Torque wrench and my 2520

[smalltown]

Retorquing new 2520.
My new tractor is in the shop for a metal hydraulic line failure.
While it's there I asked the dealer to check the torque on my wheels as my current torque wrench is only rated to 75' lbs.

After reading my manual it would appear that the highest torque requirements is on the 200cx loader at 199' lbs. (on the tie bar nuts which ever they so another question for later).

So I am in the market for a torque wrench and was thinking should I go with my gut and buy a 1/2" drive torque wrench rated for upwards of 250' lbs instead of the 3/8 drive?

 

[pdp11]

So I am in the market for a torque wrench and was thinking should I go with my gut and buy a 1/2" drive torque wrench rated for upwards of 250' lbs instead of the 3/8 drive?

Yes, I'd say that a 1/2" drive torque wrench is in order for checking things like the wheels and the FEL brackets. You will get more accurate readings in the center of the range than if you are measuring torque at the limit of what the wrench is designed for.

 

[RoyJackson]

Definitely a 1/2" drive...much more robust and will be a valued tool for years.
BTW, if you get a "Click" type (proper name is micrometer setting), it's advisable to back it down to zero torque when not being used.

 

[JD755]

Agree with everything pdp and Roy said. Definitely the half inch. I also reset mine to less than 10 pounds when not in use to maintain accuracy.

 

[smalltown]

Thanks everybody 1/2" it is.

 

[9973720wb19]

Roy, why back the torque wrench back to zero when not in use?

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy, why back the torque wrench back to zero when not in use?

There's a torsion bar inside. If you leave it under tension, it can take a "set"and lose a degree of accuracy.
At least, that's what my calibration lab tells me...