1978 D30-06 top link casting finally replaced.

[Shawn.54]

I recently replaced the the top link casting on my 1978 D30-06 and I built the replacement part myself.

 

[DX-Driver]

Good morning Shawn,

thumbs up !!
You have build a wonderful spare part.
I think, this part is better than the original.

Congrats !!

With kind regards

Reiner

 

[Deutz_D3006_Holland]

Shawn,

Part is looking very good
A result to be proud of.

 

[Shawn.54]

I will admit that I am a machinist by trade with access to machines the tricky part was getting it back together so I could get dimensions to all the holes. Those castings are as rare as hen's teeth here in the United States and they all seem to be broken on parts of tractors. The pins that connect them to the tractor are frozen even though they are in a brass bushing. My next project is a 72 inch bucket mounted to 3 point hitch to haul wood, push snow and work on my driveway. When that is done I will start working on my D80-06 it needs a complete brake overhaul.
Shawn

 

[FahrM66Tfan]

Well done! I have never seen this part broken on a tractor out here in germany. Maybe it is because pushing any machinery mounted to the back of the tractor instead of pulling it? I think what we would do in germany is to change the complete gear box.

I am wondering where you can find parts of those tractors in the USA? Are there dealers out there where you can find and buy parts or is it more like searching all week long on ebay or in the world wide web?

Friedrich

 

[Shawn.54]

I believe that if the tractor is used regularly and and the pin gets moved regularly it would be no problem but I think that these tractors ar not being used on a regular basis and that pin gets a bit tight then when you do use it instead of the pin rotating it is solid and the spring gives breaking the casting. They all seem to be broken alike. I will remove pin at least 1 time a year and put new grease on to prevent this. I mainly use this my tractor to pull logs for firewood and the 3 point hitch is my standard anchor for that so I hope it will stay loose.
We have dealers some what close but it seems hard to get replacement parts for the old models from Germany to the USA is a monumental task. Engine parts are readily available but the rest of the tractor is a different subject. eBay is a choice but shipping is expensive and time consuming for international shipping.
I like this tractor enough that it is worth time and money to keep it going.
Shawn