4n1 bucket integrity

[Charlesaf3]

I tend to agree with you that "a little above idle" the bucket should be able to handle anything the machine can lift.

But on the other hand, lightweight 4n1's are probably a bit more delicate, by the nature of the beast.

I think mine might count as construction equipment. But once again, there's a tradeoff - at 800+ pounds for the bucket alone, it wouldn't leave much for cargo normally.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Here are some pics of details I could see. I've still got the bucket filled so can't take that one.

The stumps are there for perspective - big oak stumps, the one in the 4n1 is 8 feet tall or so.

Hmm, looking at it the reinforcements are tough to see, I'll take some more tomorrow in decent light.

 

[Redbug]

IslandTractor,
I have a WR Long 4in1 and have the same problem with the bottom grease zerks and dirt. I use my air compressor nozzle to blow out the dirt out of the protective zerk pipe sleeves before attaching the grease gun. That's the easiest and fastest way to get the dirt out.

 

[IslandTractor]

IslandTractor,
I have a WR Long 4in1 and have the same problem with the bottom grease zerks and dirt. I use my air compressor nozzle to blow out the dirt out of the protective zerk pipe sleeves before attaching the grease gun. That's the easiest and fastest way to get the dirt out.

Good idea. I have been using a flat screwdriver and a lot of cursing to clean them out. Sometimes the soil/mud/dirt is so impacted, especially in the protected zerk, that air might not work alone but it would certainly help with final pre grease clean up. Twice I've had to get out the zerk flusher device and at least once or twice I've had to take the zerk nipple off to clean it. I do believe WRLong makes great products but I just don't understand why they chose to put the zerks in the obviously exposed areas.

 

[Charlesaf3]

What is a zerk flusher? Sounds like something I should own... And where are the WR Long Zerks? I have the sinking suspicion mine might be in the same place

 

[Rara Avis]

Buzzard Gulch Catalog H 2005

Page 72...

 

[IslandTractor]

What is a zerk flusher?

As Paul pointed to on page 72 the flusher is model KD416. I don't know what the official name is but flusher is a pretty accurate description. I actually got mine from Northern Tools I think but it looks the same. Basic idea is that there is a zerk fitting attached to a cylinder that has a piston in it. you remove the piston, fill the cylinder with light oil then replace the piston, put the fitting on the stuck zerk then wham the piston end with a hammer. Squirts the light oil through the zerk and drives out dried up grease and dirt. Works pretty well but is kinda messy sometimes. Easier than pulling the zerk off and soaking it solvent etc.

 

[IslandTractor]

More photos of the dumb placement of zerks on the 4n1. On the second photo you can see that if they had moved the zerk 90 degrees it would not be face down in the dirt every single time you use the bucket but would instead be in back with at least partial protection. There is one other zerk in there that is so buried in dirt I didn't even find it the first time I greased the bucket up.

 

[Charlesaf3]

yep, I think thats where mine is as well.... Maybe its unavoidable?

I haven't had call to use a zerk flusher yet - is it that I'm lucky, or because I use a pneumatic grease gun, not a hand one? Sometime it does labor a bit before the zerk opens up...

 

[IslandTractor]

I haven't had call to use a zerk flusher yet - is it that I'm lucky, or because I use a pneumatic grease gun, not a hand one? Sometime it does labor a bit before the zerk opens up...

Maybe it is your grease gun but I have a Lincoln electric gun which works pretty well unless the zerk is gummed up with dirt or old dried out grease. With all the attachments you have accummulated I'd say you should invest in one. Not big bucks and they do allow you to make a stuck zerk work with a 3 minute fix rather than needing to take it off and clean it out or soak it.