WHwest8597 85 #1 Posted August 15, 2018 I have 1997 314-8 frame that is cracked in the back plate. I'm trying to decided to repair the plate or just replace the whole frame. I have a 417-8 frame and 416H frame. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
farmer 1,075 #2 Posted August 15, 2018 I’d say if it’s just a crack anyone who is competent with a welder should be able to make the repair, if it is then plated it will be better than original. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,617 #3 Posted August 15, 2018 The other two frames you have are a direct replacement for the cracked one if you decide to swap it out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Gman 476 #4 Posted August 15, 2018 Packratsfabrication has a great repair video on this. https://youtu.be/8qyswycGlxM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,159 #5 Posted August 15, 2018 Yabut, changing a frame is pretty labor intensive. As farmer sez a competent welder can sew up the cracks and then add a 3/16/1/4" plate to the original and youre ready to go Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,565 #6 Posted August 15, 2018 (edited) Welding can make the metal brittle, and subject to future cracking. Here is a way to repair AND reinforce the corners to preclude cracking. Use 2" x 1/4" (or 5/16) angle iron about 6" long. When bolting up, use Nuylok nuts. You'll need 4 bolts 3/8"--1/2" or so longer than original 4 bolts holding the end plate to the trans case ...but not too long. Edited August 15, 2018 by daveoman1966 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,617 #7 Posted August 15, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, pacer said: Yabut, changing a frame is pretty labor intensive. As farmer sez a competent welder can sew up the cracks and then add a 3/16/1/4" plate to the original and youre ready to go I doubt you are going to get anyone to repair the cracked area with the transaxle .engine or front axle attached.It looks like the frame repair being shown by daveoman1966 is being performed on a bare frame. Edited August 15, 2018 by JAinVA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,176 #8 Posted August 15, 2018 It all depends on what your going to use the tractor for. If just mowing welding the crack would be fine. If using ground engaging equipment a solid 1/4" plate welded in place with longer transmission bolts to allow for the thickness difference. My frame was not cracked but I added some reinforce to keep from cracking it. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,565 #9 Posted August 15, 2018 38 minutes ago, JAinVA said: I doubt you are going to get anyone to repair the cracked area with the transaxle .engine or front axle attached.It looks like the frame repair being shown by daveoman1966 is being performed on a bare frame. YES... I used a bare frame as a DEMO of what to do...how to prefab the angle iron by size and shape. It is easy enough to install this onto because, the tractor MAY drop if you take out all four mounting bolts at the same time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,565 #10 Posted August 15, 2018 YES... I used a bare frame as a DEMO of what to do...how to prefab the angle iron by size and shape. I can't lay on my back to get the pics...I'm not 27 anymore....lol. It is easy enough to install this onto a working tractor...just work on and complete one side at a time. because, the tractor MAY drop if you take out all four mounting bolts at the same time. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,617 #11 Posted August 15, 2018 (edited) I'm not 27 or even double that anymore so I get it! You have a good idea for a repair that doesn't require welding.If someone wants to have one welded,a lot of stuff will have to be removed to do it right. Edited August 15, 2018 by JAinVA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites