JD400 Frame Rail Break?

NHEngineer · Aug 12, 2022

I just bought an old JD400. Didn't notice what looks to be a broken rear frame rail on both sides. Waiting for pressure washer but, in the meantime, I'm wondering if it was broken or torch cut. It's hard to tell with all the crud on it but the left side looks to have yellow paint in the opening.

If it actually is broken, is there a recommended fix? I'll try to attach a photo but I was not able to in another post.

Still no luck with the the photo.

This post was edited by NHEngineer on 08/12/2022 at 02:03 pm.

Janicholson · Aug 12, 2022

Posting takes at least 5 prior posts to assure you are not a scammer or posting inappropriate material. you can also ask for
permission in Feedback Form (bottom left in classic view) Jim

BarnyardEngineering · Aug 12, 2022

You're right at 5 posts so it will probably work on the next try.

As for a recommended fix. Weld or replace with good used frame rails. Those are your only two options.

I'd imagine since it's a JD400 TLB, it is unlikely that you will find good used parts of any kind. Just not a lot of these machines out there, not like 4020's.

Tx Jim · Aug 12, 2022

Side frames for JD utility tractors with 4 cylinder engine should be readily available at most salvage yards.
RH is part # T21651 & LH is part # T21652

used red MN · Aug 12, 2022

Edited… Oops sorry, I thought he was referring to a 400 garden tractor, I double checked his other post and he did say loader-backhoe.

This post was edited by used red MN on 08/12/2022 at 11:43 am.

Moonlite37 · Aug 12, 2022

Is it a track loader? I am unfamiliar with model numbers, but I had a 450 track loader and some knowing person was surprised that the frame was not broken. I was careful running with a full bucket at a fast speed on rough ground.

caterpillar guy · Aug 12, 2022

If broke just vee it out a bit and welder up, then put a plate across the spot and weld it on .

NHEngineer · Aug 12, 2022

(quoted from post at 16:38:38 08/12/22) If broke just vee it out a bit and welder up, then put a plate across the spot and weld it on .

Thanks for all the input.

Re: plating, the broken part is 1.5 X 4 solid bar stock and there's a 1-1/2 chunk broken out of it.

I'm thinking making a piece and bolting it in place with grade 10 cap screws. Welding is not out of the question but it would need major disassembly to weld a chunk back it.

Still no photo. Sorry.

NHEngineer · Aug 12, 2022

JD400 wheeled loader/backhoe circa 1975.

used red MN · Aug 12, 2022

Are you using the ..Choose files.. button down lower in the New post or Reply window? That is how you need to
do it. That uploads your photo to a YT internal hosting site, then the YT forum accesses that to show your photo.
Simply pasting your photo as a file in the text area will not work. BTW, what types of things do you engineer? The
tractor is a 60hp machine, not a missile launcher or rocket system. I am pretty sure it does not require, nor can it
utilize Grade 10 fasteners. ;>)

Jim.ME · Aug 12, 2022

A picture of what and where it broke, should be seen to evaluate and suggest the best repair. If 1.5" x 4" bar stock has broken on both sides, it would seem to me welding it back and a reinforcing plate over the break area would be best. If you were to bolt a splice over the breaks, what size splice plate and how many bolts in each are you thinking you will need to drill holes for?

Keith True · Aug 12, 2022

Also,have a good look at the front of the block where the front bolster bolts to it,and where those side rails bolt
up in the front.For some reason a LOT of those machines were peddled around here when new.I'll bet we put a dozen of
those bolsters on in the late 70's at the dealer I worked for.That was a machine powerful enough to overwork
itself.Between bouncing the front end on the ground while working the hoe,and overloading and overworking the front
bucket,something has to flex.

coonie minnie · Aug 12, 2022

This is the loader frame rail??

ss55 · Aug 12, 2022

If that is like the engine side rails on a 2020, I would inspect the engine block and transmission castings very closely before making any repairs. It could be that someone intentionally cut the rail and the castings are OK. But if something broke the rail, the casting that the rail is there to strengthen could well be damaged too.

Jim.ME · Aug 12, 2022

(quoted from post at 21:53:20 08/12/22) If that is like the engine side rails on a 2020, I would inspect the engine block and transmission castings very closely before making any repairs. It could be that someone intentionally cut the rail and the castings are OK. But if something broke the rail, the casting that the rail is there to strengthen could well be damaged too.

The engine side frames are only about 1/2 to 5/8 inch thick. He is talking 1.5 inch thick so it is part of the loader or hoe framing. A picture would sure help.

NHEngineer · Aug 14, 2022

(quoted from post at 22:35:08 08/12/22) The engine side frames are only about 1/2 to 5/8 inch thick. He is talking 1.5 inch thick so it is part of the loader or hoe framing. A picture would sure help.

I'll try photo again.

NHEngineer · Aug 14, 2022

?

This post was edited by NHEngineer on 08/14/2022 at 08:35 am.

NHEngineer · Aug 14, 2022

Now that the pressure washer has done it's job, it looks like the frame member was torch cut to facilitate clutch replacement.

This post was edited by NHEngineer on 08/14/2022 at 08:40 am.

coonie minnie · Aug 14, 2022

That is not broken. The big gap in the middle is so you can get the loader removed. Even then, it's a very big job.

coonie minnie · Aug 14, 2022

OK, this just popped up... someone did widen the gap a bit. But it is supposed to be open like that. I've had four of those, they were all like that.

coonie minnie · Aug 14, 2022

That picture in the manual is the only one I've seen like that. Usually it is just a slot, not a hole.

NHEngineer · Aug 14, 2022

OK, Coonie. That's comforting to know because a fix would be a major undertaking if it needed one.

Now I can just concern myself with water in the hydro, no brakes, clutch pedal engaging only at the very top to the stroke, dead alternator, leaking diesel and a flat tire. Piece of cake. 8)

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