'72 301 w/401 loader side brace question

[curz]

I have a newly acquired 1972 301 industrial tractor with what appears to be a 401 loader. The six bolts that hold the front sub-frame to the engine block have stripped. I am in the process of adding thread inserts to repair the stripped threads, but have noticed that I may be missing the additional support braces that go between the flywheel housing and front sub-frame. They appear to have been on the tractor at some point, but not now. JD part numbers for the braces are T21653 & T21654.

I plan to make these up from 1/2" x 6" steel plate. My question is concerning the mounting of the plates. There are two 5/8" threaded holes on the flywheel housing for the rear mounting points and I am guessing that the front mounting points are supposed to be behind the two tabs that serve as the front loader frame mounts which are bolted to the sub-frame in front of the engine. The issue I see is that there is a step cast in the tabs that corresponds to a step in the sub frame. If I slide the steel plate behind the tab, it will make the tab stick out further. This in turn would widen the loader frame and possibly make it impossible to mount the loader arms back on to the loader frame. Any thoughts to how the braces were mounted?

I've enclosed a picture of the right side loader frame mount. The darker unpainted area to the left of the mount (below oil cap) is where I assume the front of the brace attaches.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tx Jim]

Where are you getting the loader model #? A model 400(7400) loader frame was built for a 4 cyl engine tractor and should be too long for a 3 cyl engine tractor.

 

[curz]

Your image *looks* like mine. My Deere workshop manual shows loaders for both 301 and 401. The 301 has a totally different mount setup. The 401 pictures match up with mine. There appear to be no modifications to the loader frame. Serial on the loader is E7320-0001430 if that helps. Pardon my lack of Deere knowledge.


Thanks

 

[Tx Jim]

7320 loader is for a 300 tractor. Here's the parts catalog 1111 - JD300 (7320) Loader - 07Nov01 & a photo from it. The side frames you inquired about were needed for mid mount loaders such as 2nd photo loader mounting frames that did not go to back axles.This mid mount type does require the side frames you mentioned. I'm not very familiar with industrial tractors/loaders as I worked for a strictly AG dealer but I have a little ind experience.

 

[curz]

Thank you. You've given me new insight into what I can do on the Deere parts site.

Looks like I have a little more research to do.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Tx Jim]

I'm glad I could help you. I worked for a JD dealer for over 21 years so I'm fairly familiar with their parts site.