Ringo Landscape Rake, Center Pin Broke

Oldtoad · May 11, 2021

Well, 8' rake, 1" grade bolt (pin) and Maine rocks, pin broke.
Looks like the 6.5" long bolt head was welded in during a previous repair. Welds everywhere, no easy way of getting to the head bolt.
The broken pin is about the length of a new bolt minus the head.
So, the bolt head (pin head) is only accessible by cutting the frame apart or boring in from the bottom, a boxed frame.
Not sure if a machinist or a welder is needed, thinking cutting a hole in the frame large enough to get a plasma cutter in to cut away the bolt head.

bcp · May 11, 2021

If you have to cut it open, rebuild it so it is accessible if it breaks again.

Photos would help with ideas.

Bruce

Oldtoad · May 12, 2021

Bruce,
Dropped the rake off at the welder.
Obvious multiple repairs due to various qualities of the weld bead on repaired sections.
Welder suggested the easiest repair that would get me back to work. A rebuild with accessibility would be difficult but will call welder and ask him to try. This crew (me) is hard on the equipment. Likely a second or more repair, also this is a 8' rake, stresses on 1" pin must be incredible.