D19 front on a D17

I have a D17 I grew up using with an after market front end loader I bought from my brother who used it on the farm every day. He kept a spindle/axle on hand as he broke one once or twice a year. He did install larger wheels and tires for better weight bearing. I use it for snow removal, woods work and some farm chores but not nearly as much as he did. I have a spindle break every few years. I try to never let the front wheels skid side ways when I turn buy using the turning brakes when necessary. I think it may just be a little under built for a loader tractor. When my brother still had it he had started to look into installing a D19 front axle in order to beef it up. I wonder if it would fit?
 
likely it'll fit, but a spindle every now and then is no way near as expensive. Plus there is the hassle of trying to find a complete FE.
 
IIRC, the only differences in the spindles is that the D19 is longer(higher)...same diameter.
If you don"t plan on setting the D17 WFE to its narrowest setting, 1/2" thick gussets up to about 2" wide & maybe 3 - 4" long can be welded from the solid beam to the spindle tube...that's usually where they break. The narrowest setting would then be the next hole out on the main tube; on both sides.
 
I meant to say that I break an axle off of the spindle instead of break a spindle. I was assuming/hoping the D19 FE would have a heavier axle/spindle. Gatz I did forget to mention my brother did weld in gussets as you described. That was after he busted one of the spindle tubes off. Diydave you are right about that it is not that expensive to change a spindle. It always seems to break when I need it the most though and that is what I would like to avoid. But if the D19 FE is no stronger I would not gain anything. I have a 1/2 mile long driveway to clear and log about 10 cords of wood a year mostly in the winter off my property in NE MN. I guess I should get a spindle to keep on hand to reduce down time.
 
I have a D-12 with a big drum mower on the back, and about 350# of weights plus wheel weights on the front. Put a 5 lb sack of sugar on the back of the mower in transport position, and it will do a slow wheelie! I generally break a spindle, every other year, $233+ shipping, from Sandy lake. Normal procedure is to steal a spindle off of the D-10, order the new one while putting the used one on the D-12. Whole procedure was about an hour, last time I had to do it, LOL! If you measure the spindle diameter, and axle diameter, and post it here, I'm sure someone that has a 19 can post it, too. That way you'll know the differences.
 
Do you think the AC spindle is stronger than an after market one?

The spindle drawings on this site show all the measurements. Assuming they are correct they show the only difference between a D17 and D19 is the length.
 
The ones I have been buyin for the D-12 are aftermarket. I think Its about $100 +/- more for an AC original. Talk to Brenda @ Sandy Lake, for more info!
 
If it's a D19 front end that you're looking for, I have a few, but are still on parts tractors. Let me know, if interested.
 
I just realized after looking at the spindle drawings again that early model D17 had a 1.5 inch inner axle bearing seat and later model had 1.625. The later model is the same as the D19. So it seems like I could beef up my front end with later model spindles, hubs, bearings, and wheels. I wonder if the additional 1/8 is enough to reduce axle breakage?
 

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