Finally ordered my TC45DA

TMAC · May 15, 2004

Well Stewart looks like another rainy weekend /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. I guess we can't complain given that the last 4-5 days have been really nice. It's been a nice rain so far. Everyone's gardens could use it anyway plus the farmers.

I hope the sun comes out for tomorrow though. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif If not I guess I'll pittle around and read the manual a little more. Might try and find me some weight distribution stablizer bars for the trailer and my truck so I can somehwhat keep it from squatting so bad.

I ended up putting air shocks on my F-150 and got a chance to load the tractor on the trailer before I came to work yesterday. I put 120lbs of pressure in the shocks and it still squated a little more than I prefer. The safety chains were right near touching the ground. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Anyone know off the top of there head of any weight distribution systems? Anyone with any experience with them? I know Reese has some weight distribution products.

TMAC · May 15, 2004

Great Jim. I've got a lot to learn and I really appreciate your knowledge or anyones for that matter. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'll make that adjustment later on today when I get off work around 6:30pm.

Pops called me a little bit ago. I have the tractor currently in his garage. Yesterday I played with the bush hog a little cutting the path out down to the creek. Engaged the PTO very smoothly and idled up to 540 PTO speed. No problems shearing the pin.

Well don't you know dad went out this morning in the garage to check out the new toy and he started it up while talking to me on the phone from work. Asked me if I cared and I said no. Well the next thing he asked me was about the Bush Hog and PTO. I told him the PTO lever is the yellow one on the left panel. I told him to do it easy at idle speed. So the next thing I here is what the &$%# was that. Oh great I replied. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Well he said looks like the shear pin broke. I said really, no kiddin/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

No big deal but I can't get to the dealer today and tomorrow is Sunday. The SQ720 requires a GR. 8.8 shear pin. TSC has 5 grade pins do you think it would be OK to go temporarily with that or wait until I get to the dealer to get the correct grade?

jinman · May 15, 2004

Greg, if your cutter will take it, I'd just use a grade 2, 1/2" dia. x 4" bolt (maybe 4-1/2" long). I think the grade 8.8 bolt has been prepared with a groove for shearing, but I've heard of people using a grade 5 also. I just use a cheap bulk stock grade 2 bolt at $1.19 per lb and I don't even use aircraft locking nuts. I take a pair of vice grips and squeeze the threads after it's installed and the nut is run down all the way on the threads. That's enough interference that the nut won't come off. You should have plenty of clearance inside your guard's bell so that the bolt won't hit anything. When a shearpin breaks, I've only lost about 25 cents worth of hardware. If you engage the PTO slowly like you did yesterday, you won't have a problem with either grade 5 or grade 2 in my opinion. I just don't understand using a grade 8.8 bolt for a shear pin. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

TMAC · May 15, 2004

Yeah I thought that was a little heavy myself. The local farm equipment dealer said the same when I called earlier. Dad, feeling guilty and all went to TSC to see if they had any. Manual states directly in it, "use only genuine Bush Hog replacement bolts." "SQ-600, SQ-720 - 8x50mm, GR. 8.8". Right on the head of the bolt that sheared it said 8.8.

He didn't find any 8.8 grade bolts but, bought some 5's. That'll do I recon as you said. They must noch the grade 8's to shear easier as you also mentioned. Don't know the purpose either.

I forgot to measure the inside of my bucket this morning before leaving for work. Did you happen to stick a tape on yours Jim?

PineRidge · May 15, 2004

OK, OKKK her are some pics. Stewart if you do stop by this afternoon to help break it in bring 6 gallons of diesel to finish filling her up. Don't have pics with tractor on trailer yet but maybe later on.


Greg I'll bring over 6 gallons of diesel if you'll let me take a test drive on that new tractor. Nice ride!

jinman · May 15, 2004

( Did you happen to stick a tape on yours Jim? )

Yep! I sure did, Greg. Where the toothbar bolts in it is exactly 72" side-to-side just as advertised. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

GerardC · May 16, 2004

That's one fine lookin' machine you have there. Good luck with your She?he?it?!!! G

TMAC · May 16, 2004

Jim, My bucket is exactly 72" as well from inside to inside wall. The toothbar is 69 3/4" from outside to outside. Which leaves 2 1/4" left of space to fill. Divide that in half and you have 1 1/8" spacers on each side of my tooth bar and when your standing in front of the bucket with the engine idling it makes a really nice vibrating sound. Wonder if I should ask my dearler about that.?

PineRidge(Mike) thanks and sure you can stop by sometime if you're ever down this way. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif While your at it bring your BH. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Not necessary to bring any fuel with you though. I done filled her up to 3/4 tank last night. Diesel was a $1.78 and gas was stinkin $2.02 for regular /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. I think I'll start drivin the tractor to work. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks Gerard! I like to think it's a boy but who knows. Don't have the mid PTO so I guess you can say it's a she. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

markie61 · May 16, 2004

That sounds like the wrong size. Mine has about 1/4" on either side. The rattling, however, is normal - at least until you get some mud packed in the gaps!
Mark

jwstewar · May 16, 2004

I know what you mean about yesterday being rainy. It pretty muched sucked. Wife tried to do a yard sale. I think we sold $13 yesterday. Today sold almost $250. Decided to continue it to today since we were rained out. At least I had a chance to work on the garage some today. I did drive by on Friday. First time I didn't see anyone or the tractor. When I turned around and came back I saw (I'm assuming) you putting the tractor in the garage. I was going to stop, but it was right at the time that little shower came through and I had donated blood earlier and I wasn't feeling well. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Normally doesn't bother me, but sure hit me hard this time. The tractor looks really nice though. I'm still jealous - especially when I see your cup holder. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As far as weight distribution goes, the only ones that I've ever used were Reese with our campers. Dad has 750 lb. bars for his camper and my cousin Richard (rsatter22) here as 1000 lb bars. When I used Richard's 32 ft. camper last year I was able to take enough weight off my rear tires that they were slipping on the way out of the campground so I had to stop and put some weight back down on the truck. Be very careful if you get into that situation, because if you take too much weight off your truck like I had done it will cause it to sway very bad. That is why I stopped, I knew it wasn't good to have that little weight on the truck. I usually like to throw around 700 - 800 lbs on the hitch. Now a lot of people might think that is too much, but I want to make sure my truck is planted to the ground and it handles it just fine.

Talk at ya later.