Check the bolts

[McCaskey]

How many times do we really get under & inside equipment to check every nut & bolt every time we use something? In this case, sometimes never.

This is my Bush Hog TD1500 bat wing mower when the center transfer case let loose today. Made a heck of a gut wrenching noise. Initial look has dirt in three holes and a damaged fourth hole. Tear everything apart tomorrow and add up the damage.

Another lesson learned.

 

[Mousefield]

Now that doesn't look good. Let us know what it took to fix it.

 

[Baby Grand]

Ouch!
I'm hoping a few U-joints, 4 bolts and a HeliCoil will put you right.

 

[McCaskey]

A 7/16" bolt is a sloppy cousin of a 12MM metric bolt. Real close, but felt wrong.

The previous owner must have removed the transfer case and reassembled with wrong bolts. Although a Bush Hog has english hardware, the tapped holes on the transfer case are metric. The 7/16" bolts worked loose and fell out.

I got lucky, no damage or loss other than an entire day lost to rebuilding the mower.

 

[jimmysisson]

For all the torque that's asked to transmit, I'd think it would be mounted stronger. 12mm bolts aren't all that big, and only 4, and not too far apart. Still, having the right ones would have been nice. Good luck.
Jim

 

[Bigfoot62]

How many times do we really get under & inside equipment to check every nut & bolt every time we use something? In this case, sometimes never.

If it's a Harley, better check them after every trip!

I'm glad your problem turned out to be minor.

BTW, nice old Ford. I presume that's the 7700, right?

 

[impdaddy]

If it's a Harley, better check them after every trip!

lol and wipe off all the leaks.:thumbsup: