ezeastside 93 #1 Posted May 31, 2019 I have an older friend that I helped purchase a 314-8 about 8 years ago. I have since had the machine back several times for service and what not. He called me yesterday and said the machine is twisting and acting like an accordion. The first thing I thought of is that the plate broke free from the gearbox. I went and picked up the tractor last night. When I got there he told me he hurried up and mowed his lawn before I got there. I went to load the machine on the trailer and OMG this thing is acting like a slinky. I reached under and found that 3 of the 4 bolts are missing and the 4th had about 3 threads from coming out as well. And he just mowed again with it???? Now this machine has never plowed in the time he's owned it and it just has a 36" deck on it. His son borrowed it for a few weeks to mow his 3/4 acre lawn which is pretty rough terrain and I was told he barrels around with the tractor while mowing. Is that enough to cause this? I installed 4 new grade "8" bolts with lock washers and red lock tight. Curious if anybody has any feedback on this??? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,093 #2 Posted May 31, 2019 So long as there’s no damage, I can only imagine loosing bolts is better than cracking the frame plate off! Did any sheet metal get twisted up, or did the new bolts and loc-tite fix all that aled it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herder 2,355 #3 Posted May 31, 2019 I purchased a C-160 as a parts tractor and all the bolts were loos and the frame plate was fine. It had the accordion affect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,307 #4 Posted May 31, 2019 If his son is as big as me...barreling around can ruin a horse. 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #5 Posted May 31, 2019 I use lock washers and blue loc-tite 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,232 #6 Posted May 31, 2019 Did you check fender and gas tank where it connects with the hood stand. If it was that loose the area might be broken. That area brakes with out the frame bolts been loose. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,433 #7 Posted May 31, 2019 When I purchased my Raider 12 there were only 2 bolts holding the tranny on, both of them were loose. 4 new grade 8's with lock washers & red Loctite on it now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 3,270 #8 Posted May 31, 2019 37 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: If his son is as big as me...barreling around can ruin a horse. Me and you brother. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,956 #9 Posted May 31, 2019 We may need to send in “reinforcements!” Sent from my work van at the hot dog caboose by the canal 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ezeastside 93 #10 Posted May 31, 2019 Thanks for the reply's, Sounds like a good idea to pull the seat pan and have a quick look. From the comments I guess its been found before. I guess that is a new place check annually to make sure they are intact and secure!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 9,985 #11 Posted May 31, 2019 Doesn't do any harm to check all bolts etc every now and then. I bet there's a few doing that after reading this. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,393 #12 Posted May 31, 2019 7 hours ago, ezeastside said: I have an older friend that I helped purchase a 314-8 about 8 years ago. I have since had the machine back several times for service and what not. That is very nice of you. Too bad there were bolts not properly installed by a previous owner, but glad you came to the aid of your friend. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,025 #13 Posted May 31, 2019 @stevasaurus @clueless Right there with ya boys. I had one show up here with only 2 bolts holding. Rocking twisting swaying can definitely loosen those bolts over time. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tractor boy 239 #14 Posted June 1, 2019 5 hours ago, Stormin said: Doesn't do any harm to check all bolts etc every now and then. I bet there's a few doing that after reading this. May be one of those few....... right after i put out the fire on my 1056...... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old 702 4 #15 Posted June 2, 2019 My old 702 has the plate that connects the transmission to the frame is double thick. An extra plate was welded in the frame, not sure what happened when my dad had it. He used it for plowing snow. He was good at shearing the differential bolts and axle keys while plowing. But it still runs in my yard after a few replacement parts. its been retired from heavy work its my toy now. It sat in a shed unused for 15 years before I got it . 4 new tires and an oil change the old beast fired right up ! LOL MADE IN U S A !! Cant kill an old Kohler ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,847 #16 Posted June 2, 2019 I am good so far. But I had a C141 one time with the bottom right hole that was drilled thru the casing = leaked fluid. Many ear swabs to clean out the hole to seal it up. That was fun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites