Drilling a LA525 loader frame

[animals45]

I want to drill & tap a few holes in the frame on my LA525 loader . I want to drill the frame upright to make a place to put my cane when I'm using the tractor . I've looked it over pretty good & I'm pretty sure it won't be a issue but thought I'd put it out there incase theres somethingI'm missing .
thanks
animals45

 

[Trash Panda]

I’d avoid it, and lean towards using banding or something similar. Even adhesive strips would work for something light as a cane.

I know dealers get jumpy about holes in things; especially ROPS and loader parts.

 

[old and tired]

Not to mention, the hydraulic steel line are internal (inside the frame). Do you know where exactly? I don't....

 

[ken erickson]

I personally do not think you would have any issues drilling and tapping a small hole to Attach a spring clamp etc for your cane.
As Trash Panda mentioned though there is probably workable alternatives that would secure your cane without drilling.

 

[animals45]

I need something like a piece of PVC . If I'm out on the road blowin snow & my cane pops off somewhere I'm screwed . Thats who I wanted to bolt a piece of pipe that my cane drops down into so I don't have to worry about it . I haven't seen. any adhesives that I can trust to take vibration for prolonged times in under freezing weather .
thanks
animals45

 

[Trash Panda]

I need something like a piece of PVC . If I'm out on the road blowin snow & my cane pops off somewhere I'm screwed . Thats who I wanted to bolt a piece of pipe that my cane drops down into so I don't have to worry about it . I haven't seen. any adhesives that I can trust to take vibration for prolonged times in under freezing weather .
thanks
animals45

Sounds like banding or heavy zip ties would do it.

 

[fried1765]

Sounds like banding or heavy zip ties would do it.

Sounds like banding or heavy zip ties would do it.

Sounds like banding or heavy zip ties would do it.

+1 on heavy duty zip ties!

 

[Outnumbered]

Maybe some high strength magnets. I did that for some lighting on my roll bar before I added a canopy. I purchased them off of Amazon. Try searching something like this and you might fin a really good option.

Neodymium Rectangular Pot Magnets 45lbs, 40x13.5x5mm Strong Bar Magnets with Countersunk Hole and Matching Screws

 

[Russell King]

If you want to drill holes just do it at the neutral axis of the tower and you’ll not have any problems. The neutral axis will be along the middle of the tower so you can just drill holes at near the center and be careful not to drill through the wall very vigorously.

Neutral axis - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I have no experience with these but have heard good reviews

Adhesive-Bonded Studs & Standoffs: Aerospace, UAVs, Marine

Click Bond studs and standoffs for aerospace, automotive, and insdustrial applicaitons are available in a variety of metal and composite materials and include installation fixtures that promote accurate positioning and hold the fastener under positive pressure while the adhesive cures...

www.clickbond.com

I would probably just use a couple of large worm clamps to attach the pipe in place with some sort of “rubber“ padding to protect the loader towers

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[will721]

+1 for magnets

A good set of magnets on a flat surface will hold just fine. Hell even cheap ones will hold of their strong enough. I've got some magnetic cub holders that double as a coat rack at work.

What I would do is get 3 of these:

25 lb. Magnetic Hook, Orange

Amazing deals on this Magnetic Hook Orange at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Then get you an 8" or so piece of pipe, remove the hooks and bolt the pipe to it. Be warned the rubber for the scratch proofing is just, just remove it first. At 75lbs of hold stength, (probably closer to 60) you'd probably have to hit it with something for it to come off. Plus they're already orange.

 

[jyoutz]

Stainless steel zip ties

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Another magnet vote here.

Attach a couple moderately strong magnets to your cane, and set your cane right on top of the hood. You'll see it if it falls off, it's right in front of you. Yeah, you'll eventually scratch the hood. But it's a tractor, not a Ferrari. So what.

Glad to hear that you are still tractoring while needing a cane! That is awesome.

Another Kubota bonus with a steel hood instead of JD plastic.

3 or 4 of these should work. These are very strong. And they are even countersunk for screwing into your cane. A few wood screws, and you're in business.

Slap the cane onto you refrigerator too. Or anything steel.

 

[06B3030]

I agree that magnets are the best solution. Combined with a couple spring clamp, the cane should be held securely.

I used a heavier magnet to mount an LED light on my ROPS and it doesn't move...

Here's some Spring Clamps
Here's some small Magnets

You'll have to either cut the bolt on the magnet shorter, or use some extra washers to not have it interfere with inserting the cane into the clips.

You could also put a piece of Velcro between the clamp and magnet for added security to keep it in place. Push the cane into the clamp, and then wrap the Velcro.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I need something like a piece of PVC . If I'm out on the road blowin snow & my cane pops off somewhere I'm screwed . Thats who I wanted to bolt a piece of pipe that my cane drops down into so I don't have to worry about it . I haven't seen. any adhesives that I can trust to take vibration for prolonged times in under freezing weather .
thanks
animals45

I think this discussion is verging on paranoia. I see no risk of structural compromise from drilling a couple small screw holes in a loader frame.

Dan

 

[06B3030]

If you want to use the PVC pipe...you could drill a small hole on each end of the PVC pipe and mount the magnet. on the bottom, drill the hole up enough so you can glue on an end cap.

Again on the top where you'd insert the cane, have the magnet bolt only be long enough so it doesn't stick out beyond the nut and lock washer.

 

[06B3030]

I think this discussion is verging on paranoia. I see no risk of structural compromise from drilling a couple small screw holes in a loader frame.

Dan

I agree...but if another option exist that doesn't involve making a "permanent" modification, I'd rather go that route. Just my opinion.

 

[mikester]

I want to drill & tap a few holes in the frame on my LA525 loader . I want to drill the frame upright to make a place to put my cane when I'm using the tractor . I've looked it over pretty good & I'm pretty sure it won't be a issue but thought I'd put it out there incase theres somethingI'm missing .
thanks
animals45

DON'T

 

[mikester]

If you want to drill holes just do it at the neutral axis of the tower and you’ll not have any problems. The neutral axis will be along the middle of the tower so you can just drill holes at near the center and be careful not to drill through the wall very vigorously.

Neutral axis - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

BAD ADVISE

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Drilling into the frame isn't the issue , it's STOPPING before hitting the hidden, $$$$ stuff !!! Wosrt case is you 'graze' one of the steel lines (bit chews a small groove)....days,weeks, months later you get oil shooting all over......
You MIGHT get lucky using short selfdrilling screws, might......all depends on Mr. Murphy.

My 'vote' is for magnets. I have those in post #12. dang they are strong ,especially for their size ! Screw 2-3 onto your cane and it'll stay put

 

[TheOldHokie]

Please make it stop.

!!! THERE ARE NO HIDDEN HYDRAULIC LINES ON A LA525 LOADER !!!