Re: (ET) 12M swivel ends for deck arms

[tb <tbamc gbta net>]

Jim,

Yes, L shaped arms for mid-mount.  My swivel ends have cracked up above 
the ball, where the metal is fairly thin.  I’ve also had the threads 
strip—again, fairly thin metal around the threads, I think.  I’ll grant 
you 40 years for the OEM’s is pretty dang good though.  ;-)

The McM’s look much heavier all around.  Part # 60645K34.  
https://www.mcmaster.com/ball-joints

Not sure exactly why, but someone decades ago went to the trouble of 
cutting off the threaded ends of all 4 of the L arms and then welding on a 
threaded end an inch or so longer than the original.  Rather crudely, too! 
 I wondered if it was to maybe be able to thread the original swivels on 
further, and still get the same ‘length’--for more thread purchase and 
less likely to strip?  I have one L arm that I guess is original (though 
it has no 1/8” hole near the top, for the spring’s cotter).  If I try to 
use it with the other arms I’m only able to thread the swivel on a 1/4” or 
so, which seems iffy.

Thanks.

Thon




> On May 20, 2019, at 7:22 AM, Jim Coate <lists freerangeelectric com> 
> wrote:
> 
> Thon - you are talking about the ball ends for the "L" shaped arms that 
> hold up the mid-mount decks? I have the OEM style ends here:
> https://freerangeelectric.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=77
> 
> The McMaster link goes to 1,239 products but yeah, they probably have 
> something that fits if go through the dimensions. However I'm not sure 
> stronger is needed - the failures I've seen are all from rust/lack of 
> lubrication. It's a good idea to squirt some oil in those ball ends 
> every spring or three.
> 
> Jeff - I don't understand your comment as getting a long enough bolt 
> would be difficult and bending a grade 8 bolt at 90 degrees a real 
> challenge. However you mentioned E20 - perhaps you are talking about the 
> rods in the steering system? Different type of ball end that has a stud 
> sticking out, also under that McMaster link. Pair those with a straight 
> length of grade 8 bolt and yes, would indeed have a nice steering system 
> repair.
> 
> 
> On 05/19/2019 10:28 pm, tb wrote:
>> I need to replace a swivel arm, or two, on a couple of my deck arms.
>> These look considerably stronger than stock.  Anyone tried them?  Know
>> if they work?
>> https://www.mcmaster.com/ball-joints
>> Thanks.
>> Thon
> 
> 
> -- 
> Jim Coate
> www.FreeRangeElectric.com
> Home of The Electric Tractor Store
>