Loader New tractor owner and yes it's a LS

silverstreek · Aug 15, 2015

You know, you might have something? Maybe the manufacturer welded this plate using a brittle filler rod or wire that would break in the event too much stress was put on the arm to keep from damaging the arm itself? If the original owner inserted one pin, and then used the hydraulics to get the other pin aligned, this most likely put more stress on the arm than what was intended........ Thus the weld breaking away to prevent critical damage.

My theory may be WRONG! But at least it sounds like it makes sense?

silverstreek · Aug 15, 2015

Ozley, you may be on to something here! Thinking about what you brought up. Maybe the manufacturer's engineers designed this plate and welding process to snap or break away if too much pressure is put on the lifting arm as to prevent damage to it? By using a brittle filler wire or rod, this would in theory create a weak point at the plate designed to break away and protect the lifting arm in the event the pin gets jacked side ways and too much is put on the plate. This also may account for why the plates aren't welded completely around all four sides.

It's certainly an interesting theory?

silverstreek · Aug 15, 2015

ozley said:
My feeling is someone had one pin in on the loader and using the hydraulics moving the loader around to get the other pin in.

Ozley, Great observation! Like you suggest, one of the pins may have been installed, and when the original owner went to move the tractor slightly in one direction, they may have unintentionally moved the tractor in the opposite direction. This would explain why the inserted pin would bind and break the welded plates on that side! Thinking about it this way, maybe the engineers at LS intentionally designed these plates to break away in the event too much pressure in put on one of the pins when reinstalling the loader assembly back on the tractor? It may also account as to why these plates are only welded on two out of four sides? Now, it makes sense as to why the filler wire or rod could indeed be made of a brittle material in order to allow the weld to break at these plates before putting too much pressure on the expensive lift arms? It's much easier and cheaper to re-weld the plates than it is to repair or replace those arms!

Now you have me thinking.........

Silverstreek

ozley · Aug 16, 2015

I have a feeling how they broke. The welding was bad for some reason and should not have broken the pin should have just bent. Quality control much have been on a break

Clay45 · Aug 16, 2015

At any rate don't over analyze it; get it to a welder and fixed up correctly and get a new pin. Time may present additional information but at least you will have performed the proper preventative maintenance and 600 hour service. Sounds like this LS has found a good home!

TSO · Aug 18, 2015

Congrats on the "new" tractor!

Keep in mind, LS does not build these loaders ... They are built by AmerEquip, an American vendor. I wouldn't necessarily give LS engineers any credit for the poor weld / ingenious solution (whichever you feel applies).

AlmostThere · Sep 27, 2015

Wanted to give an update and thank everyone for their input.

I haven't fixed the weld yet, still on the list of things to do. Too much to do, too little time.

I did close on the property and bought a rotary mower. After visiting several dealers decided on a Mohawk Bronco 72" medium duty. Took it all to the property and after adjusting the mower started doing some mowing

If you recall in my first post I mentioned I decided to get a cabbed tractor in part due to allergy to bee and wasp stings. Not 15 minutes into the mowing I ran over a bumble bee nest and found myself surrounded by about 10 very pissed off bumble bees. They could see me through the glass and kept trying to get to me and then hit the glass. It was a good decision for me, the cab has already paid for itself in that respect. As an additional benefit it is very dry here currently and the mowing has kicked up a LOT of dust and debris, it was nice having some protection from that.

Since this was my first day using the tractor, and had my brother with me, I took my UAV drone to take some photos and video. The video wasn't very good but I learned from it and will try to get more interesting ones as time goes on. Here is a link to a short video clip:

BlessedMess · Sep 29, 2015

Congrats on the tractor, and "teaching yourself" how to use it. And also on the land -- it looks really nice with lots of trees and open spaces. You mentioned recreation -- is that R&R or something like farming, hunting or off-road motor sports?

About a year ago I took the plunge and literally learned how to use the backhoe by watching YouTube clips before taking delivery. I guess it's nice to have someone looking over your shoulder to avoid wasting time or breaking something... but there is also a real sense of accomplishment saying I learned how to and did it myself (and didn't break anything or hurt myself!). Cheers to new adventures, good luck with the repair/600 hr service, and have fun with all the projects ahead.

AlmostThere · Oct 1, 2015

but there is also a real sense of accomplishment saying I learned how to and did it myself (and didn't break anything or hurt myself!)

This is so true. I read every night, I love learning new things. I'm old enough to have learned to ask others for their advice and listen to it.
The 600 hr service has all been done, except adjusting the engine valves. It was a great opportunity to learn a little more about the tractor.

You mentioned recreation -- is that R&R or something like farming, hunting or off-road motor sports?

I'm not much for actually resting in the traditional sense. I work in an office for my paying job. For recreation I prefer to be working on a project or something. No farming in the near future, probably a little hunting, and I'm too old for off-road sports

Right now I'm working on clearing it and hope to build a storage building in the not too distant future. As time goes on I'll get new ideas and make more plans.

AlmostThere · Oct 7, 2015

Just posting an update ;-)

Dang it's dry. While mowing I'm creating a big cloud of dust. Again I'm thankful for the cab, it blocks most of it. Still I have found myself coughing some after a day of clearing.

The tractor that had been clean, polished and waxed is now coated in dust and dirt. I don't have water there so will have to wait until I bring it home to clean it up. The biggest problem I've had is debris and dust clogging the radiator and the screen protecting it. I've had to stop and clean that out about every hour or so. I've been using canned air to blow out the AC and radiator.

But the good news is I'm actually seeing more of the property now

Photos of what I'm currently mowing.