Torque wrench size for use on teactor

[Mike from MI]

What size torque wrench should I buy for use on tractor 3/8 or 1/2". What are good brand's to go with. Have never owned one and have no idea what should I be looking for.

 

[George2615]

For checking frame, loader, wheel bolt / nuts etc you need at least a 1/2" drive torque wrench plus a long extension (for doing the deep wheels). If you want to do smaller bolts / nuts in inch pounds (instead of foot pounds) get the 3/8" drive. Sears Craftsman, Mac, Snap On, S-K, are all good. I use S-K and Craftsman torque wrenches in my garage.

 

[murphy1244]

I have a Craftsman 1/2 inch and a Mac.

 

[2458n]

You are going to need at least a 1/2. I have a Ford f-350 that requires 140ft./lbs. for the lugs on it. Farm equipment like disk mowers require 3/4 or 1 inch. Doing engine work is where your numbers really mean something.

 

[Zebrafive]

Determine the biggest torque setting you will use and buy accordingly. As others said loader mounts or wheels, possibly ROPS.

 

[bullbreaker]

1/2" Craftsman for me also.

 

[Mike from MI]

Thank everyone. Looks like 1/2" will suite my needs as of know.
Mike

 

[OZisKTB]

Hmmm. Trying to make the same decision. My biggest worry has been 450ftlbs required for my bush hog, wheels and other items.

3/8 or 1/2 may do it, but much more is required than just your basic wrench?

 

[davrow]

My biggest worry has been 450ftlbs required for my bush hog, wheels and other items.

450 ft lbs? How can that be done? Two people stand on the handle? A 10' cheater bar? Wow.

HF has the 1/2" (well, all of them actually) for 9.99 pretty regularly. Seems pretty nice, says 4% accuracy.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Hmmm. Trying to make the same decision. My biggest worry has been 450ftlbs required for my bush hog, wheels and other items.

3/8 or 1/2 may do it, but much more is required than just your basic wrench?

Bushog blade bolts I just tighten to stall with a strong 1/2 impact on a short air line. Those bolts will take 1000ft# easy. Overtightening is seldom possible.
larry

 

[OZisKTB]

My bushog torques:dance1:
Tighten blade hardware to 585 N·m (433 lb-ft) torque.
Tighten Hitch Pin 585 N·m (433 lb-ft) torque.

Since mine is really old, don't know whether to sweat it or just hope the rust holds it all together.

 

[brain55]

450 ft lbs? How can that be done? Two people stand on the handle? A 10' cheater bar? Wow.

4:1 torque multiplier is how I do it if it's critical, otherwise I just make them tight with my 3/4" impact.

Brian

 

[OZisKTB]

Thanks!

 

[newbury]

Hmmm. Trying to make the same decision. My biggest worry has been 450ftlbs required for my bush hog, wheels and other items.

3/8 or 1/2 may do it, but much more is required than just your basic wrench?

450 ft lbs? How can that be done? Two people stand on the handle? A 10' cheater bar? Wow.

HF has the 1/2" (well, all of them actually) for 9.99 pretty regularly. Seems pretty nice, says 4% accuracy.

I used about 2' of bar and cheater bar and "hung" my weight, ~ 250lbs at just about the end.

I don't like putting things on with an impact wrench if I might have to take them off WITHOUT an impact wrench.

I bought HF's 3/4" 20 piece set and the sockets are fairly cr@ppy. But I only use it for the wheels so far.

 

[sparc]

450 ft lbs? How can that be done? Two people stand on the handle? A 10' cheater bar? Wow.

HF has the 1/2" (well, all of them actually) for 9.99 pretty regularly. Seems pretty nice, says 4% accuracy.

Use a torque multiplier. You can get click type wrenches in 3/4 drive that are ~60 inches long. We use them at work for setting big anchor bolts.

 

[Furu]

I had to rent a 3/4 inch torque wrench 2 years ago as I needed 400 ft lbs. No 1/2" does it or comes close. I subsequently found a deal and got one that goes up to 400 ft lbs. I suppose that the size tractor you have may determine the wrench you need.

 

[Zebrafive]

I too, am looking for a deal on a 3/4" torque wrench. Mainly for loader mounts.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I had to rent a 3/4 inch torque wrench 2 years ago as I needed 400 ft lbs. No 1/2" does it or comes close. I subsequently found a deal and got one that goes up to 400 ft lbs. I suppose that the size tractor you have may determine the wrench you need.

You must give them every advantage; full rated pressure at the port while under flow, rigid coupling - no extensions or adapters, stub anvil style to eliminate torsional windup, a well broken in gun, drive the nut not the bolt, etc. Then youll get a reasonably hi % of the rated max of 900ft# on the top rated guns. Youll never get it all off the socket. Im sure theyre rated directly off the stub anvil.
,,,,The relatively small size and lite weight make the hi performing 1/2" guns very attractive for bolt sizes up to 3/4". They can be run from a short 3/8" hose at 150psi line pressure assuring nominal pressure at the tool under flow. Youll easily break 5/8 Hi Grade bolts before stall at full power.
larry

 

[DeereMann]

Mike et. al.,

Amazon (or elsewhere, I presume) has a pretty good torque wrench that is designed by Snap-On, and half made by Snap-On, half made in Taiwan (the head), assembled in USA. I bought one, it works great & is reliable.

It is half or more less cost than a full Snap-On. For occasional users like me, this is exactly what I was looking for. Just happened to stumble on it searching in Amazon.....

CDI 1503MFRMH 1/2-Inch Drive Metal Handle Click Type Torque Wrench, Torque Range 20 to 150-Fo - Snap On Torque Wrench - Amazon.com

They have different sizes.

I have no vested interests in either company, btw.

 

[Mike from MI]

Thanks DeereMann
I will have to get out and look around. From reading my manual I'll need to be able get at least 166 ft/lbs for wheels and loader bolts.