MX5400 socket size advice needed

[Peter 315]

Might as well get this one ............Great deal on Sunex Tools 2669 at ToolTopia.com

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

I have an MX and I haven't run into any problems I can't handle yet. But, I've got less than 200 hours on it. My suggestion is to have a common imperial and metric 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch socket set for general wrenching. Then, just buy what you need individually above that. I'm not picky about brands. The chinese stuff has really picked up their game in the last decade.

You are going to need a 1/2 " breaker bar too. I get single sockets at auto zone for about $8 each or so. Lowes is similar when they have what in want.

The basic tractor is metric. The loader and backhoe could be imperial as they are US made, I've not needed to find out.

Hydraulics are a mixed bag. JIC fittings have imperial threads, but that doesn't mean the wrenching flats are.

Basically just be prepared for anything.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

Might as well get this one ............Great deal on Sunex Tools 2669 at ToolTopia.com

Thanks, but it's missing the 29mm which I suspect is a key one for me (for some ~1&1/8" nuts).

I'll probably just go for one of the sets I linked with all (larger) sizes to 36mm, unless I cheap out and just order the individual sockets.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

I have an MX and I haven't run into any problems I can't handle yet. But, I've got less than 200 hours on it. My suggestion is to have a common imperial and metric 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch socket set for general wrenching. Then, just buy what you need individually above that. I'm not picky about brands. The chinese stuff has really picked up their game in the last decade.

You are going to need a 1/2 " breaker bar too. I get single sockets at auto zone for about $8 each or so. Lowes is similar when they have what in want.

The basic tractor is metric. The loader and backhoe could be imperial as they are US made, I've not needed to find out.

Hydraulics are a mixed bag. JIC fittings have imperial threads, but that doesn't mean the wrenching flats are.

Basically just be prepared for anything.

My measurements show the loader bolts to be the same size as the tire nuts, ~1", so presumably 25mm (or is it 26mm?) is what I need.

I have metric+sae for small stuff on my 3/8 driver set, but pretty much all the "check every 10 hours" and other maintenance bolts on the 5400 and attachments seem to be a minimum of 1" wide.

One more round with the calipers this weekend before I order.

Do you typically use your breaker bar more more for loosening or tightening? Do you also own/use an impact driver?

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

My measurements show the loader bolts to be the same size as the tire nuts, ~1", so presumably 25mm (or is it 26mm?) is what I need.

I have metric+sae for small stuff on my 3/8 driver set, but pretty much all the "check every 10 hours" and other maintenance bolts on the 5400 and attachments seem to be a minimum of 1" wide.

One more round with the calipers this weekend before I order.

Do you typically use your breaker bar more more for loosening or tightening? Do you also own/use an impact driver?

I'll go check a few bolts. Breaker bars are for removal. You shouldn't need it to install, but sometimes you just got to do what's necessary to get the job done. Also, sockets aren't only tools. Wrenches are required. Combination wrenches to start with. I like the new ratcheting wrenches too, but they won't do everything.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

I'll go check a few bolts. Breaker bars are for removal. You shouldn't need it to install, but sometimes you just got to do what's necessary to get the job done. Also, sockets aren't only tools. Wrenches are required. Combination wrenches to start with. I like the new ratcheting wrenches too, but they won't do everything.

Yeah, I have ratcheting combo wrenches (if that's a thing) in small sizes. All these tools, great for, say, tightening down a toilet bowl, all useless for this tractor. So I'm trying to make sure I don't go off half-assed buying new ones, I think I've already delayed my retirement enough just buying the tractor, attachments, and no doubt other potential unplanned things like a new tractor friendly barn.

 

[ruffdog]

Here is a Proto set....10mm-36mm. Not a bad price for what you get. I have the 2nd set...made in usa

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Proto-J54212XL-2-Inch-29-Piece/dp/B00BU4RTFE

PROTO 1'/'2"Drive Metric Chrome Socket Wrench Set, Number of Pieces':' 29 - 5NAX4'|'J54212XL - Grainger

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Yeah, I have ratcheting combo wrenches (if that's a thing) in small sizes. All these tools, all useless for this tractor. So I'm trying to make sure I don't go off half-assed buying new ones, I think I've already delayed my retirement enough just buying the tractor, attachments, and no doubt other potential unplanned things like a new tractor friendly barn.

That's funny, I bought my tractor to support the retirement I was just going into.

OK, here we go: I saw no fittings on the tractor for any general maintenance larger than an imperial 15/16. That would be 24 mm, but I don't own a 24 mm socket. The rear lug nuts and the loader frame are 24mm. The front lug nuts are 22mm. Regular sockets fit fine, no need for deep sockets and definitely not a full set if you are low on funds. 6 point 15/16 and 7/8 will get you by on the lugs and loader frame, but I'd get the metric anyway (speaking as a guy who had not done that yet. ) 6 point sockets are stronger, but more importantly, are less likely to round off a nut especially when using imperial on metric and vice-versa. Given your position, I'd get a decent quality 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch metric set of standard depth sockets to start with and supplement with individual sockets as needed. If you will look at your loader frame bolts, you will see they are stamped "8.8" on their heads. That is a metric standard for a high strength bolt. The 8.8 is roughly equivalent to a grade 5 imperial bolt.

I cannot speak to land pride attachments. But, if made off shore, they will likely be metric for the most part. Certain things like lift pins may not as they must meet the imperial standard on the non-threaded end. Of course, they could be imperial pins with metric threads too.

Relative to being completely prepared for any maintenance, I'd not worry too much about it. Get enough stuff to get through your 50 hour for now. I'd get a metric wrench set before going hog wild on sockets.

 

[sea2summit]

Do you typically use your breaker bar more more for loosening or tightening? Do you also own/use an impact driver?

I have no idea how I survived so long without an impact driver!

However, there are many things that will break if you hit them with an impact driver. One that instantly comes to mind because I just replaced them all, are frame mounting bolts on a truck which just bolt into a plate held in place by three-four metal tabs. If you bust one of those plates loose you're gonna have a **** of a time pulling stuff apart to access that plate. My rule is I don't hit it with the impact driver unless I know what is on both sides and can access or repair it from the side I'm wrenching on.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Forgot to add...Top link nut. Just get a large adjustable wrench. It will be real handy. My big one is Harbor Freight. On big nuts accuracy isn't a large concern, so it works fine. I mostly use it on hitch balls.To be fair, excepting my big adjustable, all my other ones have just been found. I have no clue the brands on them.