Quick attachment ( Bob-Tack? ) broken stud

Fred Bryant · Jul 8, 2012

Now that the engine is running, it is on to the rest of the machine. The quick connect ( Bob-tach, I believe it is called ) has two locking levers that insert wedges to draw tight the attachments. The right one is fine, but the left one I received in a plastic bag. It turns out that the threaded stud that protrudes from the boss that the level rotates on is totally stripped. My question is how to replace it?

It seems to be a threaded stud that is pressed/threaded into a boss. If so, is it right or left thread, so I can try to heat it up and unthread it? Or do I need to torch it off and build a new one?

Thx's, Fred.

LWG · Jul 8, 2012

I think it's a bolt that goes through the boss, with the head of the bolt facing the rear of the machine. The boss is welded into the Bobtach, and it has a slot in the back. The slot engages two faces of the hex head of the bolt, keeping it from rotating. The handle goes over the bolt, resting against the boss. The spring is placed over the bolt, washer next and lastly the nut. These parts are available and inexpensive. The only pricey part is the handle, and it sounds like you have that.

Fred Bryant · Jul 8, 2012

Thankyou LWG, your responce was just what I needed. Once I cut the bucket off ( it was welded on, as the left bob-tach was broken ), and dug out years of cement consistancy muck, I was able to pound out the bolts. Now that it is all cleaned up and lubed it works, but it is exceeding stiff. I can not operate it by hand, but need to stand on the handles. Any hints on smoothing up the mechanism? I am thinking some polish/lube/shim washers.

Thx's, Fred.

LWG · Jul 9, 2012

I had the same problem. My machine spent its last few years working concrete, and it was a mess. The previous owner had the same problem, too. I can see the hammer blows where someone pounded it open and closed.

If you look on the outboard sides of the Bobtach, you will see a 1/2" or so hole on each side, about 2/3 of the way down. You will probably have to clean out muck. There are zerk fittings for each pin. You will probably have to work some light oil down around the pins. I have not taken my pins out, but I would think they'd come out fairly easily once the the springs and handles came out. I was able to loosen them up with light oil, and then grease them through the zerk fittings. The slide beautifully now, but at first we had to lift the bucket out and drive the pins upwards from the bottom, with a drift and a mallet. I don't like doing that, and we were careful to do one at a time. Usually we could get one to work, and only had to drive the other one. Keep at it. Now I can open and close the handles with pressure from one or two fingers.

Les