Most used wrench sizes for maintenance...

[joeblack]

Hello everyone. I'm new to posting on TBN but have been watching for a while. I took delivery of a JD 4310 eHydro on May 2nd and I'm happy with purchase. My final decision on the 4310 over the 4710 was based on informative posts on this site that the 4710 was more tractor than I needed...and you were right! This is my first large (for me) tractor and it's obvious I need to make some additions to my wrench collection for proper maintenance, which I normally handle myself. My current set of box/openend wrenches and 1/2 inch sockets tops out at 18 mm. I'm curious for owners of similar sized JD compact tractors, what sizes do you find you can't live without and which are rarely needed for normal repair/maintenance?

I appreciate any feedback.

 

[markie61]

I carry 2 regular old adjustable wrenches in my tractor's toolbox and a knife in my pocket. A couple screwdrivers would be good, too.

Combination wrenches (metric for tractor and SAE for implements) are good to have around. But I think the most important tool is a good grease gun.

Mark

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Get an inexpensive slide caliper that has a metric scale and measure the exposed bolt heads and nuts. Compile a list and compare it to your current socket and wrench collection. Make sure you can remove your various filters and drain plugs. The largest nut on my gear was on the rear blade. It was a 1 1/2" nut used to hold the rear blade up to the pivot plate. The majority of sizes on your tractor should be on par with a metric automobile or 1/2 ton truck. CUT's usually have a fair amount of external and internal snap rings. You might want to spring for a good set of those. SK has a 12 piece set that is guaranteed for life - MAC tools re-labels it. I went through what you are going through and purchased a 1 1/2" open end wrench and socket, 15" crescent wrench, SK 12 piece snap ring set, HD oil filter wrench for the hydraulic filter, Lincoln 1134 pistol grip grease gun, soft blow hammer and a big funnel with a filter. I'm currently trying to decide what is a good way to transfer hydraulic fluid from 5 gallon containers. Really, the majority of tractor tools will be your metric automobile tools. If you have any doubts, purchase a shop manual to see what tools you will require for a given repair.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Be sure to have a 22mm with a breaker bar to keep those wheel bolts in torque. And check them frequently! My back whell bolts have never been out but I frequently tighten the front.

 

[joeblack]

Thank you for all of the input. To be honest, I hadn't considered a solution like a larger set of adjustable wrenches, but that's a cost effective answer and will have more uses than some of these larger box wrenches. Regarding the HD filter wrench, are you using a strap type or do they make band types that large? Nothing I have will fit that hydraulic filter! On the snap rings, I do have a set of ChannelLocks that convert for ring installation and removal...should these be enough? Thank you, Mike, I checked the wheel bolts last night and they're tight above the recommended ft lbs as my wrench "broke" before any movement. I know this is off subject, but is there any harm in them being too tight on this type of wheel flange? I know on autos excessive torque can warp the flange over time but not sure in this application. Most conversations seem to center on them loosening over time so I was happy to find them all tight after 10 hours of use.

I appreciate the help,

David

 

[normde2001]

Ditto on the adjustable wrenches. My tractors toolbox has just enough room for two 12" Crescents, a shear pin, a few hitch pin clips and a whisk broom, (to clean out the radiator fins).

 

[frank_f15]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM! and good luck with the new tractor. about tools, u are allways going to be one tool short, seems to be a rule someone wrote! 2 crecent wrenches(12") always come in hnady, but use the proper size openo box end when possible.

 

[joeblack]

Thank you for the feedback. I hit the final day of the Craftsman Club sale the other night and did some damage...picked up a large crescent wrench, deep metric sockets in 22 to 27 mm, a set of long 1/2" ratchet extensions, a larger 1/2" ratchet, a set of 5 large combination wrenches ranging from 22 to 30 mm, and a large strap wrench for removing the monster hydro filter. That tool section at Sears is a dangerous place...I can justify something I "need" on every aisle...

David

 

[soarkrebel]

I like to have two of each! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

go to a pawn shop and buy yourself some tools. you can get some good tools cheap if you will look. same tool as sears just cheaper. the warranty is still good.
I have a bunch of tools bought at pawn shops that were bought at a fraction of the new cost .

 

[Egon]

Pawn shops are the cheapest way to go. Don't hesitate to haggle.

For those pesky filters a long screwdriver and hammer work well. May be a bit messy though.

On this site there lurks another person who is very familiar with tool requirements.

Egon