So...new tractor today...

arrow · Oct 30, 2015

Mac, I used a Sharpie to draw vertical lines on every bolt head after I tightened them (engine to chassis, loader to tractor, wheels to flanges). I look at them every time I mount the tractor. You can tell at a glance if a bolt is trying to work itself loose. So far, I have only found one bolt trying to spin out and I have had the tractor for 2 years.

Mad Mac · Oct 31, 2015

arrow said:
Mac, I used a Sharpie to draw vertical lines on every bolt head after I tightened them (engine to chassis, loader to tractor, wheels to flanges). I look at them every time I mount the tractor. You can tell at a glance if a bolt is trying to work itself loose. So far, I have only found one bolt trying to spin out and I have had the tractor for 2 years.

You are replying to the other Mac but mine came from the dealer with vertical black marks on the loader to tractor bolt heads. One is slightly turned. I better check all of them. That's a good tip. I wonder if they did that when it was assembled in Houston to show they had been torqued. I assume it was Houston.

MAC11B2003 · Oct 31, 2015

That's what I was referring to as "witness marks". Pretty handy way to easily see if something has worked loose.

I got a box blade with it. Every bolt on it, to include the hitch pins, was very loose as well. Go figure.

rback33 · Nov 2, 2015

Which dealer did you buy from? You will LOVE that tractor and loader. It'll do more than you ever dreamed of.

Got2BTru · Nov 17, 2015

arrow said:
Mac, I used a Sharpie to draw vertical lines on every bolt head after I tightened them (engine to chassis, loader to tractor, wheels to flanges). I look at them every time I mount the tractor. You can tell at a glance if a bolt is trying to work itself loose. So far, I have only found one bolt trying to spin out and I have had the tractor for 2 years.

Freaking awesome idea...can't wait to do this! THANK YOU!