Turnbuckle Play

[kentrodngun]

Hi all, I'm fairly new to the forum and wondered if anyone has issues with excessive turnbuckle play. I have an LK3054 and use a backblade, PTO powered chipper and a rotary mower all on a regular basis. My turnbuckles don't seem to be able to tighten up enough to avoid rubbing the wheels when turning. I've thought of buying shorter ones (mine are approx 12") but I figure something must be wrong since I don't see anyone else posting with a similar problem. By now, my tires have a few good chunks out of them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, John

 

[mathey]

My CK20 was the same way...even in the shortest configuration, it had way too much play...not hitting the tires but it sure did a number on the inner fenders.

I ended up using the existing end mounts, some chain and threaded chain connectors. It not a tool-less adjustment, but its strong and seems to work well.

 

[bncsauve]

I have an LK2554. The adjusting chains are on the outside of the lift arms. (keeps them from coming together). There is nothing that keeps them from swinging into the tires when there is no implement in place. (no matter how short they were). When not using an implement, I loosely chain the lift arms together with the small chains that are attached to the arms to capture the lift pin pins.

 

[George2615]

My rear arms are the same as yours (turnbuckles on outer or closest to tire side). My tractor came with a short black bungee cord hooked on each arm to keep them together with no implement on. I've never taken it off, leave it on all the time with or without implement on.

 

[SpinyMouse]

The black bungee that came with my 3054 keeps the arms from touching the tires.

I usually have an implement attached (even if it's just my log hauling frame, which is pretty light) in any case and that keeps them under control.

 

[mathey]

I'm pretty sure he was referring to side-to-side play when using an attachment...but I maybe wrong. Guess we'll have to wait for his return to clarify.

It happened once before /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bncsauve]

After re-reading his post, I think you're right.

My only suggestion for too much slop when attachments are mounted is to look at which holes on the lift arms are being used to lift and which are being used for the chains. He may be able to swap holes to attach sway chains out further on the arms

 

[bncsauve]

I forgot to add: I swapped the lift and sway attachment holes when I first got my tractor. The way it arrived, the lift arms wouldn't drop low enough to hook up to my RFM. I haven't had any problems with any attachments since. I haven't noticed a lack of lift power either.

 

[kentrodngun]

Hi guys, I've been away at my property receiving a number of building shipments for the last week. Only returned yesterday and checked the posts. To clarify, I was talking about excessive slop with attachments on. When nothing is on, I chain or bungee the arms together and do not have any problems with them hitting the tires. The comment about switching the lift and sway holes might help. I'll certainly give it a try. Alternate plans I guess would be to buy shorter turnbuckles or eliminate them and substitute lengths of chain. But again, one would think everyone with this machine would experience the same problem as I'm having so I still suspect something is amiss on my setup. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( But again, one would think everyone with this machine would experience the same problem as I'm having so I still suspect something is amiss on my setup. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. )</font>
I hate to make an obvious observation, but I suspect you're simply not tightening the turnbuckles the proper way and locking down the nut so they maintain the tightness. Loosen the lock nut and turn the buckles till you have the attachment centered and with about one to two inches of sway, then tighten the lock nut down while holding onto the turnbuckle shaft. With a brush cutter, I don't allow any sway, but most everything else, I leave a one-two inch sway in. Those knuckles on the chain thread back and forth a good way, and you should be able to position them so that they don't have any sway that would hit the tires.
John

 

[kentrodngun]

John, thanks for your input but unfortunately, even with the turnbuckles fully cranked down (threaded sections fully enclosed in the body) I still have too much play. I'll experiment with some of the suggestions offered and see if I have any luck. I'll keep you all posted post deer season (gotta have some priorities in life). Happy Thanksgiving to all.

 

[JerryG]

John,
There is something wrong. Either the implement is to narrow or the sway links are mounted wrong. Measure between the swivel balls with the links tightened all the way. Do this while holding the arms as close together as possible. The measurement should be somewhere around 26" give or take an inch.

 

[kentrodngun]

Let's close this one down guys. I bought shorter stay chains (through E-Bay for about $40 incl shipping) and it solved the problem. I had to move the set up to the next hole due to the shorter length, but it works like a charm. Since I got the machine well used, perhaps someone substituted turnbuckles that were too long? I'll never know but now don't care and trust I won't miss the sound of the loop rings biting the tires. Again, thanks to everyone for their advice and comments.

 

[mathey]

Can you provide a link to the chains you bought on EBay?

 

[kentrodngun]

Sure - here it is: Just copy and paste in your address window.
The fellow also has other tractor parts and ships them quickly for a flat fee of $8.95. Check often as he only lists a few items and doesn't replace them immediately after selling.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7563242868&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEAFB%3AIT&rd=1