rops bolts came out

[Clintabyss]

Been having trouble with implements on 3 point hitch getting in to tires on new Holland tc30 when I realized that the reason is the bolts have (fell)??? out. I bought replacements but I'm not smart enough or strong enough to come up with a way to get them back in. I can't find anyone on the web who has had a similar problem so I think maybe someone else removed for some unknown reason but either way I can't get them back in. The rops has to clamp the back axle totally flush to get the bolt started an I can't do that by myself. Tried using a 4x4 and a tree and the tractor to push it tight but I was hoping someone on here knew a more intelligent way.

 

[KevT]

Are you talking lower lift arms, or ROPS (Roll Over Protection, roll bar) Can you post a pic? Not familiar with NH, but it can't be that much different than JD or K

 

[Clintabyss]

The rollover bar clamps on to axle and the stabilizer chains hook to that and I can't secure my bush hog till I get the bolts back thru the clamp

 

[KevT]

Can you wrap a ratchet strap around the rops and axel to bring it down and use a mallet to tap it over? Not seeing it makes it hard to suggest.

 

[Clintabyss]

Can you wrap a ratchet strap around the rops and axel to bring it down and use a mallet to tap it over? Not seeing it makes it hard to suggest.

 

[Clintabyss]

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=423146"/>

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=423147"/>

There's still 1 bolt on the one side but I can't get the othere in

 

[KevT]

Looks like they are tilted from pressure on the bottom??? I have a big C-clamp and a spud bar to move it around. No I realize you probably don't have those...

 

[whis]

loosen the other bolts, hammer and a pry bar to move it around to get other bolts in

 

[pmsmechanic]

Use a floor jack or a hydraulic jack or anything jack with a piece of 2x2 or similar to hold the bottom part up. You just need to lift it up enough to hold it there but you don't want it so tight that you can't move the piece around to align the holes. Use a rope or something to hold the ROPS in place and you should have two hands free to install the bolts. If this still doesn't help then you might have to remove a tire to get enough room.

 

[Clintabyss]

Looks like they are tilted from pressure on the bottom??? I have a big C-clamp and a spud bar to move it around. No I realize you probably don't have those...

My dad suggested a big c -clamp too. What is a spud bar?

 

[KevT]

It is generally a crescent wrench on one end and the other end (handle) is round and comes to a point. It is how we get red iron bolt holes to align up. Stick the point in the hole and pry.

 

[Looking4new]

What is a spud bar?

A big heavy pry bar about 5' long, also called a 'cat bar'.

 

[KevT]

A big heavy pry bar about 5' long, also called a 'cat bar'.

Yeah, down here we call that a "Cat Bar" or a "Burke Bar", a spud has a wrench on one end, generally 12- 18 inches long. I find it amazing what things get called in different areas. Out west we called a stud gun a "Hilti Gun", moved to FL, and a Hilti gun was a hammer drill

 

[Looking4new]

I have a 1/2" drive Johnson Bar and if I go west of the Ontario/Manitoba border the same bar is called a 'strong arm'. Weird.

In the case of the OP, I think I would try a piece of redi-rod/threaded rod about 8" long with a nut on either end and just start turning the nuts to suck the holes into position where I could stuff a bolt in the hole next to the rod and get a nut on it. I would also use grade 8 bolts.

 

[KevT]

I have a 1/2" drive Johnson Bar and if I go west of the Ontario/Manitoba border the same bar is called a 'strong arm'. Weird.

In the case of the OP, I think I would try a piece of redi-rod/threaded rod about 8" long with a nut on either end and just start turning the nuts to suck the holes into position where I could stuff a bolt in the hole next to the rod and get a nut on it. I would also use grade 8 bolts.

WOW!!! That should do it!!!! Never thought about all thread.

LOL A Johnson bar around here is used to set fence posts, or another name for a cat bar

 

[bigtiller]

It is generally a crescent wrench on one end and the other end (handle) is round and comes to a point. It is how we get red iron bolt holes to align up. Stick the point in the hole and pry.

In my neighborhood that is a spud-wrench. A spud bar is as Looking4new said, a long heavy bar of steel used in many different ways.

 

[k0ua]

What the heck is a "johnson bar"? Never heard of it.. redi-rod? never heard it called anything but "all thread".. It is amazing all the regional names for things. And the names for gravel and rock products, are as many as there are localities.

 

[TCJatko]

loosen the other bolts, hammer and a pry bar to move it around to get other bolts in

This is the system to use. Back off on all the bolts; there should be sufficient slop to get all bolts started. Then tighten incrementally.

 

[BAP]

2nd on the Grade 8 bolts and use Locktite on the threads.

 

[Looking4new]

What the heck is a "johnson bar"? Never heard of it.. redi-rod? never heard it called anything but "all thread".. It is amazing all the regional names for things. And the names for gravel and rock products, are as many as there are localities.

Johnson Bar is also known as a 'breaker bar', as well as a 'strong arm'.
'All thread' fits better than 'redi-rod' to me too.