Backhoe Broke My Backhoe

bmac · Sep 18, 2003

<font color="blue"> Say, those bolt heads are sure rusty in your pictures - are you in a salty area, or what gives? That looks pretty bad for something you said is only outside a little while so far?
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I agree about the rust. It seems to be limited to those particular allen-head fasteners - obviously not made to be in the weather. Live just south of Atlanta so salt isn't the problem. BH was purchased new in May (with the tractor). In fact, was manufactured right before I took delivery as I had to wait for it to be built and shipped to my dealer.

Probably ought to see if there is something a little more rust-resistant available.

Thanks for the grease tips.

Hoeman00 · Sep 19, 2003

Get some SS socket head cap screws at a bolt house or McMaster/Carr.

bmac · Sep 19, 2003

Thanks - found them at McMaster-Carr. 316 SS. Had to guess at the length as I've reassembled the BH. But the 1/2" length is $6.56 for a bag of 10. I'll go take one out this weekend, measure the exact length and order some.

You would think NH would use fasteners that are a little more weather-resistant in outdoor equipment.

bmac · Sep 23, 2003

<font color="blue"> Say, those bolt heads are sure rusty in your pictures - are you in a salty area, or what gives? That looks pretty bad for something you said is only outside a little while so far?
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Rambler,
You can sleep well tonight knowing that the rusty bolts are gone! Thanks to Hoeman00's reply, I ordered some stainless steel replacements and swapped them out tonight.

In the photo, they seemed to have picked some reflection from the brass-colored plate they pass thru, but they are really nice and silver and shiney.