Landini 4WD front axle repair - MF manufactured

[johnsanderson]

Hallo Folks,

I have a Landini 4WD tractor with a Massey Ferguson front axle. Exact year of build unknown but could be found out
(the tractor is in another location right now).
The problem is that the steering knuckle joints -on both sides- were driven to destruction in the past. The tapered pins/ball joints at the track
rod ends are easily enough replaceable but there is a lot of damage within the cast housing of the axle hubs.
Past `mechanics' have done welding & bushing in the castings but this hasn't lasted.

Is there a recognised or known fix for this, other than sourcing and fitting new hub castings?
That's an expensive dragged out pain I want to avoid.

bestos, John

 

[Coyote machine]

Sounds like what you don't want to do is what needs to be done. How about a complete front axle assembly replacement with something that hasn't been beat on forever?

 

[murphy1244]

:welcome:

 

[johnsanderson]

Thanks Coyote machine, the tractor is used for launching boats by trailer on a shallow graded concrete slipway.
That's why we needed the likes of a Landini with all big wheels and a 1.2meter clearance off the deck, to keep all the running gear out of the water.

It will never be used for high-duty work nor high loads. Maybe run for two hours every week at most.
We don't need high reliability, nor durability for that matter. Just a way to keep it fit for purpose without rebuilding the whole front end.

bestos, John

 

[banjodunn]

G'day John and welcome. Maybe some pics of the offending areas might jog a brain or two for an alternative to a total rebuild, failing that a second hand unit from a wrecker maybe.


Jon

 

[johnsanderson]

Hi Jon,

Here are some pics of the machine. Maybe there are some suggestions from out there about options for me.


best regards, John

 

[banjodunn]

G'day John from what I can work out you are saying that the tapered hole that thetie rod end goes into is worn?? If that is the case I woould get two new tie rod ends and clean up the holes and roughen them up a bit, then apply a liberal coat of loctite quick metal into the hole and on the taper of the tie rod end and bolt up tight and leave for 24 - 48 hrs to set. I am only saying this as you say you will only be giving the unit not much work if you were to be working it 10 -12hrs a day every day then I would sy to put new steering knuckles on.


Jon

 

[johnsanderson]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for this.

Yes, the problematic damage is the tapered hole in the casting. On both sides it is worn out to an oval so that the hubs
bang right-left-right when driving. This is putting a lot of graunching on the steering hydraulics among other things.

The damage is just too much to be taken up by shimming etc. and is very non-centric.
It has been proposed by a local tractor repair outfit that they can bore out the castings -parallel holes not tapered-
then put in a bush with a tapered inner bore. Fit new track rod-ends and away.
But before I commit to that, the idea of getting Loctite Quick Metal in to the holes needs a coat of looking-at.

The workshop's price seems reasonable but the biggest bugbear is to transport the non-licensed tractor
to their shop (& back), 40km each way.

I'll let y'all in on the outcome eventually.

bestos, John

 

[Coyote machine]

I can't tell from the pics if it would be possible to remove the cast section you are referring to, and take them to the shop for repair? Or would it entail too much tear down to be worthwhile?

 

[johnsanderson]

Hi Coyote,

The cast parts (knuckles) are integral to the hubs so there's no way to dismount them without complete stripdown.
Even that might not be so bad if it wasn't for the top & bottom steering bearings & seals and the huge hub bearing with seal.
Most likely these would need renewal after stripping.

It's just too big a job to justify all the effort & expense without at least exploring all possible easier approaches first.

bestos, John