YM2000 Bent and Cracked Front Axle

[sls]

Well it happened and I am just sick. The front axle on my YM2000 is cracked and bent. Have any of you had success straightening a axle and welding reinforcing plates.

 

[shawnjvl]

Lets see a Pic.

 

[winston1]

here is a beefed up one. Not cheap. Yanmar Tractor Parts: FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY_

 

[sls]

Found a used axle for $75. Very good shape. Going to swap it and try to fix the cracked one for a spare.

 

[winston1]

That sounds like the way to go. Mind telling us just what happened to bend the old one?

 

[sls]

The front tire went into a hole the exact width of the tire and about 8-10" deep. I guess the speed (High 2) along with the tight fit of the hole around the tire was just the right formula to jerk and crack the axle. It cracked about 2-3" from the weld on the "spindle housing". I'll try to put up some pictures next week.

 

[sls]

Pictures as requested. I did notice that the axle was not solid from spindle to spindle. The plate on the bottem of the axle stopped about 4-5" from the spindle housing. That's where the axle bent and the crack was close to the weld.

 

[Car Doc]

Welding it would be what I would do and get around on the inside while I was at it because it looks like its right at the junction of axle and spindle on the inside where the crack originates.

I would reinforce it but I cant tell you exactly how because I cant see it from here but it looks pretty weak to me. It could use some extra heft like wrap a piece of 3/8" flat around the spindle and extend it out on the axle beam just food for thought?

It looks like the right side is set back some its hard to tell because the pic isn't centered but if it is a 20 ton press would straighten it easy.

I wouldn't buy another axle but thats me I have a press and a welder
i would get as many years out of that one as I could it looks to me like the crack has been there a long time btw the hole may have opened it up though but its been there quite awhile I am sure fwtw.

edit: Sorry I missed his post on buying the used axle so thats the best way to fix it now!

 

[deepNdirt]

straighting /welding and reinforcing it would be a cheaper alternative, Have you looked at the center pivot ? I would be surprised if nothing has bent at that point as well,

 

[shawnjvl]

I would take it off and weld it, and then reinforce with a gusset of metal over the welded area. Do both sides with the same gusset since you have axle off.