Loader Bulge on Outside of Loader Arm

[southerbre]

Hi All...I have an LS XR4046HC and I noticed an odd bulge on one of the loader lift arms today. It's located on the outside on the driver's side, a couple of inches back from the pipe that connects the arms. The tractor has never been abused, and I haven't attempted to lift anything greater than it's rated capacity. I noticed it after I had lifted something today, but I'm not certain if that is what caused it. It's odd since there is nothing visible on the inside of the arm, and I assume if lifting caused this there would be an indent on the inside corresponding to what is seen on the outside. If it's a weakness in the arm then one would expect both sides to be affected. I have attached a picture, but it's difficult to see. I'm also sending a picture to the dealership since it's not located nearby.

Can anyone explain this or offer any insights?

 

[George2615]

It is hard to see but I can tell there is a bulge to some degree due to the reflection. Very hard to say what caused it. It appears that the loader hit something on that side which would have stopped the tractor in its tracks. I'm sure you would have noticed that if you were driving. Have you loaned the tractor or let someone else use it, they could have hit something and failed to tell you. Keep us informed.

 

[edsales53]

It is kind of hard to see, but is it possible that there may be water inside the tube? Many times rain can get into a loader arm and when the cold weather sets in, the ice will force the tube out.

 

[SPYDERLK]

There must have been some pent up compressive force left there as the arm was fabricated. Your nominal loading added to it and the flat side buckled a little. I think youre due a new loader or a rebate on the one you have. ... It may be stable in present form. :confused3:

 

[southerbre]

It is kind of hard to see, but is it possible that there may be water inside the tube? Many times rain can get into a loader arm and when the cold weather sets in, the ice will force the tube out.

I thought about that, but there are drain holes on the lift arms. Also, I'd expect ice to expand the length of the tube where there is no resistance instead of doing this. I suppose the tube could be blocked with snow, etc. It's strange for sure.

 

[Bluesteel]

Sure looks like it could be ice. I've seen similar bulges caused by expansion. It's hard to say if there is anyway for water to escape where the cross tube is welded in.

 

[Bluesteel]

After looking at the picture again I think water could drain around the tube unless there is some type of obstruction. If it was water that froze I think the bulge would not be where it is. I think it would be lower and more horizontal.

 

[s219]

Need more/better pictures.

 

[5030]

Looks to me like a manufacturing defect in the flat rolled plate. I'd be looking for a new loader or at the least, some compensation. If it was from an internal issue like freezing water, the paint would be cracked... it's not.

 

[Egon]

Can the other side of bulge be seen?

Like some others I'm thinking the steel was defective.
Almost like a hydrogen blister?

 

[southerbre]

Can the other side of bulge be seen? Like some others I'm thinking the steel was defective. Almost like a hydrogen blister?

There is nothing to be seen on the inside. I sent the picture to the dealer and he wants one of the inside; here it is. I'm hoping I will get a new loader since I have no confidence is this one now and shouldn't have to be stuck with it.

 

[oosik]

I don't think it is caused by ice. Any water inside the loader arms will flow right past the cross pipe and out the open end. The loader arm would have to be almost totally full of water for freezing to cause expansion like that.

 

[Egon]

There is nothing to be seen on the inside. I sent the picture to the dealer and he wants one of the inside; here it is. I'm hoping I will get a new loader since I have no confidence is this one now and shouldn't have to be stuck with it.

Opp's, by inside I meant inside the tube.

 

[Egon]

Hydrogen blister???

[video]https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/645/hydrogen-blistering-hb[/video]

 

[Ed of all trades]

Is it the metal or just the paint? Ed

 

[5030]

There is nothing to be seen on the inside. I sent the picture to the dealer and he wants one of the inside; here it is. I'm hoping I will get a new loader since I have no confidence is this one now and shouldn't have to be stuck with it.

I don't see why not. That isn't going impact the structural strength or rigidity at all. I'd make the dealer aware of it and move on. It's a tractor, not a Cadillac.

 

[5030]

Hydrogen blister???

[video]https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/645/hydrogen-blistering-hb[/video]

If it was, you'd see it in the paint. There is no imperfections in that................

That isn't what that is. Remember, I work in the steel business, more particularly the flat rolled high strength market. That is a draw forming inclusion, nothing more.. If you wanted to be absolutely sure, you could pull the loader linkage and bucket and run an optical inspection camera up the leg for a look-see. I don't think it's anything but a fabrication fart.

 

[ozley]

If it was, you'd see it in the paint. There is no imperfections in that................ That isn't what that is. Remember, I work in the steel business, more particularly the flat rolled high strength market. That is a draw forming inclusion, nothing more.. If you wanted to be absolutely sure, you could pull the loader linkage and bucket and run an optical inspection camera up the leg for a look-see. I don't think it's anything but a fabrication fart.

A fart that I won't want to pay for.

 

[TomSeller]

A fart that I won't want to pay for.

I wouldn't pay for a tractor fart either. After my dog and me, I don't need the tractor farting. LS normally fabricates a fart free tractor. LS makes a good machine, probably a fluke fart.

 

[Coyote machine]

A manufacturing defect, as you guys refer to as a 'fart', should be covered under the loader's warranty. That's exactly why one buys new- warranty coverage of defects in materials and workmanship. :thumbsup: