3D Printing Tractor Parts-Loader Plug (GC Series)

Nacademus · Mar 12, 2019

Hi there.

I noticed that my GC1720 did not have a cap on the crossover tube on the loader arms. I see this cap on a good many others around the internet.

I'm sure it serves a purpose so I decided to make my own. I also made one with a Massey Ferguson logo in it but haven't put it on yet.

Without Logo:
https://www.tinkercad.com/things/kapPIR1g2qP

With MF Logo:
https://www.tinkercad.com/things/gWxkxUPyZZU

It has a faceted inner surface with a bevel for a good tight fit but should allow moisture to get out around it.

I printed mine in red PETG since its a little stronger than PLA. If you print one, I would recommend painting it for better UV protection.

I measure the ID of the tube to be about 67mm. You could just as easily source a cap some other way.

Feel free to edit my cap it however you want.

hiddentacocatneddih · Mar 12, 2019

Awesome. I thought about printing some plugs for my tractor as well.

Nacademus · Mar 12, 2019

The affordability of 3d printers has come down quite a bit. I have a Creality Ender 3 and it prints everything I could need with very good detail. They can be had for ~$200. There are plenty of free CAD software and slicers. Youtube has thousands of how-to videos for getting a new person up and running.

I have already created a bunch of odds and ends parts for use around the house. I created this simple plug for my tractor as well as a PETG waterproof box for housing my relay circuit controller for my auxiliary lighting. It looks like a factory part.

My next project is to print a new fuel cap since I dropped mine and chipped it.

hiddentacocatneddih · Mar 12, 2019

Nice. I have a prusa clone. I thought about getting the ender but can't justify having 2 printers yet

Nacademus · Mar 12, 2019

Very nice! The Prusa i3 was a little too pricey for me to bite on as a first printer. Now, I think I can totally see myself having two Ender 3 printers. It would cut down on the waiting between long/large prints.

A friend has a Creality CR10-5S. If I really needed to print anything large, I'd send it his way.

Langanobob · Mar 15, 2019

I was just greasing my GC yesterday and some removable caps to cover the recessed area where the Zerks are would ve useful to keep dirt away from the Zerks. Not sure if they could be made to stay in place yet pop out with a screwdriver when you want them out for greasing.

Nacademus · Mar 15, 2019

Langanobob said:
I was just greasing my GC yesterday and some removable caps to cover the recessed area where the Zerks are would ve useful to keep dirt away from the Zerks. Not sure if they could be made to stay in place yet pop out with a screwdriver when you want them out for greasing.

I'll take some measurements tonight and see if I can make something for that...what a great idea! I ended up buying rubber zerk caps in bulk and putting them on, but this is a better idea! I still get mud all around the zerk itself.

I'm sure I can make a tree style retainer surface at the edge to hold onto the inside lip. Maybe I can recess it slightly altogether to make sure they aren't knocked off easily.

As for easy removal, maybe a recessed slot for a nickel or quarter to seat in to easily leverage it out. A screwdriver ought to work too.

I'll see what I can do. They would be small and print quickly, so the prototyping would be rather quick.

Nacademus · Mar 15, 2019

Here's my first stab at it. Its a little tight but I can adjust it. I didn't add anything to make it easier to remove, yet. I think these would make most sense at the pins where mud and debris will cake on. I can get some flexible filament and print these like little push-on nipples and they'll probably be easier to manage. This is just for fun.

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/4A1ap62kNos