Shear Bolts, What do you Use?

MrJimi · Aug 21, 2006

I just recently purchased a Howse model 500 RC ( 5 Foot / 45 HP gearbox )and it came with a grade 5. 1/2" shear bolt, this seems to be a little heavy for this unit. What are you running and on what implement for your safety and is it heavy enough or could it be heavier or lighter?
I am running mine hydraulically and I could go with a relief valve in-line.
Darn I wish I could make a poll out of this, oh-well
Jim

dtd24 · Aug 21, 2006

I have a King Kutter 5' with 40 HP gearbox, and directions say grade 2.

RonMar · Aug 21, 2006

Grade 2...

scott_vt · Aug 21, 2006

Im gonna have to cast my vote for grade #2 also

firemanpat2910 · Aug 21, 2006

I have an old JD that I have to use a grade 5 7/16 bolt in.
A grade 2 breaks before it will get blades turning.

ejtaylor822 · Aug 21, 2006

Grade 2 or 3 at half inch dia. with mine which is 6' and rated up to 45 HP PTO. Used a grade 5 once and hit a rock. Made the worst racket and bogged down the engine a little but the bolt held - should have snapped it off like a twig. Ever since then I use the lower grade stuff out of the bins at Lowe's which is rated no higher than 3.

Marcussen · Aug 21, 2006

In have two 5 foot cutters one (agrifive ?) use a 7/16 grade 2 the other (Woods brushbull) a 1/2 inch grade 2. I only have the manual for the Woods and it states "1/2" NC x 3" grade 2".

scesnick · Aug 21, 2006

I know this isn't about snow blowers but that is what I have a major problem with shear bolts with. It is a Ber-Vac 64" and when I run grade 2 pins they sheer pretty much as soon as I start blowing snow. I up graded to grade 5's and even they will shear when I hit clumps of semi frozen snow. I don't want to even try grade 7's but I get sick of carrying a pocketful every time it snows. Any ideas???

Neophyte · Aug 22, 2006

I have a Howse 500 as well. I have been using Grade 2 but I snapped 3 of them today from hitting rocks and small trees. I can understand the rock snapping it but it seems like it should have made it through the small trees (1-2"). I know several others on this board have mentioned using Grade 5 bolts and I may give this a try.

Do you have a slip clutch on your cutter? If so, Grade 5 is fine.

It should also be noted that the Howse Documentation lists a 1/2" X 3 1/2" BOLT NC GR5 HHCS ZINC for the shear bolt. They actually recommend a Grade 5. You can see the exploded parts view at the following link. Click on Z62, which is the shear bolt.

http://www.howseimplement.com/html/300__350_400__500.html

I should also mention that someone borrowed our rotary cutter and replaced a snapped Grade 2 bolt with a Grade 8 bolt. Needless to say, they ended up replacing the gear box.