3525 3pt hitch loose bolts

[deerefan]

A buddy of mine has a new 3525 and is having a small problem. On the right side of the tractor, where the adjustable draft links hook to the lift arms, the bolts keep working loose and falling off. I noticed the exhaust exits about 4 inches in front of these bolts and told him the bolts may be getting hot and working loose due to vibration. This seems to have the dealer stumped too. The threads are all fine, not crossed or worn. He cuts with his finish mower and every couple hours the bolts and nuts fall off. I think he needs to route his exhaust to point down, not at the bolts. Any other suggestions or anyone else have this problem?

 

[Tim_in_IA]

You could have the dealer contact Mahindra tech support to see what the bolts should be torqued to. Also, if they are sufficiently tightened maybe put on with some locktite? I don't have a 3525 so maybe someone who does will chime in to see if this is common?

 

[fish_wisperer]

you could get some aircraft bolts with drilled heads and safety wire them togather, if you know any aircraft guys they could show you how to do it. there are other ways to safety bolts to. also their are self locking nuts.

 

[deerefan]

he tried loctite and locking nuts...they lasted longer but still came loose.

 

[Tim_in_IA]

Does the finish mower allow for flexing when running on uneven ground? I was just wondering if for some reason that bolt was getting excessive pressure or vibrations from the implement. This shouldn't be happening anyway though. I'd defenitely check with Mahindra tech support on this.

 

[deerefan]

as far as i know everything is operating as it should except for the bolts

 

[KTM_TONY]

If it's getting hot don't use a nylock nut. Find a steel locknut or castle nut or drill small hole thru the nut and bolt and use a cotter pin.

Something is definitely not right if it keeps coming loose. I would investigate it some more. You shouldn't have do this.
Good luck,
Tony

 

[kc4ee]

Mine did the same thing after about 30 hours. One bolt was lost. I picked up some grade 8 replacements, "torqued" them down with an impact wrench and they haven't worked loose since. I had been doing some "extreme" bush hogging, (sweet gum bushes about 2" in diameter and about 15' high and as thick as hair on a dog's back. I mentally chastised myself for not checking them as PM but those two were the only ones on the whole rig that were loose. If they come loose again I'll loctite them.
Regards to all,
Jim

 

[TroyBoy]

I have a 3525 and haven't encountered that problem. Mine has 125 to 150 hours on it.

 

[Varmintmist]

How about a lock washer?