Replacement sway chains

[California]

My YM187D came with some new parts that the previous owner replaced.

The new sway chains must have been for a smaller tractor. After a few days of mowing, the shackles - both sides - started to stretch (first picture). On close examination I found small cracks starting at the most forward ends of the eyes.

I replaced the wimpy shackles with double-end 3/8" shackles. (second picture). No more problems.

View attachment 187209

 

[stormpetrel]

Those are pretty cool.....where do you get them?

 

[California]

The double shackles came from the local old-time hardware store. I think their stuff comes from Ace Hardware.

 

[careyo63]

Dang Cal..!!! Talking about cheap. Your Mower Done THAT!!!!! Just how low was it.....:laughing:

 

[California]

Me?
Cheap???

Here's a thread where I posted photos of that mowing. Yes with the ground so uneven I did dig in a corner of the mower from time to time. But I don't recall hitting any trees with the mower!

I had the sway chains adjusted to put the mower way off center to the right, maybe 6" over, to get it nearer the tree trunks without running my head into the limbs. That uneven stress probably contributed to stretching the shackle. Regardless, I doubt an OEM shackle would have been damaged using it that way.

 

[oldgrayfellow]

That first photo was kind of comical.
Who designs these things? Was failure (and another purchase) the design intent?

The cross-sectional area (even before stretching) of the pin-surround doesn't seem like even 1/4 that of the rest of the links.

 

[oliver28472]

I've been told that galvanized chain & other hardware is not as strong.

 

[California]

Talking about cheap.

Was failure (and another purchase) the design intent?

I've been told that galvanized chain & other hardware is not as strong.

Apparently 'all of the above.'

Another picture - the growing crack at the end of the eye.

View attachment 187626



PS - Bah. I see a typo in my first post at the top of the thread. It's a YM186D.