M5660 front end failure

[KB64]

While planting food plots last Thursday the front end on my tractor dislocated. The front flange that holds the axle in place/allows it to pivot detached from the tractor. Only have 130 hours on my machine. This also wrecked the drive shaft to the front end.

This flange is retained by a stud and bolt on each side of the part. From dirt buildup in the hole it appears the bolts came out and then the nuts on the stud worked themselves loose.

Dealer is wanting me to file an insurance claim but I feel it is a warranty claim. Obviously with insurance I'm going to have a deductible plus a claim on my policy.

 

[mcfarmall]

I'm always interested in post about the M5660 as I own one too. Can you post pictures of the failure please?

 

[lugbolt]

There is possibility that they ordered the tractor unassembled. If they did, the dealer may have had to install the front axle. If that's the case, it's possible that the assembly tech failed to properly torque the studs and bolts, which would account for it coming loose as you've mentioned. You may want to investigate that possibility with the dealer. If they still think you should file an insurance claim, and THEY assembled the axle to the tractor, ask them if they're willing to pay the deductible and any associated transportation costs to get the tractor to the shop.

 

[KB64]

I'm always interested in post about the M5660 as I own one too. Can you post pictures of the failure please?

 

[KB64]

There is possibility that they ordered the tractor unassembled. If they did, the dealer may have had to install the front axle. If that's the case, it's possible that the assembly tech failed to properly torque the studs and bolts, which would account for it coming loose as you've mentioned. You may want to investigate that possibility with the dealer. If they still think you should file an insurance claim, and THEY assembled the axle to the tractor, ask them if they're willing to pay the deductible and any associated transportation costs to get the tractor to the shop.

I asked them that question on assembly but haven't received a response yet. Thought I'd hear something from them today, but no luck.

 

[GrizBota]

Well that’s not right. Looks relatively cleanish in that photo. Assembly error to be sure. I’m pretty sure that’s not one they tell you in the manual to check the torque in after XX hours.

If I were the dealer that screwed up the assembly, I’d want you to file an insurance claim too. Otherwise they might not get paid to repair their own mistake. But I’m sure that’s not why you haven’t heard back…

 

[KB64]

Update-dealer is doing the repairs under warranty. Parts on the way, but I imagine the Thanksgiving holiday will delay work getting started.