601 Heavy Duty Front Axle

brnshot

New User
I have been in the process of restoreing a 1961 Workmaster. I have come to the point now that I will need to do the decals. This tractor originaly had a loader on it and I removed it. On the front dog legs are decals that say Heavy Duty Front Axle. The front axle looks like the standard adjustable ag type. Someone told me that the only difference was a heavyer center pivot point, wheel bearings and spindles. If that is the case, can you tell by just looking at it? Just need to know if I should put the decals on it. Thanks!
 
Generally, at least with the 801 series. heavy duty axle meant one of two types of non-adjustable axle assemblies. I have tried to find a photo or record of a heavy duty adjustable ag-type axle for the 601 series but was unable to find anything. It seems likely that your tractor has the standard adjustable unit, but someone here may know more. Was yours a Ford-installed loader with front crankshaft-driven pump?
 
Looking at the new Holland parts lookup site, the 601 heavy Duty front axles did look pretty much the same as the regular front axle, and it just lists the parts numbers separately with the descriptions changed to say "Heavy Duty". It lists separate part numbers and descriptions for the following parts:

Left hand axle assembly
Right hand axle assembly
Center axle assembly
Front Axle Pivot Pin
Pivot Pin Bushing
Front Axle Pivot Pin Locating Flange
Left Hand Spindle Assembly
Right Hand Spindle Assembly
Spindle Bushing
Spindle Bearing

So basically everything in the front axle itself except for the steering linkage parts at the tops of the spindles. I assume that the main left, center and right axle assemblies are different to accommodate the heavier duty spindles, bushings, bearings and pivot pin.
 
Everything about the axle is different. From the center support to the wheel bearings including the 3 pieces of the axle.
I do not know for sure if you can tell them apart by just looking at it but assume you should be able to. Most find out they have a heavy duty axle when they try replacing the wheel bearings and the parts they ordered out of the book do not fit.

The solid non-adjustable axle is the industrial version not the heavy duty.

If you can not get a answer here research Tony Jacobs on this board. He has several post with his email and/or phone # listed. He would know the answer you are looking for.
 
Hello BRNSHOT , What you have been told is correct if your axle still has the HEX HEAD axle pin in it , it is the heavy duty adjustable front axle for the 601 and 801 tractors , the only real way to tell is by the casting numbers but the axles look the same . So I would say to put the decals on it , most dealers ordered the heavy front end when installing loaders . Thanks Tony
 
Yes it was a factory installed loader and front mount pump. I did try looking it up on the NH parts list and it did show parts for a heavy duty adjustable front axle. Looks identical to the standard front end. Just want to be sure. thanks for everyones input.
 
If you have a spindle out or just the hub removed, or an old inner wheel bearing you haven"t tossed out, a quick measurement will identify if you have the standard or heavy duty. This picture shows the measurements. The 600-800 notations also include 601-801.
spindles.jpg

Smiths
 
Great reference photo. Thanks for posting!

I wonder how many people with HD front axle have unknowingly put standard replacement spindle in them and wondered why they wobbled so much?
 
the bottom of the knee where the spindle goes in is flared on the heavy duty and the standard is almost straight, I have one of each on my 4cyl 2000
 
I realize I'm digging up an old post, but did anyone ever figure out the part or casting numbers?
Thanks
 

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