Couple of screws loose...

[DVerbarg]

Didn't want to disassemble and reassemble but thought that if a bolt/nut comes loose that putting a little locktite on it might be a good idea. If it came loose once will it happen again?

 

[jinman]

I understand what you mean, Dave. Locktite might help. On airplanes where there is a lot of vibration, the fasteners are safety-wired. But that's taking it a little far for tractors. It's a frustrating problem at times./w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

 

[shade2u2]

Regarding TIGHTENING bolts. I picked up a decent 3/4" drive socket set at Quality Farm & Fleet for $29 that was regularily $89. It is NOT SnapOn, but my best friend who is a diesel mechanic, says that many of the Chinese 3/4 & larger tools are made of higher quality steel due to the specs' that they must meet that 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 do not have to meet...
This set (if I remember right), includes wrench, breaker bar, 2 extentions, & 12 or 14 sockets (maybe 5/8 - 2 1/4)...

 

[djradz]

There's a version of Loctite that is suited for "post-assembly" application. Seems it has something in it to help in wicking it's way into the threads.

Just a word to the wise, NH recommends retorquing wheel bolts (not sure about others) so maybe these just needed to be retorqued. Regardless, all torquing should be done to spec. If the list in the NH manual is not adequate, there's plenty of sources on the web, but you do have to have an idea of the bolt specification. If not, you'd probably have to opt for using the lowest torque, which still would be far better than none at all!

 

[RBrown]

Dave,

I had the exact same problem as you. After using my 72" mid mount mower on my 2710 for the first time I started loosing bolts from the loader sub-frame. I reassembled the loader frame and used the "blue" locktite and haven't had a problem since.

 

[DVerbarg]

Thanks for your feedback. For those bolts/nuts that come loose they'll get a little locktite on them. I'll try to find the type that works for existing assemblies.

It seems to be an engineering deficiency that the manufacturer could not do this. Why wouldn't they either use better lock washers or locktite or both for problematic fasteners?

 

[djradz]

Jim, my Dad's King Kutter did the exact same thing. I was doing some mowing for him and fortuneately looked back while I was backing into some wild rose bushes and noticed some pretty heavy-duty shaking of the gear box going on. the two rear nuts holding the box on both only had a few threads left before they would have fallen off. I'd have to think however these bolts are subject to a heck of a lot more vibration than bolts on the tractor frame. Maybe the subject ones need to be better torqued??? ... just a guess. Obviously the loctite is good insurance. FYI, the blue version is usually the lighweight/removable one. Don't recall what the color of the post-installation version is.
... Duane

 

[jinman]

Duane, I have lost blade bolts on my King Kutter twice (found bolts, nuts, and washers on the ground both times - good luck). I even lost one of the aircraft locking nuts on the 3PH frame and found two others loose. I'm tempted to use green locktite on those bolts. I think the green type is the one that you have to heat with a torch to get it to release. Somehow, I think I need that at times./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[jinman]

Dave, I went up to Loctite's site (we've all been spelling it wrong) and gathered the following information which might be useful to you and several other readers. Here is what I found:

Fasteners under 3/4"
http://www.loctite.com/selector/product.html?answer=11212

Loctite 270 - FLUORESCENT GREEN
High strength threadlocker for fasteners up to 3/4" (20mm). Secures large studs and bolts. Intended for parts that do not require disassembly. Cures fast and reliably on most metal surfaces. Seals threads against industrial fluids. Available Worldwide

Loctite 272 - OPAQUE RED/ORANGE
Hi-temp/hi-strength formula. Suited for temperatures up to 450° F. Fast cure on most surfaces including "as received" fasteners. Recommended for bolts up to 1 1/2" (36mm) in diameter. Heat and hand tools required for disassembly. Available Worldwide

Loctite 277 - FLUORESECENT RED
High strength for locking fasteners up to 1 1/2" (36mm). Prevents fasteners from loosening due to shock, heat or vibration. Protects threads from rust and corrosion. Removable with heat and hand tools. Available Worldwide

...hope this helps

 

[DFB]

Yes, the web site has all the information needed for choosing the proper product.
Describing them by both number and color. Loctite great products. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Would seem that using a threadlocker not intended for the application could inadvertently lead to a problem after the fact. Appying a high strength permanent type on small fastener could easily create a situation where the screw head strips out or the fastener head snaps off.

The 290 and 270 being an interesting example. Both are described as being flourescent green in color.
One a high strength permanent type used to secure large studs and bolts. Intended for products that do not require disassembly and if disassembly is required use localized heat.

The other one is a low viscosity threadlocking liquid used for preassembled fasteners, instrumentation screws, electrical connectors, carburetors.

Boy, I hope I never mix those two up./w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif


There is also an old thread in the AG Repair and Machinery forum that also discusses using Loctite too.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=ag&Number=35334&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=>http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=ag&Number=35334&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=</A>

DFB