IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE

[jnelson]

I have read several threads in the past where owners of Cub 6284 and similar model tractors have reported problems with the main carriage bolts holding the loader frame to the tractor frame working loose. In at least one case these bolts had worked loose and elongated the bolt holes so bad that the frame cracked.

Today I was performing 100 hour maintenance on my 6284 including changing the oil and lubricating all lube points. While I was under the tractor I remembered reading about the problem described above so I took a 3/4 box end wrench and checked the mounting bolts and sure enough most of them were working loose. I tightened them all (there are four per side) and I plan to get some removable Locktite to put on them. I also plan to paint a white stripe across the bolt heads so that I can visibly inspect them often to be sure they have not loosened again. It is interesting that there is no type of lock washer or other method of keeping these bolts tight from the factory.

If you don't or have not checked the bolts holding your loader mount to the frame I suggest that you do so soon and often.

JN

 

[art]

These are not the only units built like this and the line across the bolt head is the best way to watch them!

 

[jnelson]

Does anyone have any good explanation as to why there are no locking washers or other method of securing these bolts from loosening? It is obvious why they loosen considering the twisting forces that the joint area is subjected to when using the loader. It doesn't make sense to me that there is not some method employed to keep the fasteners tight.

JN

 

[UltraFlame]

Thanks for the heads up, I will check on mine today.

 

[jnelson]

Well, now I can add checking the front drive shaft to the list of things you need to check now and periodically in the future. I was mowing with a 4' bush hog this weekend when suddenly I heard a clanking sound from under the tractor. I stopped and got under to look expecting a blown front differential or something. I found that the front end of the drive shaft had come off of the front differential spline and was wrapped up in the power steering hoses.

I removed the shaft and inspected it. The u-joints were OK and the shaft appeared straight. I lubed the u-joints (they were lubed just 10 hours ago) and put anti-seize on the splines. I then re-installed it and everything appears OK. I removed the top access cover and watched the shaft as I drove slowly and the shaft appears to have almost no run-out. At the speeds it runs I don't think run-out is a problem.

Prior to the shaft falling off I had not run over anything or performed any unusual maneuvers so I don't think anything I did caused the shaft to fall off. Apparently the rear shaft collar slipped back on the spline at the transmission allowing the front to walk off its splined shaft. The rear split collar is held in place with one square headed bolt that tightens against the shaft (not something I would have designed that way). Whether it was loose from the factory or just worked loose I can see how this type of fastener will work loose over time. The moral here is to check that when you are lubing and servicing under the tractor. BTW - this happened with only 110 hrs from new.

Hopefully the issue is fixed and will not reoccur. All sorts of expensive thoughts were going through my head when this happened. Fortunately, even though the steering hoses were wrapped tight around the shaft it did not appear to damage them.

JN