Replacing eyeballs on lower link

Serp0421

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Equipment
L4150
Nov 16, 2022
39
25
18
Louisiana
I have an l4150. The left lift rod was bent when I bought the tractor causing the lower left link to ride on a cocked angle when hooked to an implement. This has caused the ball socket on the lower link to become worn out. The ball has a lot of play and seems like I could knock it out with a few hard hits with a hammer. Is there a way to tighten the socket up or replace the ball? I’ve seen the replacement ends but I don’t like the idea of cutting the end of the lower link and welding in a new socket end. Any suggestions?
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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Besides replacing the end or the whole arm, not much else can be done.
 

Mark_BX25D

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Two things:

  1. Ever glance at something and misread it so that it makes no sense? I saw your thread title and read, "eyeballs on lower lip". Now I can't get that image out of my head. It's your fault! :D
  2. If the arm is bent, why worry about replacing the ball? Just replace the whole arm and cure the problem, not just the symptom.
 
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Serp0421

Member

Equipment
L4150
Nov 16, 2022
39
25
18
Louisiana
Two things:

  1. Ever glance at something and misread it so that it makes no sense? I saw your thread title and read, "eyeballs on lower lip". Now I can't get that image out of my head. It's your fault! :D
  2. If the arm is bent, why worry about replacing the ball? Just replace the whole arm and cure the problem, not just the symptom.
I’m just being cheap and don’t feel like spending $400 on a new one!!
 
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Serp0421

Member

Equipment
L4150
Nov 16, 2022
39
25
18
Louisiana
Also sorry about the “eyeball, lower lip” visual I gave you. Im gonna straighten the lift rod then probably run the “lower lip” until it comes apart then buy a new one. I saw a video of a guy that laid a few beads down around it and hammered it over while it was still glowing. I just figured I go to the “pros/ make it happen/get it done” guys for suggestions.
 
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Serp0421

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Equipment
L4150
Nov 16, 2022
39
25
18
Louisiana
Have you tried a salvage yard for a replacement?
It might be difficult to find.
I haven’t. I may look into that. I’m down in Louisiana and most of the online salvage places I see are way up north. I’ll have to see if they can ship parts.
 

fried1765

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Nov 14, 2019
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I haven’t. I may look into that. I’m down in Louisiana and most of the online salvage places I see are way up north. I’ll have to see if they can ship parts.
All of the salvage dealers ship parts!
You might try Wengers Tractor Parts, in Meyerstown, PA.
They are a big yard.
1-717-866-2135
 

TheOldHokie

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windyridgefarm.us
I have an l4150. The left lift rod was bent when I bought the tractor causing the lower left link to ride on a cocked angle when hooked to an implement. This has caused the ball socket on the lower link to become worn out. The ball has a lot of play and seems like I could knock it out with a few hard hits with a hammer. Is there a way to tighten the socket up or replace the ball? I’ve seen the replacement ends but I don’t like the idea of cutting the end of the lower link and welding in a new socket end. Any suggestions?
Welding on replacement ends is SOP.

Dan
 
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TheOldHokie

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windyridgefarm.us
I’m hesitant to buy the ends from tractor supply and the ends I saw there were not the same thickness.Would a Kubota dealer have these ends or where do you recommend I find some the same size?
Are you concerned about the bar size? It would not worry me but you can buy just the ball ends. Going to be a bit more bother to weld on.

Dan
 

Dave_eng

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Oct 6, 2012
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Also sorry about the “eyeball, lower lip” visual I gave you. Im gonna straighten the lift rod then probably run the “lower lip” until it comes apart then buy a new one. I saw a video of a guy that laid a few beads down around it and hammered it over while it was still glowing. I just figured I go to the “pros/ make it happen/get it done” guys for suggestions.
I put new replacement ends on the lift arms on my Nuffield 465.
TSC sold them for less than $30.
I had a "real welder" do the job.
forum lift arm ends.jpg

Dave
 

hodge

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ball ends are welded on to brand new lift arms/tractors, so if it's done well, there is no compromise. I would straighten the arm and weld new ball ends on both arms, so they are the same.
 

GreensvilleJay

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Curious... found


NONE in stock, $125 US$
Appear to be one piece units, NOT welded on ends.

I've made/repaired a few over the years, none have failed,so far.....
Kubota Canada list a pair as $500 CDN...... ??!!
 
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fried1765

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Nov 14, 2019
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Eastham, Ma
I’m hesitant to buy the ends from tractor supply and the ends I saw there were not the same thickness.Would a Kubota dealer have these ends or where do you recommend I find some the same size?
Reliable Aftermarket Tractor parts may have a link for you.
They advertise replacement links for Kubota @$99.99 + ship.
1-888-672-7876.
I do not like to buy from them, but sometimes it may be necessary to buy from sources we do not like.

Stevens Tractor (related to Reliable?) has a lower link for $54.95.
29-1/2" long/2-1/2' wide/ 5/8" thick.
1-800-333-9243

Good people....Try....All States Tractor Parts ....1-800-530-1460
 
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ruger1980

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L4310 w/La682, L225
Oct 25, 2020
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You can also just cut the ball and socket out of the end of the lift arm and weld new ones back in. They are just welded in from the factory anyways and you can get the ball and sockets at tractor supply.