Hardware store ??? Jim

If it were me, I'd just get out the old cordless drill, drill thru the old holes with a 3/8" or 7/16" drill bit, and bolt it up with Grade 5 hex head bolts, nuts and lock washers. Much more sturdy, and maybe easier too.

A bumper on a tractor? Ive seen these things at sears - but I dont get it - why?

How are these things sold - for what purpose? They look "OK" but aren't they a bit like those thin metal tubing head light guards that everyone was putting on their Jeeps (which never saw a minute down a dirt road - just concrete jungles).

Wouldn't that get in the way of connecting a plow blade or snow blower?

Are these for activities in the thick brush or woods? Although I dont know if Id want to drive my rig through thick brush... (ripping and tearing at wires and such).

Maybe a winch - do they hold a winch ? I dont think it would be - if they are giving you self tapping bolts to attach it to the frame.

Pardon my ignorance - it just seems that if I need a bumper to protect my hood/grill work from being damaged - then I would assume that whatever im rolling over would be too heavy to cut with a mower deck - and too dangerous for a rear tiller to deal with.

Fill me in - what are they for ? It cant be an eye candy thing - is it ?

On no... (i just went to the sears web site) Its an eye candy thing - the sears site says "add automotive styling to your tractor". But that's the same message at the GM site !! "add tractor styling to your truck" !!! ( Chicken or Egg thing - I guess )

I think I would return the bumper ...

Dave

The front bumper is more then simple eye candy. My property is bordered by pine trees. When I mow close to trees, the front bumper pushes the limbs away from the body of my mower. For the small amount they cost they are great in helping to keep your mower undamaged.

You'll all have to forgive Dave right now....he's feeling a bit superior at the moment with his recent purchase of a 1500lb. Ingersoll. The newness WILL wear off tho and he'll be responding again in a more positive manner....hopefully.

I see no reason a regular 3/8 bolt won't work. The only reason the self tapping bolts are tapered is because they're self tapping. Once the threads are in the hole, they should work for a regular bolt as well.

"I see no reason a regular 3/8 bolt won't work."

I think it's worth a try, you might get lucky. But a lot will depend on the material thickness, and whether you are chasing a thread form from a Thread-cutting screw, a Thread-forming screw, Self-drilling screw, or a sheet-metal tapping screw, all, I believe, different threads. And if it was a Thread-cutting screw, was it a Type F, a Type 23 (fine thread) or a type 25 (coarse thread). Just something to consider. But almost for sure, it will be a one-time installation for the screw, unless of course you get lucky again.

Bill

Here is a link that might be useful: Tapping Screws source

I tried a 3/8" standard bolt and the threads are slightly different. They looked like they match but the bolt goes in hard and when taken out the threads are rolled.

I looked on the internet and could not find any place that sells self tapping 3/8" bolts. I am sure someone makes them. They are similar to what you find all over your car's body attachments.

Dave, I was not trying to install this bumper for "eye candy." I am concerned about bashing the front end when I have it tied down in my trailer or when I am mowing around the pine trees at my cabin.

I thought there would be a lot(some?) of readers who installed this bumper and could let me know what they did.

I guess I will run a 3/8" tap though it and try a regular bolt.

Thanks for the comments.

homeputter, did you try my link above? There are a few 3/8" sized thread tapping screws available there. I buy a lot of stuff from McMaster-Carr. They take your credit card and deliver right to your door. The only down-side is you have to buy a pack of 10 for about $10.00 plus shipping.

I installed mine several years ago and used bolts with nuts and washers as the self tappers where too short as the OP has found out. As far as the value of this accesory I've saved the rather delicate hood and attachments many times keeping it all looking like brand new even six years later. I have a bracket and trailer ball welded on to the bumper and use it for maneuvering and moving a boat around with little trouble. I also taught my wife to drive it and watched her run into a tree dead center and tractor suffered no damage. (she's a blond - the jokes are all true)

I stand corrected - my apologies. If its saving the composite hoods then its probably worth the investment right there.

I wonder about the welded on trailer ball - doenst that make maneuvering around a trailer... awkward ?

Im thinking it has a similar effect of those heavy carts at lowes where the casters are on the back (closer to your feet).

I suppose it would be ideal if you were trying to back a boat into a tight spot.

What about stress on the front axles? (greasing the axles could be important) If the trailer is balanced It might not be so bad... what about front end steering - is it hard to turn ?

larso1,
I did not find any self tapping bolts on McMaster's Site, but I was very impressed with the selection of other bolts they carry.

Yes, maneuvering the trailer is easier pushing it into place while looking at it. It is harder steering if you have a lot of weight on the hitch, so don't want too big of a boat. A lighter open trailer is a snap. No undue stress on the front axle keeping in mind what I said above. Protecting the hood assembly is probably the most worthwhile reason for the avg. home operator.