Mahindra 6500 Center Link Failure

[mahindra6250]

Hello,

I purchased a new Mahindra 6500 about a year ago and have 350 hours on the meter. I had a failure of the spring arm that attached to the center link. The spring arm appears to be made of sprung steel. The arm snapped in half and the and looks like a metal fatigue failure.

I noticed some other 6500 models and others use a modified configuration for the center link attachment. The spring arm is replaced with a large beefy casting. Does anyone have experiance with this design and know if I convert over to this?

Your opinions are valued.

 

[mahindra6250]

Here's a pic of the failed center link support arm I mentioned in the previous message.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Here's a pic of the failed center link support arm I mentioned in the previous message.

What is the function of that part? Looks like using hi strength washers to spread the bolt forces would be good.
larry

 

[mahindra6250]

The left side of this arm having the 4 bolt holes attaches to the tractor, the other side containing the 2 bolt holes attaches to a casting that pivots on the tractor. The center link on the 3 pt hitch attaches to this casting. I believe the failed piece which I call the arm acts as a dampener for the 3 pt hitch center link. The arm also rests on the draft control piston so this arm is an integral part of the draft control system. The arm having the 4 bolt hole pattern is attached to the tractor using a quarter inch thick plate so the forces applied to the arm are distributed over the attachment area.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

May I ask what task you were trying to accomplish when it broke??? It appears to be a very robust piece of metal....actually the reason I'm asking is I've got a 6000 with the same "stuff" on it....BobG in VA

 

[mahindra6250]

Was using a box scraper but do not believe this caused the failure. I talked with Galen (Batavia NY) who indicated the failure was probably caused by the
Bradco backhoe attached to the 3 pt hitch. All the weight of the backhoe is placed on this arm and have to agree with him that this arm is not designed to support that kind of load in tension. Galen recommended using a chain secured to the backhoe and the tractor axle to relieve tension on this arm while in use. This turned out to be an expensive lesson!

 

[DavesTractor]

Was using a box scraper but do not believe this caused the failure. I talked with Galen (Batavia NY) who indicated the failure was probably caused by the
Bradco backhoe attached to the 3 pt hitch. All the weight of the backhoe is placed on this arm and have to agree with him that this arm is not designed to support that kind of load in tension. Galen recommended using a chain secured to the backhoe and the tractor axle to relieve tension on this arm while in use. This turned out to be an expensive lesson!

Bradco on a three-point? Mount it on a sub-frame like it should be.

 

[mahindra6250]

Thanks for your reply Dave. I didn't know any better as the Dealer delivered the new tractor with the new bradco installed in this manor.

 

[DavesTractor]

Thanks for your reply Dave. I didn't know any better as the Dealer delivered the new tractor with the new bradco installed in this manor.

The 509F or 511F Bradco-built Mahindra backhoe comes with a sub-frame kit. Is this a Mahindra labeled Bradco? Mahindra requires a sub-frame per the warranty. I know some dealers use aftermarket three-point backhoes, but it does carry some risk.