kthomas62 44 #1 Posted March 20, 2020 Hello all, I am sure there is an appropriate name for them, but I am going to reference is the two flanges that the front axle goes up between, and the pivot pin and plate assembly goes through on the Wheel Horse, mine is a 414-8. Here's the scoop, when I bought this 1988 414-8 a couple of years ago, I noticed that the front axle was sloppy, unlike any other Wheel Horse I had ever owned. It pivoted like it's supposed to but when mowing, I could see each tire moving bouncing forward and backwards when I would roll over rougher areas in the yard, so I knew that the axle had play in it, that wasn't supposed to be there. Upon inspection, I noticed that the securing plate was broken off the axle pivot pin and plate assembly so I bought a replacement pin and plate and installed it thinking that I had fixed it. During mowing season last year, I noticed the axle seemed sloppy again, so I thought maybe the pivot pin hole in the axle was wallowed out so over the winter, I bought a good axle and this evening replaced the original axle with the one I bought. When I took the pin and plate assembly out to drop the original axle, the securing plate was broke off the pin again. I had already purchased an OEM pin and plate assembly and had planned to replace it anyway so I got the new axle mounted and everything put back together and the fore and aft slop seems way better, but there is still some slight movement but nothing like before. So I got to wondering is maybe the two flanges that the axle hangs off of, could possibly be wallowed out, causing the slop. Has anyone ever had this happen? (Diagram just to show pin and axle for reference). Thanks, Kevin! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,619 #2 Posted March 20, 2020 (edited) You didn't mention the hours on the machine.I have a 416-8 that has the same issue and it was used commercially with over 1500 hours on the clock.The holes in the frame and front tach-matic mount can both be wallowed out.In high time machines. The front mounting point can be replaced easily but if the frame area is badly worn the remedy is welding or frame replacement.I put together a loader tractor and the front end will see a lot of weight.Knowing this I made these mods to solve the issue. Edited March 20, 2020 by JAinVA 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,642 #3 Posted March 20, 2020 I made a larger pin to fit the back hole and collar to match . The collar is stepped on the back side and I drilled out the tac-a-matic plate to fit it in. The hole in the tac-a-matic I drill larger then the step. Put it back to gether lined ou the axle and then welded the collar. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,619 #4 Posted March 20, 2020 (edited) The one thing I didn't address in your question is the tab in your locating pin.The tab and bolt were meant to retain the pivot pin in a new machine.When major wear occurs(hours,load,time) the pin moves around more than designed and overloads the tab . Lee1977 has a good fix to your problem.There are as he describes, one of many ways to address a common problem. Edited March 20, 2020 by JAinVA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,266 #5 Posted March 20, 2020 I've seen pics of someone using a bushing as well. This is interesting timing because I was about to start a similar thread yesterday and got sidetracked. 6 hours ago, kthomas62 said: Has anyone ever had this happen? We've had several high hours machines that have that issue. My Cinnamon Horse was originally a commercial purchase back in '74 and it has around 78 zillion miles on the clock. That one was absolutely floppy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kthomas62 44 #6 Posted March 21, 2020 Thanks everyone, for your replies and ideas! Sorry for the delay in responding. I was out of town and just got home today. Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kthomas62 44 #7 Posted March 21, 2020 On 3/19/2020 at 9:37 PM, JAinVA said: The one thing I didn't address in your question is the tab in your locating pin.The tab and bolt were meant to retain the pivot pin in a new machine.When major wear occurs(hours,load,time) the pin moves around more than designed and overloads the tab . Lee1977 has a good fix to your problem.There are as he describes, one of many ways to address a common problem. Thank you very much for showing me this!! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kthomas62 44 #8 Posted March 21, 2020 On 3/19/2020 at 9:36 PM, Lee1977 said: I made a larger pin to fit the back hole and collar to match . The collar is stepped on the back side and I drilled out the tac-a-matic plate to fit it in. The hole in the tac-a-matic I drill larger then the step. Put it back to gether lined ou the axle and then welded the collar. Thank you Lee! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,784 #9 Posted March 26, 2020 Hey Kevin, If you were not aware, whenever you fashion a fix for this, make sure you Jack the tractor up by the frame when greasing the front end. This will allow the grease to get into the spots that actually need grease. Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kthomas62 44 #10 Posted March 28, 2020 (edited) On 3/26/2020 at 7:06 AM, pullstart said: Hey Kevin, If you were not aware, whenever you fashion a fix for this, make sure you Jack the tractor up by the frame when greasing the front end. This will allow the grease to get into the spots that actually need grease. Kevin Good day to you!! Yes sir, just like greasing the front end on my antique pickup truck! They take grease a lot better with the weight off! Thanks! Kevin Edited March 28, 2020 by kthomas62 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kthomas62 44 #11 Posted March 28, 2020 Hello all, Well I decided to to some digging and inspecting on the Wheel Horse today, because I wanted to see for sure where the source of the slop was. It seems that the back hole don't have much if any play or slop but the front hole is where it's all happening. (See photo). I took the C-clip off the pivot pin and moved the axle back and forth and can see the pin moving in the hole. So, I am going to see what I can do with the front mounting area, as per the suggestions above. Thanks and have a good weekend! Kevin 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,266 #12 Posted March 28, 2020 Kevin Keep us posted and take lotso pics!! Eric Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #13 Posted March 28, 2020 Here's what I did to mine I welded on some spacers and then drilled out those spacers and added grease zerks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
