, tighten the anchor bolts, then you grout under the frame.

[CharlieS]

If you are going to grout, doesn't it make better contact and support to set the machine and level it with washers, then remove or lift it to grout and then reset it in the grout?

[Outlaw]

I did this for 20 years while working for a distributor.....the proper way to grout is to put a stack of washers (enough to give you 1/4" height) on the bolts and set the base back down. Level the base using more washers where needed. Put the base back down but DO NOT tighten the nuts. Grout around the base (grout should be oozing out the other side from where your grouting). After 1/2 hr, clean your outside edges where the grout oozed out. Let stand for 24 hours and THEN tighten all your nuts. Be sure to use a non-shrinking grout and not just regular cement mix (yes I have seen that done before).
Tightening the nuts after grouting insures that the base tightens down onto the grout.
In my opinion ALL washer that are rigid mount washers should be grouted.

[SmartCard]

Grouting is a requirement to qualify for Speed Queens 5 year warranty.

[Anonymous]

Speedqueen does not know if you grout or not. Nobody comes out to check for grout. For warranty items all my distrubutor asked for was Model and serial # .