Wheel Horse Fun.

[Stormin 4,458]

While mowing the green and verges yesterday, I sensed some vibration, more than usual. I've replaced the anti vibration spacers between engine and wobble plate. After fitting them there was just a trace of vibration.

  When I'd finished mowing I decided to investigate. I found two broken bolts. One LH rear and one RH front. No wonder there was more vibration. I'd no spare bolts, but I do have a quantity of 10mm cap head Alan bolts. They'll do thinks I. I'll remove the cross bars that the wobble plate sits on and re-thread the holes.

  The rear bar came of easily. The front was a different kettle of fish. The bolts were inaccessible due to the front axle. So the tractor was jacked up, wheels removed,tie bars disconnected and axle lowered. I could then get at the bolts with a socket and short extension bar.

  Re-drilling the holes was fun, as I don't have any Vee blocks. Carefully fit in the hand vice and level up with a spirit level. Then tapped them out and re-fitted. Engine of course was still in place, but with a big tyre bar levering the engine up, I got the bars in place. Replace axle, tie bars and wheels. Let the tractor down and then the fun started.

  Using the same method I replaced the spacers and bolts. But would the bolts line up with the holes.. I must have fought on for an hour and wishing I had four hands.

  Had a coffee, sit down and a think. Back to the tractor and then it hit me. Wazack! I'd got the rear cross bar in the wrong holes in the chassis/frame. There's two sets about an inch apart and I'd used the rear ones. The rear bar was to far back.  

  Got the bolts started and then another problem showed up. An Alan key/wrench would not fit due to the close proximity of the heads to engine. That was solved by cutting off about 3/8" off the end of a key. That and a 8mm ratchet ring spanner did the job.

 

 

  Got a nice smooth tractor again.