Wow! How to fix this.

[GreenYellow]

BIG difference in cast steel and cast iron...

Yes, I know. But there are also many similarities. Cast steel is a vast improvement over cast iron, but it's still brittle.

I didn't come here to discredit you, Soundguy. Just saying what I would do if it were my tractor.

We aren't all master welders.

 

[Soundguy]

Yes, I know. But there are also many similarities. Cast steel is a vast improvement over cast iron, but it's still brittle.

I didn't come here to discredit you, Soundguy. Just saying what I would do if it were my tractor.

We aren't all master welders.

I would not specifically classify cast steel as brittle.. there are many levels of heat treat you can get with cast steel.

cast steel typically has greater strength and superior shock resistance than cast iron. Much will depend on the heat treat and alloy level of the steel.

Of course it isn't here to look at.. but if it didn't have any runner cracks, I'd test a corner of it to see how it reacted to welding after putting a grinder wheel to it. I don't make any claim to any specific level of skill.. just a torch and stick welder and chipping hammer and grinder here.. nuttin special.

First thing I'd do as the operator is find out WHY it broke, vs how I was going to fix it. Finding out why it broke may ultimately lead to a plan on how to fix or repalce it so it won't break again.

If it was an incorrect mounting that let it come loose.. that is an issue that needs to be corrected that nut with no washer on that sheared stud pulled thru that hole bothers me...

My point wasnt to argue with you on what we might do on our tractors, but to point out to the op that he needs to investivage the 'why' as much as the 'how'. both will be important.

 

[GreenYellow]

If it was an incorrect mounting that let it come loose.. that is an issue that needs to be corrected that nut with no washer on that sheared stud pulled thru that hole bothers me...

I agree.

 

[FredH]

I agree with Soundguy . Figure out " Why " before trying to do the " How " . Once the " Why " is figured out , the Fix may actually be easier . :2cents:

Fred H.

 

[sawtooth]

I would not specifically classify cast steel as brittle.. there are many levels of heat treat you can get with cast steel. cast steel typically has greater strength and superior shock resistance than cast iron. Much will depend on the heat treat and alloy level of the steel. Of course it isn't here to look at.. but if it didn't have any runner cracks, I'd test a corner of it to see how it reacted to welding after putting a grinder wheel to it. I don't make any claim to any specific level of skill.. just a torch and stick welder and chipping hammer and grinder here.. nuttin special. First thing I'd do as the operator is find out WHY it broke, vs how I was going to fix it. Finding out why it broke may ultimately lead to a plan on how to fix or repalce it so it won't break again. If it was an incorrect mounting that let it come loose.. that is an issue that needs to be corrected that nut with no washer on that sheared stud pulled thru that hole bothers me... My point wasnt to argue with you on what we might do on our tractors, but to point out to the op that he needs to investivage the 'why' as much as the 'how'. both will be important.

I have since spoke to my mechanic and when he installed the bracket he had left out one of the top bolts as he had a lot of difficulty in getting it installed for some reason. On top of this the bolt heads are undersized per one of the pics allowing the one used to partly pull through the opening. He felt the three should have held but now knows it was a mistake. That pieces is actually a bracket of sorts that also holds the front axle correct? If so I guess it could be replaced as well but with more cost I'm sure.

 

[dusty3030]

Well, step 1, don't use your mechanic anymore.

 

[GreenYellow]

I have since spoke to my mechanic and when he installed the bracket he had left out one of the top bolts as he had a lot of difficulty in getting it installed for some reason. On top of this the bolt heads are undersized per one of the pics allowing the one used to partly pull through the opening. He felt the three should have held but now knows it was a mistake. That pieces is actually a bracket of sorts that also holds the front axle correct? If so I guess it could be replaced as well but with more cost I'm sure.

Then how does he plan to make it right?

 

[Soundguy]

I have since spoke to my mechanic and when he installed the bracket he had left out one of the top bolts as he had a lot of difficulty in getting it installed for some reason. On top of this the bolt heads are undersized per one of the pics allowing the one used to partly pull through the opening. He felt the three should have held but now knows it was a mistake. That pieces is actually a bracket of sorts that also holds the front axle correct? If so I guess it could be replaced as well but with more cost I'm sure.

Wow.. destined to fail.

not the required number of fasteners.. thus the remaining ones were under more stress, then the ones used, were undersized and not able to hold, thus shifting all the stress to the remaining fasteners, and due to size, acting like a lever to multiply force.

 

[sawtooth]

cast steel is easy to weld. some better pics, and machine type might help.

is that sheared stud with nut part of what was holding the bracket? did it not have a washer? hole looks large enough to near swallow the nut.

also, thet pic that shows a bent lip.. is that the bracket? did you snag a stump or? burried boulder?

if cast steel I think you could weld the damage and add backing to support the fasteners.

There were three bolts holding the bracket. Two that face forward of tractor and 1 that is facing upwards. Of the two in front one broke and the other broke out of the casting. I'm not sure if the one top bolt had a washer as I don't believe it did though. By the pic it looks to me that due to the bracket being loose it appears the bolt head actually wore into the hole some before it finally broke the stud.

The guy that did the work is actually a friend of mine and is very upset that this happened. He will correct it without question and immediately told me the cause which most people would not. The issue was that he struggled getting all four in and honestly just felt that 3 would suffice which surprises me as he is normally very very detailed about his work. Guess we all make mistakes but the important part to me is that it will be corrected properly once he's finished with it. Thanks for everyones ideas. I'm going to bring my tractor home next week and will look at it closer once its back.

 

[Soundguy]

And then I'd check it.. he had a first chance to do it right already.

the 'no washer' deal boggles the mind... and 3 instead of 4 as well....

good luck.