Torque level requirements on L series

[johnrex62]

I was reading a discussion on torque effects of extensions and got to wondering; what different torque requirements are there on the various parts of an L series tractor? Keeping to the common maintenance and repair components, is there a lot of variance from the lowest ft/lb specification to the highest?

I have a Dewalt 1/2' impact wrench. If I were to try to use that with torque sticks, how many and what range sticks would I be smart to get?

 

[Transit]

Much too complex, go by the bolt size, grade and course/fine thread from any of the on-line charts with a 1/2 or 3/8 inch drive torque wrench. Even when I do use an impact wrench, I set the final torque by hand.

 

[dex3361]

I was reading a discussion on torque effects of extensions and got to wondering; what different torque requirements are there on the various parts of an L series tractor? Keeping to the common maintenance and repair components, is there a lot of variance from the lowest ft/lb specification to the highest?

I have a Dewalt 1/2' impact wrench. If I were to try to use that with torque sticks, how many and what range sticks would I be smart to get?

I bought a set of torque sticks from harbor Freight and they work pretty good. Here is a link to the set I bought. HF Torque Extensions.
I took my impact wrench with an extension and tightened a bolt. Then checked the torque with my torque wrench. This is how I judged how well they worked.

 

[brain55]

You guys over think this stuff. Why would you ever use torque sticks in a non production environment, or ever for that matter. Buy a torque wrench. Here are your basic torques for anything that might be critical on a Kubota. 8mm bolts-20 ft/lbs, 10mm bolts-40 ft/lbs, 12mm bolts-65 ft/lbs. This is bolt diameter, not head size, and for those stamped with a 7 or 8.8. Internal engine parts will vary, check the manual, also check the manual for ROPS bolts. Rear wheel nuts, turn up your cordless DeWalt impact and have at it.

Brian

 

[johnrex62]

You guys over think this stuff. Why would you ever use torque sticks in a none production enviroment, or ever for that matter. Buy a torque wrench.

From what I read, the torque sticks are pretty accurate. Since a budget set of sticks are around $60 and a budget wrench is about the same price, why would it make a difference which I use? What diff would a production environment make in the use of sticks vs wrench?

I could understand if sticks were outrageously expensive, but since they don't appear to be I am confused by your statements. Am I missing something?

Is there a recommended torque for lugnuts?

 

[brain55]

Torque sticks were designed for high turn around automotive tire shops to try and save time. What they did, was increase the number of wheels coming loose or off. Most quality tire shops now require final torque to be done with a torque wrench. Torque sticks and impacts are only as good as their operators. Maybe they improved them over the last few years, but if torque is important why not use a torque wrench. The only time I ever used a torque wrench on rear tractor lugnuts was on pre-delivery, any other time I just used my impact. Front lug nuts are typically 12mm so they get torqued to 65 ft/lbs I don't remember rear wheel torque specs right now.

Brian

I just realized the title said L-series, and I'd have to look up the torque for 14mm front lugs.

 

[dex3361]

From what I read, the torque sticks are pretty accurate. Since a budget set of sticks are around $60 and a budget wrench is about the same price, why would it make a difference which I use? What diff would a production environment make in the use of sticks vs wrench?

I could understand if sticks were outrageously expensive, but since they don't appear to be I am confused by your statements. Am I missing something?

Is there a recommended torque for lugnuts?

I feel the same way. When the torque sold for $350 they weren't something I would buy but $60 yes I will use them.
i bought mine for use on Rotating the tires on what seems like a fleet of vehicles.
I have lots of other production tools like an impact wrench, air compressor and on and on.

 

[Transit]

You guys over think this stuff. Why would you ever use torque sticks in a none production enviroment, or ever for that matter. Buy a torque wrench. Here are your basic torques for anything that might be critical on a Kubota. 8mm bolts-20 ft/lbs, 10mm bolts-40 ft/lbs, 12mm bolts-65 ft/lbs. This is bolt diameter, not head size, and for those stamped with a 7 or 8.8. Internal engine parts will vary, check the manual, also check the manual for ROPS bolts. Rear wheel nuts, turn up your cordless DeWalt impact and have at it.

Brian

x10 Brian.:thumbsup:

 

[crazyal]

If I remember correctly the torque for the front wheels is 100ft/lbs and 140 for the rears of my 4240, I can check tonight. A lot of times I don't bother with a Torque wrench but unless you have a good feel for how tight is correct a TW is a good idea.

What most people don't understand is if you over torque a bolt it may feel and hold fine but you've done damage to the threads and over streched the bolt. If it's a bolt that gets removed semi often then each time you could be doing more damage to the threads and bolt. Spark plugs are a prime example of repeated over tightening. After years of over tightening they finally blow right out of the head.

I would also hand start any bolt or nut before switching over to an impact wrench to avoid cross threading.

 

[Chilly807]

Anything that requires proper torque is listed in the owner's manual that came with the tractor.

Even the translation from Japanese to English is manageable, although I've raised an eyebrow from time to time.

Rear wheels are 160 ft lbs on a 3400, 3700 is probably the same.

I'd recommend two things, first is to read the manual, the second is to buy a torque wrench. You need to consider that a torque stick is only effective if:

A) it's good quality, most cheap ones aren't.

B) your impact wrench must have enough power to exceed the torque stick rating, if it can't the fastener won't be properly tightened. In other words, a gun that generates 120 ft lbs can't tighten a nut to 160 ft lbs no matter what torque stick you use or how long it hammers away at it.

Most impact guns are over-rated, mine says it's good for 240 ft lbs. I seriously doubt that, it has a tough time with anything approaching 200. Then you have to factor in air pressure, supply line diameter (a huge factor), battery state if cordless, gun condition, etc.

Mine won't even break lug nuts at 90 ft lbs with a 1/4 inch air line, the gun simply can't get enough volume to work properly.

Not hard to tell, but I believe impact guns are great for disassembly. A torque wrench is the best tool for tightening any critical fastener.

Sean