Silent runner not spinning well

Savannagh · 11-20-2020, 03:16 AM

I have a 12 inch Silent Runner, previously on its stand and it was fine. But now I have the Savic Plaza its base is so curved that if put it on a stand it would practically be in the middle of the cage. So I bought a cage attachment to attach it to the bars. And it's been no end of trouble.

I thought I'd finally got it sorted so it didn't hit anything, but when I look at it from the top it's often at an angle. But it doesn't seem to affect the spin.

However, when my (Syrian) hamster is on it he runs for about 2 seconds then has to make an effort to keep it spinning, rather than just constantly running. Which he was doing on it before I adjusted it (I had it on too low so it was hitting the base).

There's definitely nothing stopping it from moving. When I start it spinning it goes on for a while. I can tell from what the hamster has been up to at night that he's not happy. I don't know what to do - it seems like no one else has had a problem with this at all!

LunaTheHamster1 · 11-20-2020, 03:39 AM

Savannagh,I was just wondering did they send you all the correct parts, or any parts missing for the cage attachment as like you say no one else seems to have this problem (that doesn't mean you don't though)

If you need to check parts, I have this video on the silent runner wheel and attaching it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QudWsqJiPU&t=1s

I don't know what else to suggest, unless you can attach a photo so we can see what is going on.

Savannagh · 11-20-2020, 05:01 AM

I checked the instructions that came with the cage attachment - I definitely have everything and it's definitely on right.

I think they've changed the cage attachment recently and the parts I got look different to your video - they're the ones pictured at https://sugarglidershop.co.uk/produc...silent-runner/ But I think the main difference is that mine has a wing nut to on the end, whereas yours has a knob.

I've taken some photos from the top and back.

LunaTheHamster1 · 11-20-2020, 05:15 AM

Ok, so my immediate thought there is it used to be a big square plate you got, then I think they made them smaller and now it looks like they have gone with a round disc, which doesn't look as strong.

Yes, they swopped out the knob for the wing nut

The only thing I can think of from your pic, is to move it away from the vertical bar. It looks like it is sitting over it? or is that just the angle of the photo?

If that doesn't change anything then I am afraid it could be because they swopped the support plates for something inferior, which if they have seems such a shame if it's not working very well. You may need to contact Exotic Nutrition direct and tell them the problems you are having with their product.

It is a recent change which is why you may be having the problem and not finding anyone else yet with the same issue.

Savannagh · 11-20-2020, 05:43 AM

The bolt is right next to the vertical bar, so it does mean the plates aren't straight. I've moved it completely away from that vertical bar now. It doesn't seem any different to me, but I'll see what the hamster does tonight (if only he'd run on cue...)

Thanks for you help, Luna.

AmityvilleHams · 11-20-2020, 05:45 AM

This might sound a bit crazy and may not work depending on how the height would end up, but would it be possible to somehow use zip ties with the regular Silent Runner stand instead of that back plate(really more of a back spot this time

) and just attach the Silent Runner upside down in the cage?

Basically if it was done like that the zip ties would be around the stand - no drilling into it or anything too difficult. The only issue I can think of with this would be if it just didn't fit into the cage that way, but it is theoretically possible and would save other people money too instead of having to buy the extra attachment to directly attach to the bars of cages if it is a viable option!

Savannagh · 11-20-2020, 05:59 AM

I think that would work, height wise. The problem I have with that is that the stand is really surprisingly heavy, and I'd worry that the zip ties would break or the roof would bow. I will keep it in mind - I guess the only way to tell if it fits and the cage is strong enough is to try it.

LunaTheHamster1 · 11-20-2020, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savannagh

The bolt is right next to the vertical bar, so it does mean the plates aren't straight. I've moved it completely away from that vertical bar now. It doesn't seem any different to me, but I'll see what the hamster does tonight (if only he'd run on cue...)

Thanks for you help, Luna.

You are welcome,I hope it works.

I too thought about hanging the wheel from the ceiling with the original stand, as I know people do this with trixie wheels, but it is so much heavier than a trixie wheel.
It could work,but I would be attaching that stand so it had no way of ever moving.

The only other possibly solution is to try and source some metal plates- more money I know, but if that is the case I would definitely be letting the company know about
their rubbish new modifications.

Ria P · 11-20-2020, 09:21 AM

I find that wheels run better and quieter on their stand. For this reason i have plonked a big wheel on its stand towards the middle of a cage with long bendy Trixie ladders running behind the wheel from one corner shelf to the other with hides underneath. My Syrian seems to enjoy running and hiding in the area behind his wheel and the position of his wheel doesn't stop him from running on it.

flowerfairy · 11-20-2020, 12:48 PM

I found that the silent runner tends to lean forward on its stand ... I use the trixie wooden wheels now. I also foun that it was less easy to spin when attached to the bars. Got it a few years ago.

Lovely and quiet just a tad tricky to get it to sit right and to spin well.