King Kutter bush hog shear bolt

Mosey · Apr 23, 2002

My King Kutter bush hog manual calls for a 1/2" x 3 1/2" shear bolt ZP No. 2 so I’m assuming that means a grade 2, is that right? The bolt itself has 307A CYI on the head. When I go to the hardware store or Lowes, how do I tell what grade their bolts are? I replaced many of these in my youth, but my Dad always handled the details!

RanchMan · Apr 23, 2002

I too went to Lowes to get some extra shear bolts, but couldn't find anything specifically labeled, and, well, lets just say I didn't trust the high-school fellow stocking the shelves.

I chickened out and went to a farm supply store (the same one where I bought my KK from.) They had several BIG bins of "Grade 2 Bolts" (different lengths). They looked like some of the bolts @ Lowes (no head stamping) but the huge sign above them made me feel more confident in my purchase.

TresCrows · Apr 23, 2002

Why not just order some from KK? J

Mosey · Apr 23, 2002

I don't like to spend more then I need for anything (just frugal I guess). I'm sure I'd pay more by ordering them from KK. The shipping alone will run the price up, since anything with any weight to it costs a fair amount to ship.

bsauter · Apr 23, 2002

Our local TSC has prepackaged sets of shear bolts from King Kutter with all the other KK parts. 4 or 5 to a pack.

Mosey · Apr 23, 2002

I'll take a look at TSC. A new one just opened in my area and I was planning on checking them out this week anyway.

tobintm · Apr 23, 2002

I recently bought a box of 50, grade 2 shear bolts, for $9.99 from my local Sears Hardware Store. I went to Home Depot and Lowes first and couldn't find grade 2s. So far, I've only used 2 on my post hole digger.

Mosey · Apr 24, 2002

I did a google search and came up with some info on bolt markings:

http://www.unified-eng.com/scitech/bolt/boltmarks.html

http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/hex-markings/hex_head_bolt_markings.htm

They all seem to agree that if there is no marking, it’s a grade 1 or 2. If it says “A307” (the one I took out of the mower says “307A”), then that’s also a grade 2. The guy at Lowes wasn’t sure, but said he thought theirs were “pretty soft”. I think they would be OK, a little too soft if anything. I’m planning to go to TSC tomorrow and see if they have the prepackaged sets of shear bolts from King Kutter. If not, then I just get the ones at Lowes. The main thing is to NOT get any that have any markings on them, since they will be the harder ones.

Mosey · Apr 26, 2002

I went to TSC and they have a pack of 5 shear bolts with lock washers and nuts for $5. King Kutter part number 500101. But, I can get the ones at Lowes for a lot less and I really don’t need 5 of them, so I’ll go with the ones at Lowes. I’m confident they are not too hard.

I called the parts dept at King Kutter (800) 228-2308 and they said they could sell me that pack of 5 for $4.41 plus shipping (which would end up being more then TSC). But he said I could get the same thing at a hardware store for much less. I like their honesty!

bsauter · Apr 26, 2002

They are a good group of people down there! Customer service is top notch with KK. Sounds like Lowes is the best bet for you. I will keep that in mind but I have never sheared one yet.