Dumb question of the day!

[N80]

I've got a new L4400 and I need to get tools for it. Does it have metric or SAE hardware? I'm assuming its metric but my tractor stays down on my property and not here at home, so I can't go out and check.

I've got a standard metric box wrench set and 1/2" socket set, but they only go up to about 19 or 20mm. So I'm going to need some larger wrenches and sockets. I also need a better torque wrench.

Does anyone just happen to know the more common sizes used on Kubota tractors (FEL hardware, hitch, lug nuts, etc...I won't really be doing any engine work).

Thanks.

 

[ronjhall]

Largest metric wrench and socket I have is 30 mm. After that I use whatever size inch socket fits. The 30 mm socket is used to remove blades on my MMM. You may be able to use inch sockets after 25 mm. Especially if they are 6 point.

 

[Lockport]

I did the hydro change on my BX2230 the other day and the mesh screen filter was, I am told, a 26MM although I bought a 27MM and it worked just fine.

 

[VA_Joe]

On cars at least - the larger bolts (1 inch and above) are often sized to work either SAE or metric. Don't know if this is done on purpose or if it just works out that way.

Joe

 

[stevenf]

N80, I'm not sure if this will help I own a M9000, the tractor is metric and the loader is standard its all Kubota made but the tractor is made in Japan I think and the loader is made in the US. BUT I don't have any metric tools as big as it takes to work on it there is a standard equivalent or darn close for every bolt I've run across on it I'm talking about the big major stuff not engine work. BTW I priced the tools and ended up buying from Tractor Supply, they have a line that is lifetime warranted at the store and their price was right, a 21 piece 3/4 drive socket set including ratchet, breaker bar and sockets from 7/8" to 2" plus an extension was only $59.00 and the open end box end combination wrenches in essentially the same sizes are priced about $3.00 a piece. Hope this helps I'm sure I'll probably get ugly comments from the mechanics on the site for not buying a metric set as well but the fit is good with the standards and my only use for them is this one tractor and the implements for it and the work done on the tractor is just preventive maintenance, checking to make sure nothing is loose.
Steve

 

[N80]

Thanks guys. The loader manual has a chart showing both SAE and metric sizes. I thought that was odd. Like I said, I've got the lower end of the metric range covered and I meant to say I had 1/2" and 3/4" socket sets. So its really just the larger stuff that I need.

I may run the tractor over to my brother-in-laws shop down the road and use his wrenches to figure out which sizes I need, although he may not have much in the way of metric.

I currently have all Craftsman tools. He uses Mac and ribs me a bit about my Craftsman stuff. I have no doubt the Mac and Snap-On stuff is better and his get used hard and often. However, I've had no fialures of any of my tools when used properly and the several failures I have had were from out and out abuse....but they still replaced them for free. So I think for my purposes, any of the lifetime warranty type tools from Tractor Supply, Craftsman or even Napa are probably fine. They cost much less than the high end tools and when he does break one or needs something new he has to wait for the Mac guy to come out to his farm and then pays way more than my Craftsman 'junk'.

But, he makes a living with his tools and I most certainly don't.

 

[RobJ]

George, No matter what you get you should consider a 15" Cresent wrench. One wrench will cover all the big stuff. Despite what anyone says the larger cresents work well and will not round over a the bigger bolts and nuts when used correctly, probably due to the larger surface area. They usually have a tapered handle to allow for a cheater pipe. They won't get into small places but they'll get at most. I picked up 3 on ebay a while back, 1 for this home, 1 for the weekend place, 1 for my brother in law. I'm his personal mechanic. And yes I used to make my living with these tools.

 

[N80]

Yep, its on the list. I had to borrow my Dad's to change the hitch pins on my mower since it came (used) with catagory 2 hitch pins. It worked fine.

 

[RobJ]

Well this big cresent wrench talk got me to looking, can always use another one I guess. Just bought a cresent brand for $21 including shipping. Watching another one. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif