Possible 3ph problem

[Bluest]

Thanks for the comments. As a novice, a second pair of eyes always helps.

I have some steel angle, so bolting up to the two holes on the back near the PTO should be possible. I'll have a look at that some time this week.

I am a bit reluctant to reinstate the hinge plates as the casing is already damaged in that area, I don't know how good the repair was and ripping it open would be a disaster. I'm not doing and ground engagement work, just mowing, so I figured what I have should be plenty strong enough (admittedly that is a total guess...). I could use my left over steel to make my own ears. I'll have to give it more thought.

I think, and hope, my welds (once I've learnt) are likely to be the week point in the system now so if I do overload something that's where it should break.

I'd love to know what the previous keeper did to tear 4 m12 bolts out and crack the gearbox.

 

[Bluest]

Ok, a bit of progress with amateur-made lower link assembly...

I had a very brief welding lesson on Wednesday night, my Dad then promptly left me with his old arc welder and said "it's all down to practise, I'll leave it with you"!

Now, this is absolutely the first time I've been near a welder, with the exception of my one hour lesson from Dad and watching videos on YouTube. The welds are lumpy, and unsightly but they appear strong enough. The ones on the right I did first and are the worst. Ill grind those back and have another go. I ran outof time tonight. I did managed to incorporate some lugs to bolt up to the back of the gearbox as suggested by you good folks.

 

[California]

Looks good. I think the tabs greatly reduce stress on those bolts you had to repair underneath.

 

[winston1]

I do think the bar or lugs will fail before the bolts holding it on the tractor so you ought to be good to go. :thumbsup:

 

[kenmac]

On the welds that are lumped up, Try a little more heat . That should flatten out your weld bead

 

[Bluest]

Looks good. I think the tabs greatly reduce stress on those bolts you had to repair underneath.

I do think the bar or lugs will fail before the bolts holding it on the tractor so you ought to be good to go. :thumbsup:

Thanks, the lugs were a good idea, I appreciate the suggestion.

I've ordered my stabiliser chains today, so they should arrive early next week. I can then take it out for test on Wednesday if the weather is good..

 

[Bluest]

On the welds that are lumped up, Try a little more heat . That should flatten out your weld bead

I'll give it a try over the weekend. I've not got much headroom though, the little welder is not far from full amps already.

 

[kenmac]

if the rod is too big for the amps of the machine, Try a little smaller rod .

 

[Bluest]

Kenmac, I ground out the welds and tried again with few more amps. Much better. Thanks for the tip.

I should have figured that out for myself to be honest. My welder has recommended amp range for each rod size, and it was set low for that size rod.

 

[Bluest]

A quick update, the finished item with a coat of paint.

Just waiting for my stabiliser chains to come in the post, then I can go for a test mow.