Left side arm adjustment broke off axle casing

[swamprat]

I was doing some dirt work with my L2000 Saturday and the left side arm adjustment broke off the left axle casing cover. Although it took a chunk out of the casing. The break didn't cause any leaking of the fluid from the tranny, but the bad news is obvious. I either have to replace the housing or come up with a modification to attach the side to side adjusters. Has anyone had this happen on their tractor? Anyone have a clue where I might find a replacement casing cover for the left axle? Thanks for your help and time.

 

[hodge]

Wow- sorry that happened. Can you post some pictures of the damage?

 

[Stumpy]

Jeese that's probably cast iron, not an easy fix. You might call around to local welding shops and see if anyone does cast iron work (they need to have experience doing it!). I know some engine repair shops do cast iron welding but it's tricky to put it mildly. How big is the piece? They generally need to preheat everything in an oven to avoid cracking.

 

[swamprat]

I'll try to get some pictures this afternoon. It is cast iron. I've done some welding before and your correct, tricky, perheat, and still a shot in the dark. But, this had been welded before and whoever did it wasn't exactly well qualified by the loooks of it. I think relocation of the link or a new casing are the only answers to this mess. Thanks for the replies.

 

[hodge]

I'll try to get some pictures this afternoon. It is cast iron. I've done some welding before and your correct, tricky, perheat, and still a shot in the dark. But, this had been welded before and whoever did it wasn't exactly well qualified by the loooks of it. I think relocation of the link or a new casing are the only answers to this mess. Thanks for the replies.

I agree- relocating/redesigning may be the way to go. Even if you can get the cast welded, it's strength will be in question.

 

[Stumpy]

Agreed. If you can't get a used part make a new mount with 3x the weld area for strength then get a pro to do the welding.

 

[NHTbolt]

Swamprat,
If you can post some pics of the broken area I will try to get you a complete welding procedure.
I will watch for those pic.

NHTBolt/Paul

 

[swamprat]

I think there is a photo attached. Anyway, welding is out. The casing is still solid and I don't want to take any chances on messng that up. I have decided to attach the adjustments on a 1/4x2 inch section of flat bar drilled to fit the pin on the lower arm attachment. I'll try and attach pictures of the fix when it's done. Thanks for all the help.

 

[swamprat]

By the way, the oil on the casing is from the seal leak. Not the broken piece.

 

[swamprat]

Here's the fix! 15 bucks of hardware, an hour of sawing and assembly. I think it'll work. Any comments? Thanks.

 

[lsmurphy]

Those eye bolts will bend but other than that........that'll work.

 

[hodge]

Those eye bolts will bend but other than that........that'll work.

The eye bolts will bend- you should weld the end of the loop to the body of the bolt, to keep them from pulling open. They might bend, but they won't fail.
Even better would be a 2" long piece of 2"x2"x3/8" angle iron, with a hole drilled for the bolt to go through the lift arm, and a hole drilled on the horizontal plane for a clevis. That will be much stronger than the eyebolt.