Any tricks to remove shear bolt?

[IslandTractor]

I just busted my first shear bolt on a BushHog SQ480 rotary mower. No biggie I thought. However, I cannot get the remains of the old shear bolt out of the shaft. It won't budge with solid taps from a screw driver+mallet. I presume I should be able to get it out without removing the PTO universal joint but so far no luck. Other than drilling and using a screw extractor, any ideas? Thanks.

 

[IslandTractor]

I just busted my first shear bolt on a BushHog SQ480 rotary mower. No biggie I thought. However, I cannot get the remains of the old shear bolt out of the shaft. It won't budge with solid taps from a screw driver+mallet. I presume I should be able to get it out without removing the PTO universal joint but so far no luck. Other than drilling and using a screw extractor, any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Humbleto]

I've only changed a few. The first time I used a screw driver and hammer. The second time I used the new bolt and the hammer to drive the old out and the new on in place. Make sure the holes are lined up. You can buy them at Tractor Supply for $1.88 a pound. Good luck

 

[Humbleto]

I've only changed a few. The first time I used a screw driver and hammer. The second time I used the new bolt and the hammer to drive the old out and the new on in place. Make sure the holes are lined up. You can buy them at Tractor Supply for $1.88 a pound. Good luck

 

[IslandTractor]

Problem solved. I guess I did not have the holes lined up perfectly. I tried but the fit is so tight it is hard to tell when it's lined up correctly. When I took the universal joint off the shaft the remains of the bolt fell right out. All fixed. I presume it is not usually necessary to remove the u joint however. It would be a PITA to do that in the field. Especially without the special C clip pliers handy. Replacing the shear bolt itself is a snap.

Thanks.

 

[IslandTractor]

Problem solved. I guess I did not have the holes lined up perfectly. I tried but the fit is so tight it is hard to tell when it's lined up correctly. When I took the universal joint off the shaft the remains of the bolt fell right out. All fixed. I presume it is not usually necessary to remove the u joint however. It would be a PITA to do that in the field. Especially without the special C clip pliers handy. Replacing the shear bolt itself is a snap.

Thanks.

 

[sandman2234]

They don't always come out easily. If the bolt shears and bends at the same time, elongating the bolt, it can be a bear.
Glad you got yours out.
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

They don't always come out easily. If the bolt shears and bends at the same time, elongating the bolt, it can be a bear.
Glad you got yours out.
David from jax

 

[midlf]

I like to use the new bolt as the driver. If the new bolt goes in it insures the holes are lined up.

 

[midlf]

I like to use the new bolt as the driver. If the new bolt goes in it insures the holes are lined up.

 

[sandman2234]

One of the drawbacks to using the new shear bolt to drive the old one out is dinging the threads so the nut won't start when you finally get the old one out. A like sized punch without a taper, or a piece of round stock or anything similiar in size will work in it's place, and not be hard to start the nut on when the old one comes out.
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

One of the drawbacks to using the new shear bolt to drive the old one out is dinging the threads so the nut won't start when you finally get the old one out. A like sized punch without a taper, or a piece of round stock or anything similiar in size will work in it's place, and not be hard to start the nut on when the old one comes out.
David from jax

 

[Soundguy]

I keep a hammer and punch on my tractor when using a mower with a shear bolt.. line up the holes inthe shaft and collar.. drive the slug out.. reinstall new bolt and go,.

Soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

I keep a hammer and punch on my tractor when using a mower with a shear bolt.. line up the holes inthe shaft and collar.. drive the slug out.. reinstall new bolt and go,.

Soundguy

 

[IslandTractor]

Once I removed the universal joint the bolt fragment fell right out so I think I did not have it perfectly aligned. I'll try harder next time.

 

[firemanpat2910]

It must be different than my old JD bushhog. its easier on it to turn the two flanges 90* to each other and drive out 2 pieces then line back up and insert new bolt. I have helped clear several wooded lots and buy shear bolts a hundred at a time.

 

[sandman2234]

Fireman,
You might want to invest in a clutch for your drive shaft, because one of these days your not going to be so lucky with the shear pins. They are supposed to fail before something else goes, but the law of averages says you might be pushing your luck (or using too small a shear pin) if your using them by the hundreds.
Plus, think of all the fun your going to have if you don't, and manage to tear something up in that pto drive system. The thought of tearing into that makes me want to use brass shear pins.
David from jax

You should see the mess I have been tearing into with my bushhog.