2019 GC1725M - New Tractor - bolts falling out of subframe / transmission !!

[Imold]

If whatever they do is done right and they are going to warranty the repair that’s the main thing and if they do a lifetime warranty on the repair that’s even better but either which way they will still stand behind the fix and it will be well documented, even if they just warranty the repair as long as you own the tractor that is still a good deal being if anything would happen it would happen sooner then later and if it goes a year with no issues I would venture to say the fix will last the lifetime of the unit and there should be no more worries.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Terrible, how the person installing those "too short" bolts didn't think, hey these seem short and speak up.

 

[Diggin It]

Terrible, how the person installing those "too short" bolts didn't think, hey these seem short and speak up.

Maybe they didn't put their videogame down while assembling?

 

[Industrial Toys]

Maybe they get pay based on how many they assemble. Hard to say without knowing.

Thinking about it a little, I realize you probably can't have a system where the assembly workers start questioning engineering. Maybe, only to aleviate boredome.

Or like my step father who was an electrician at a huge Steel Company. You could put in your suggestion, into the suggetion box, that you thought the bolts looked too short and twelve weeks later, they might read that and look into it.

 

[PatrickS2222]

Why are you gents so afraid of a helical inserts? When done properly, it's stronger than the original thread. Many types of extreme duty machines are designed this way at high stress areas.

I've been reading this thread with interest - it seems it is a case of poor workmanship rather than a manufacturing defect.

I agree 100% with the quoted statement ... and with Ipakiz's emphasis on "when done properly". I have over the years successfully repaired many, many damaged threads in various materials - even once in plastic! On several occasions one and a half or two coils have been inserted to ensure reliability. A typical example is in diesel injector retaining fork bolts in Mercedes Benz diesel engines - the bolt snaps or the thread pulls - it screws into aluminium. Drilled several snapped bolts out and recoiled the thread ... no further problems.

The damage in this instance is the first couple turns on the surface end of the thread is missing. These two turns have somewhat less strength because they are at the surface of the metal. Tapping deeper into the casting if the hole is already drilled will be quite satisfactory. Conversely, if drilling deeper is required, the existing thread will be easily damaged unless done very carefully. That said ... a drill .5mm smaller than the tapping drill recommended will help avoid or minimise damage. Also, 50-60% thread engagement is satisfactory, especially if some thread-lock compound is also used - I would strongly advise this if coils are not used.

What needs to be kept in mind is what makes repair-coils stronger than the original thread. The larger outside diameter of the coil (eg in a 10mm bolt) has notably more surface area (11-11.5mm) ie 10-15% more area. Additionally, when tightening the bolt the threaded bolt rubs against the hardened steel wire spiral ... not the softer cast-iron or alloy parent metal.

The key is lubricant when assembling and tightening, appropriate bolt torque, and rechecking after initial use. There is no sense in tightening to 80% of the bolt's or its thread's total strength ... that leaves only 20% remaining strength to be of any use!

I really do look forward to this being correctly repaired.

 

[GeneV]

Unless I'm reading the reported problem wrong...

Pretty sure the dealer "fix" on this is to just replace the short screws with the correct length ones, and call it a day. There's not gonna any deeper tapping to extend the thread, nor will there be heli-coils installed.

 

[Diggin It]

Unless I'm reading the reported problem wrong...

Pretty sure the dealer "fix" on this is to just replace the short screws with the correct length ones, and call it a day. There's not gonna any deeper tapping to extend the thread, nor will there be heli-coils installed.

I spoke with Agco at length today, they were very helpful. It is indeed an issue with the bolts - they are the incorrect length.

The 1725M is being picked up tomorrow, and taken back to the dealer. There are 10 bolts affected, that will need to be replaced with the longer bolts. For the 4 bolts that have stripped out a portion of the thread, AGCO suggested they could install slightly longer bolts - 45mm or 50mm threaded length, if there is enough thread to do so. If not, they will helicoil the damaged threads and then use the 40mm bolts.

.........

 

[Imold]

Unless I'm reading the reported problem wrong...

Pretty sure the dealer "fix" on this is to just replace the short screws with the correct length ones, and call it a day. There's not gonna any deeper tapping to extend the thread, nor will there be heli-coils installed.

Guess they figure if the hole is threaded 40mm and they only used 20 or 30mm bolts to start with instead of the 40mm they should of used you now have a 40mm threaded hole where maybe 4mm is striped out so now your basically using 35mm of threads to hold/torque that 40mm bolt into. If the engineers feel that the longer bolt will work it is all on Massey if anything else happens and they will be liable for any more damage.
Just make sure you get all warranty on paper and that if it fails they are liable for any and all damages caused by this repair.

Again the repair they are doing should last the life of the tractor.

 

[GeneV]

Yes, that's my point. The pix suggest the first couple-3 thread knackered, they ain't gonna heli-coil for that.

Honestly, that should be fine so long as they warranty it. Just make sure nothing got bent out of shape from hanging off the tractor while not securely mounted. That's what I would be more concerned about. Also would be good if the dealer tossed in a brownie or two for your trouble.

 

[Imold]

Yes, that's my point. The pix suggest the first couple-3 thread knackered, they ain't gonna heli-coil for that.

Honestly, that should be fine so long as they warranty it. Just make sure nothing got bent out of shape from hanging off the tractor while not securely mounted. That's what I would be more concerned about. Also would be good if the dealer tossed in a brownie or two for your trouble.

Checking for anything bent or damaged ? Remember they are the ones who used the wrong bolts. Just saying!.

Would be nice if they thru in a bone or two, heck I think I was lucky to get a couple caps when I bought my tractor, I call them my 16k hats and have them locked in my safe for retirement hahaha. Yes sarcasm.