What type of steel for a new drawbar?

[ruffdog]

If you are not going to weld on the draw-bar, then, a higher carbon content is stronger and would machine better. (less gummy)

118 vs. 145 Steel Comparison | Capital Steel & Wire

 

[Lelandwelds]

Find a mag drill with annular cutters. Much easier, faster, and cheaper.

If mild steel will work, use 1018. If limited on space, 1045 or 1144 or 4140 will provide a bit more strength but at a greatly increased cost. (About 4 times) A machine shop that works with oil field or heavy industry may have good access to material.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Can you adapt this?
Amazon.com: Koch Industries 4123 Drawbar with 11-Holes and 26-Inch Spacing, Black: Home Improvement

Having the holes drilled will cost more than this ready made item.

Ron

 

[Al 2]

I was going to suggest something like Tractor Seabee. Usually you can buy a draw bar for $30. or whatever at a tractor supply outlet. I've had a few tractors over the years but not in a farming situation and only needed one hole in any of the draw bars.
Al

 

[Big Barn]

From the OP's description I think he is looking for a flat (not offset) SWINGING drawbar the type that is attaches under the tractor rear axle housing.
As such he was not looking for a three point hitch drawbar like the one Tractor Seabee listed.

Edit. Oops I just noticed Ron asked if he could ADAPT it. I’m the perfect example of “Stay in school, kids”

 

[Tractor Seabee]

From the OP's description I think he is looking for a flat (not offset) SWINGING drawbar the type that is attaches under the tractor rear axle housing.
As such he was not looking for a three point hitch drawbar like the one Tractor Seabee listed.

Edit. Oops I just noticed Ron asked if he could ADAPT it. I’m the perfect example of “Stay in school, kids”

This is a good example of trying to second guess what the OP really has where PICTURES would zero us right in on a solution. If OP is making something; I believe quality draw bar material is forged steel.

Ron

 

[Lelandwelds]

This is a good example of trying to second guess what the OP really has where PICTURES would zero us right in on a solution. If OP is making something; I believe quality draw bar material is forged steel.

Ron

You certainly are right. We are just wasting time guessing. Pictures would be best. But then, I just now read the "your land is my land" thread. I don't expect much zeroing in on a solution from my fellow members.

Off topic and a pet peeve but "forged steel" is like saying "cooked meat" or "liquid fuel". It describes a fabrication method not a chosen material.

 

[the old grind]

We want 'perforated' steel, if not 'aircraft quality' ... or at least 'billet' ... :laughing::laughing::laughing:

I'm sure bent or dog-leg drawbars are cold-formed from cold-rolled steel, as witness marks illustrate on those I've seen. Carbon steels have little to no improvement of the 'give' we expect them to survive. Without such, bigger stuff breaks when pushed.

IMO, anything besides 1018 or A 36 is overkill and over-priced. If an entire Reese-type hitch can be made of 'mild steel' (also FEL, truck chassis, etc) it's probably good enough for a drawbar that might be thought of a 'safety breakaway' in lieu of a cracked housing. Trust makers to use the lowest cost stuff that works.

Gee, how many of us have ever snapped one off?

btw, if using a bridge reamer I'd still use the vertical mill or a drill press, tho' not everybody has 'em.

 

[Grateful11]

1 1/4 x 2 x 36 ... 63,800 psi tensile strength..... 1018 steel with free shipping.... You could pull stumps with this bar..

Amazon.com: 1�18 Carbon Steel Rectangular Bar, Unpolished (Mill) Finish, 2" Thickness, 1-1/4" Width, 36" Length: Industrial & Scientific

That really doesn't sound like too bad of a price. If you go a steel supplier or a machine shop they're going to charge a cut fee and I bet you'd have more money in it.

 

[oosik]

As big and heavy as my OEM draw bar is - 1.75 x 2.75 x 24 - it shouldn't need to be a really special grade of steel. But I read somewhere - it is a special high carbon steel. At $175 OEM replacement cost - it must have a little gold in it also.