GC Series Loader To Frame Mounts Backing Out..

[ray66v]

This is what forums are for. Reporting positive or negative feed back of ones tractor. Adding lock washers certainly isn't going to hurt anything or using locktite.

Thanks, I know what these forums are for. As I said, I've been here for a while.

I never said, adding lock washers or Locktite was going to hurt anything.

I thought the OP was looking for advice about his problem. And, I offered my opinion. That's usually how this works.

 

[Ford850]

I've read the studies ray66v referred to. It seems like the most common reason for bolts loosening is improper torque. If installed properly the first time, there is no issue. The next issue comes from reusing bolts already torqued. Most of us do that.
Here's how I see it:
New bolts torqued to spec = tight bolts
Improper torque on initial install = might have loose bolts.
Reusing bolts and not torqueing them to spec the second time = likely have loose bolts
Adding Locktite or lock washers to make up for the above = might have loose bolts

 

[atsah]

As far as it being a "common problem". Believe what you want. I've been here 12 years, and owned a GC the whole time. There are many GC owners here, and many of threads pertaining to issues owners have had with GC's. (You can search them). We can tell you what the common problems are. I can't remember anyone reporting this prior to your thread.

Again I simply brought up a point concerning an issue I have and others have had as well.. The last thing I am going to do on a forum is argue, not something I'm interested in doing..

I understand the points you have made in the thread. It really doesn't matter how long one has been a member of a forum, I have been using tractors for 40 years but that doesn't mean I think I know everything about tractors nor does your 12 years of typing on a keyboard mean you know everything about tractors either, if another person can benefit from this thread, the way I see it is it was worth opening.. No big deal..

 

[atsah]

I thought the OP was looking for advice about his problem. And, I offered my opinion. That's usually how this works.

I was not looking for advice, (your not talking to a dummy, I was an electromechanical engineer for 25 years) I opened the thread to give others a heads up so they could check there's to make sure all is well, that's it that's all..

 

[aczlan]

If someone does a lot of dirt/gravel loader work they are bound to come loose if left without lock washers. Moving snow, light material without engaging the ground you may never have an issue.

Not necessarily, if properly torqued, they shouldn't be needed (note that the US Navy prohibits lockwashers on their ships).
If you are adding lock washers, make sure you still have enough thread engagement. If the bolt is too short, adding a lockwasher could cause the bolt to strip out of the casting.

Aaron Z

 

[atsah]

Not necessarily, if properly torqued, they shouldn't be needed (note that the US Navy prohibits lockwashers on their ships).
If you are adding lock washers, make sure you still have enough thread engagement. If the bolt is too short, adding a lockwasher could cause the bolt to strip out of the casting.

Aaron Z

There is more than enough thread engagement on the bolts. The first time they backed out I torqued to spec and they backed out within a couple of months of loader work, I installed the lock washers, torqued them to spec again, then I put a 1/2 inch drive on it and a 30 inch pipe and got another 3/4 turn on them, I have a lot hours of loader work since and they are tight as can be. I solved my issue.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The bolts on my final drive hubs kept loosening up. I replaced the split washers with Nordlock brand of lock washer plus added blue Loctite to the bolts when I installed them. I also bought new grade 10 bolts for both sides. It wasn't a cheap fix but I have not had any more issues.


I had a Yanmar with a Vietnam loader on it and the FEL bolts never would stay tight. I just kept tightening them up after each use. Never thought or knew about the Nordlock washers.

 

[atsah]

The bolts on my final drive hubs kept loosening up. I replaced the split washers with Nordlock brand of lock washer plus added blue Loctite to the bolts when I installed them. I also bought new grade 10 bolts for both sides. It wasn't a cheap fix but I have not had any more issues.


I had a Yanmar with a Vietnam loader on it and the FEL bolts never would stay tight. I just kept tightening them up after each use. Never thought or knew about the Nordlock washers.

Sounds about right. When I replaced my washers I bought new bolts a little longer so I had the same amount of thread when I installed the washers.

 

[Ford850]

There is more than enough thread engagement on the bolts. The first time they backed out I torqued to spec and they backed out within a couple of months of loader work, I installed the lock washers, torqued them to spec again, then I put a 1/2 inch drive on it and a 30 inch pipe and got another 3/4 turn on them, I have a lot hours of loader work since and they are tight as can be. I solved my issue.

3/4 turn more after being torqued to spec - that seems like a lot. I wonder if the loader frame isn't tight and you are squeezing it in place with that extra force.

 

[Snobdds]

3/4 turn more after being torqued to spec - that seems like a lot. I wonder if the loader frame isn't tight and you are squeezing it in place with that extra force.

Agree. That does not sound right at all.