Replacement Tractor Axle Salvaged From Semi-Truck

Replacement Tractor Axle Salvaged from Semi-Truck TRACTORS Miscellaneous 16-6-8 "It's a lot stronger than the original axle and will turn shorter," says Alvin Olson, Clearwater, Neb., who replaced the cast iron front axle on his Deere 4020 with a rebuilt 15,000-lb. front axle off an old International semi tractor. "I built the complete front end for $250 which is about what Deere charges for one factory spindle," says Olson. "I built my first axle eight years ago and have built four of them so far. The semi-tractor front axles will fit the 1961 3010 up to the 1972 4020 or 4320." Olson turned the axle upside down and cut 8 in. out of the middle to narrow it up, then rewelded it with both sides of the axle swept slightly backward. He welded a 1 by 4-in. steel "wishbone" on back of the axle to keep it from twisting. He rebuilt the wheels by welding a band inside the rim next to the hub, which set the wheels out an inch or two so they won't interfere with the steering arms. He also shortened the steering arms and welded a steel rod diagonally from the end of each arm to the axle to allow the wheels to turn shorter. He mounted the original bushings inside a pair of steel tubes that allow the steering arms to pivot. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Alvin Olson, Clearwater, Neb. 68726 (ph 402 887-4460).

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