TC33DA - bent 3 point hitch arm

[adlertom]

I hit a stump and bent the left side 3 point hitch arm on my TC33DA . Photos attached.

I seem to recall that it originally had a slight bend in it, but perhaps not? The right arm does have a slight bend.

I'm looking for either photos or a description of what is a "normal" bend, if any, for this arm.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[WM75Guy]

Just from the parts diagram it looks like it bent in the middle.

 

[adlertom]

Just from the parts diagram it looks like it bent in the middle.

OK, thanks. Then I must have slightly bent the other lift arm as well .

 

[JC-jetro]

Just from the parts diagram it looks like it bent in the middle.

View attachment 782074

View attachment 782076

Sorry for what happened to your rig. Glad you are ok. If it were my rig, then I would try to repair to some working condition. I would heat it up red and straighten it up in a hydraulic press. Obviously, you would loose the temper and the metal becomes more malleable and soft doing so. I would then heat it up red hot and quench it in oil or water to harden. I then heat it up, not red hot and let it air cool to temper and add more toughness. After all of that, I would prep the area and weld up a piece of flat 2"x8" flat 1/2" or 3/8" thick steel plate on either side like a metal splint. I would then clean it up and paint. It ain't going to be pretty but will function about the same. Alternately NH would love to sell you lower control arm for $$$$.

 

[Harry in Ky]

I would agree with the press idea, but not the heat. I have straightened a few of them, always bent them cold. You can heat it if you like, but I wouldn't suggest for someone to do that.

Your tractor, your money, your choice.

 

[JC-jetro]

I would agree with the press idea, but not the heat. I have straightened a few of them, always bent them cold. You can heat it if you like, but I wouldn't suggest for someone to do that.

Your tractor, your money, your choice.

I hate to heat it as well, but it is going to be tough to straighten unless you have a very heavy duty press. I brought up heat treatment so one could get it as close to original metal condition along with welding up splint.

 

[WM75Guy]

If it is still available.

 

[spitter]

Long lane tractor in Elizabethtown PA. is a NH wrecking yard they probably have them.

 

[ruffdog]

Here is a picture with arms that are not bent:

 

[thclimer]

From my TC33D manual, it pretty much shows the only bends are near each end:

 

[TractorTech]

Yeah, bends on the ends only

 

[nyone]

My tc40 must have had a bent arm at some point. Its streight now but also has a piece of metal welded to the side of the arm. Just bend it back and carry on. You wont need a big press to bend that back with the right technique.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I have a 60,000# press. I wouldn't heat. I had a friend bring me some lift arms that he broke. Those were highly tempered. The breaks were jagged. Since yours have taken that much bend, they will straighten cold, just go easy. Backing up and pushing will bend them. They are made to pull. They can stand a little back push, but not much.

 

[airbiscuit]

I would agree with the press idea, but not the heat. I have straightened a few of them, always bent them cold. You can heat it if you like, but I wouldn't suggest for someone to do that.

Your tractor, your money, your choice.

If you don't have a heavy hydraulic press, you could support the arms across a couple of bricks and use your bucket as a press.

 

[adlertom]

Thanks for all the replies, and confirming that there's not supposed to be any bend in the arms (except at the very ends).

Next week, I plan to take my arms to a place with a hydraulic press, and see what can be done.

 

[oldestgoat]

Not going to say how I know this but if you bent it crooked using your tractor you can bend it straight as well. Do it nice and easy.

 

[Cycledude]

Appear to be some pretty light duty arms so they should be pretty easy to straighten in a press.
Would be nice to know exactly how you managed to bend them, might help prevent someone else making the same mistake.

 

[5030]

Only ONE comment... heat it to dull red and bend it back and quench it in cold water. Will be fine.

 

[5030]

I have a 60,000# press. I wouldn't heat. I had a friend bring me some lift arms that he broke. Those were highly tempered. The breaks were jagged. Since yours have taken that much bend, they will straighten cold, just go easy. Backing up and pushing will bend them. They are made to pull. They can stand a little back push, but not much.

I do as well. hydraulic arbor press for broaching but I'd still heat and quench it. Much easier.

 

[5030]

I would imagine (could be wrong) that there will be enough residual carbon in the steel of the lower liink that heating it to dull red with a gas axe and then straghtening it and then cold water quenching it would restore the temper.