1640 QA loader not so QA

[CJN8]

I bought a b7200 about a year ago and I have been fixing all the issues the PO neglected. One of the issues is that he welded the QA loader into the loader frame pockets so it cant be removed. Not sure why he would do it. It might be because the wedge bolts from Kubota are about $30 a piece??

So is this a common wear point? Do the pockets get loose over time and that is why the PO just welded them up or..? I am thinking this fix is as easy as a die grinder and new wedge bolts? Thoughts?

 

[D2Cat]

The wedge bolts should hold the towers in the pocket fine. They are wedged for a reason. You tighten the nut and the wedge gets tighter.

Get a cut off wheel on a 4" grinder and cut the weld. Remove the loader and dress up the welds to get back to original shape. Install wedge bolts.

It is sometimes amazing what some folks do to save fifty cents!

 

[CJN8]

Just took out the wedge bolt on one side. I had to use a hammer to get the wing nut off. The treads were all galled up on the bolt. Tap and die...good as new. Crazy he would weld it instead of 5 mins of R&R. I will do a little grinding this afternoon to free it up. It will be nice to be able to take the loader off. Not that I would do it all that often but it is nice to have the option.

 

[cerlawson]

An acetylene torch would be easier.

 

[olthumpa]

I am with d2cat on this one. Acetylene torches are nice but I think I would go with the grinder with a cut off disk, then change to a grinding disk and dress it up. IMHO, acetylene would be to hot and could/would weaken the frame.

Again, IMHO.

 

[CJN8]

I am decent with a torch but my luck I would blow through the loader tower and cause a mess. Haha