torque of bolts

[sevilla]

Hello everybody, after my previous post I decided fora JD 3520. I’m totally new at tractors and never worked on engines or other mechanical equipment. So, while waiting for the tractor I’m reading the on line manual where it is mentioned to check bolts at various intervals and tighten them at a determined torque (expressed in Nm and lb-ft). My question is: how do you determine the values of torque? is it necessary a special tool? I also would like to know if anybody has experience with the JD 3520 and how would you rate its reliability (engine, transmission etc). The Grand L Kubotas look so much sturdier!! Thank you very much.

 

[sevilla]

Hello everybody, after my previous post I decided fora JD 3520. I’m totally new at tractors and never worked on engines or other mechanical equipment. So, while waiting for the tractor I’m reading the on line manual where it is mentioned to check bolts at various intervals and tighten them at a determined torque (expressed in Nm and lb-ft). My question is: how do you determine the values of torque? is it necessary a special tool? I also would like to know if anybody has experience with the JD 3520 and how would you rate its reliability (engine, transmission etc). The Grand L Kubotas look so much sturdier!! Thank you very much.

 

[NoMo]

For tightening bolts to the proper levels, you will need a torque wrench. For the various levels required by different bolts, you'll probably need a few. Good ones aren't cheap compared to "regular" wrenches, but they're cheap compared to repairs caused by improperly torqued bolts.

I only have about 25 hours on my 3520. No problems yet.

 

[NoMo]

For tightening bolts to the proper levels, you will need a torque wrench. For the various levels required by different bolts, you'll probably need a few. Good ones aren't cheap compared to "regular" wrenches, but they're cheap compared to repairs caused by improperly torqued bolts.

I only have about 25 hours on my 3520. No problems yet.

 

[pruntyc]

What are you telling him, that he'll probably need a few???? He needs one good torque wrench, you set it for the torque you need, go to the next size bolt and set it for that one, and etc.

 

[pruntyc]

What are you telling him, that he'll probably need a few???? He needs one good torque wrench, you set it for the torque you need, go to the next size bolt and set it for that one, and etc.

 

[ScottAR]

Torque wrenches are designed by a couple methods to tighten bolts to specific values.

In order of least expensive to most expensive:

Beam type: Measures on a linear scale based on the deflection of the beam vs a pointer. Maybe $20.00 to $25.00.

Click type: Measures using a spring that yields at a specific rate.
Clicks when torque level is reached. Makes repeatable jobs easy as there's no need to look at the scale every time. $75.00 to $200.00.

Dial type: To be honest, I dunno how they work. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif They are supposed to be the most accurate. $150.00 to thousands.

All these wrenches have a specific range of torque that they are most accurate in. I have a 1/2" click type that works in the 25ft lbs. to 150 ish ft lbs. Smaller wrenches for smaller bolts, Bigger wrenches for bigger bolts.

I've seen torque screwdrivers that measure in single in lbs. Snap On makes an 1 1/2" drive Twrench that comes with a 10ft. cheater!

Sizing ones wrench is a matter of looking at the torque values you need and getting one that matches the drive of most of your sockets. Sometimes one will catch all of em. Somtimes not.

Wheel bearings on my F350 need 9ft lbs torque and then back off a quarter turn. My click type sets in the box. I use the calibrated hand method. That is, I guess. I don't advise that anyone do it but it works for me. Lug nuts go on with the torque wrench at 120 ft lbs. Just an example.

 

[ScottAR]

Torque wrenches are designed by a couple methods to tighten bolts to specific values.

In order of least expensive to most expensive:

Beam type: Measures on a linear scale based on the deflection of the beam vs a pointer. Maybe $20.00 to $25.00.

Click type: Measures using a spring that yields at a specific rate.
Clicks when torque level is reached. Makes repeatable jobs easy as there's no need to look at the scale every time. $75.00 to $200.00.

Dial type: To be honest, I dunno how they work. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif They are supposed to be the most accurate. $150.00 to thousands.

All these wrenches have a specific range of torque that they are most accurate in. I have a 1/2" click type that works in the 25ft lbs. to 150 ish ft lbs. Smaller wrenches for smaller bolts, Bigger wrenches for bigger bolts.

I've seen torque screwdrivers that measure in single in lbs. Snap On makes an 1 1/2" drive Twrench that comes with a 10ft. cheater!

Sizing ones wrench is a matter of looking at the torque values you need and getting one that matches the drive of most of your sockets. Sometimes one will catch all of em. Somtimes not.

Wheel bearings on my F350 need 9ft lbs torque and then back off a quarter turn. My click type sets in the box. I use the calibrated hand method. That is, I guess. I don't advise that anyone do it but it works for me. Lug nuts go on with the torque wrench at 120 ft lbs. Just an example.

 

[RoyJackson]

For your tractor, you'll want one good quality (I've use a Craftsman "click" type (Properly referred to as Micrometer setting) for years with great results.

As far as size, it should cover all the work you expect to do at home. Your manuals will list the required torques for you tractor and loader.

Mine goes to 150 pounds-feet, by the way.

Those preset torque wrenches (torques one value and are not adjustable) are only used in production environments.

 

[RoyJackson]

For your tractor, you'll want one good quality (I've use a Craftsman "click" type (Properly referred to as Micrometer setting) for years with great results.

As far as size, it should cover all the work you expect to do at home. Your manuals will list the required torques for you tractor and loader.

Mine goes to 150 pounds-feet, by the way.

Those preset torque wrenches (torques one value and are not adjustable) are only used in production environments.

 

[KennK]

BUT ... be real carefull when setting your torque wrench.

When I still had my old JD 425 mower, I used my torque wrench to put in the spark plugs. The only problem was that I was just one little decimal place off - too high. With the long handle of the torque wrench I quickly striped the threads. That was an expensive stupid repair.

Lesson learned.

 

[KennK]

BUT ... be real carefull when setting your torque wrench.

When I still had my old JD 425 mower, I used my torque wrench to put in the spark plugs. The only problem was that I was just one little decimal place off - too high. With the long handle of the torque wrench I quickly striped the threads. That was an expensive stupid repair.

Lesson learned.

 

[NoMo]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What are you telling him, that he'll probably need a few???? He needs one good torque wrench, you set it for the torque you need, go to the next size bolt and set it for that one, and etc. )</font>

If you can afford a single wrench that accurately measures a range of 111 in-lbs to 433 ft-lbs (values for different areas of tractor, loader & cutter), that's great! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I have to buy a few of the cheaper ones to span those torque ranges. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[NoMo]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What are you telling him, that he'll probably need a few???? He needs one good torque wrench, you set it for the torque you need, go to the next size bolt and set it for that one, and etc. )</font>

If you can afford a single wrench that accurately measures a range of 111 in-lbs to 433 ft-lbs (values for different areas of tractor, loader & cutter), that's great! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I have to buy a few of the cheaper ones to span those torque ranges. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif