Oil & Fuel Dipstick retention

[Smokeydog]

While working on M59 a few days ago noted oil spray on the side. The dipstick was missing. Probably got dislodged during some recent brush moving. Looked for it but no go. Had the dealer order one and within a day got it. $ouch$
In >50 years and dozens of tractors this is only the 2nd time of losing one. Thinking of prevention or flag for better location if lost. Do operate often in brush.
Tethers can be grabbed too.

Easy to unclip and check the oil level. Still thinking what would work best?
Maybe a paper/binder clip cut/modified to clamp the dipstick to the tube?

 

[Fuddy1952]

Drill a hole across tube for a small pin clip?

 

[RalphVa]

First I've heard of anyone having brush take one out of a bigger tractor. I had brush take one out on my Gravely 5665 when I had it. Noticed it right away and was able to grab it and put it back in.

I turned the open handle up against the block.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

First I've heard of anyone having brush take one out of a bigger tractor. I had brush take one out on my Gravely 5665 when I had it. Noticed it right away and was able to grab it and put it back in.

I turned the open handle up against the block.

Ralph

 

[jimainiac]

Wow, I never would have imagined having a dipstick knocked out. On a similar note, I've had enough trouble having spring pins knocked off the 3pt linkage while moving snow with the box blade that I've gone back to plain old cotter pins for security.

 

[Smokeydog]

After 4” of rain, 60mph winds and buying a replacement, found my original dipstick. After Moving trees, tree limbs two places 1/2 mile to gully. Dirt work with bucket in same area. Now have a spare.

Ordered a SS laboratory ball joint clip to evaluate and probably modify. Used these at work for their original purpose. Threaded stud with knurled nut to increase clamping pressure and lock in place. $8.32 from China via Amazon so might take awhile.

Stainless Steel Keck Clip Metal Lab Clamp Pinch Clip Glass Ball Clamp Laboratory Tools Spherical Joint Glassware Clip(12#) Stainless Steel Keck Clip Metal Lab Clamp Pinch Clip Glass Ball Clamp Laboratory Tools Spherical Joint Glassware Clip(12#) - - Amazon.com

 

[ovrszd]

I like your first idea.

I'm like Ralph, always turn the ring toward the block.

I've never lost one but have had a couple pulled out far enough they weren't sealing.

It's not big heavy brush that's stealing the dip stick. It's them wiry small flexible brush plants that we drive over without giving them a thought......

 

[Smokeydog]

Stainless Steel Keck Clip Metal Lab Clamp Pinch Clip Glass Ball Clamp Laboratory Tools Spherical Joint Glassware Clip(12#) Stainless Steel Keck Clip Metal Lab Clamp Pinch Clip Glass Ball Clamp Laboratory Tools Spherical Joint Glassware Clip(12#) - - Amazon.com


Used these in the laboratory.
Had to open up one side a little with file to fit the dipstick tube. Not only spring loaded but also has knurled nut on stud to lock in place.

The best technique from several folks is simply to turn the handle 180 degrees to face the block. Had to bend the dipstick handle slightly to have clearance for some fuel lines.