I dug a tree stump out of the ground with a Root Rake on my 299D2 and twisted my Lift Arms (I think). When I was digging it out, I felt something rack/twist. I know you should never do this, however I have done it hundreds of times with my previous 289C and never had any issues. I assume since the 299D2 is more powerful than the 289C is was to much for the arms? Again, I know it's not made for this and the dealer said that happens with Root Rakes. I've called a few machine shops and weld shops and nobody's interested in realigning or repairing the arms.
My question are...
1) I assume, I racked the arms and not the body frame. Its hard to tell. We put the Skid Steer on a concrete pad and used a lazer level to try to determine the root cause. The left and right side of the body frame (from the center of cab) was out of allighment about 1/2".
2) We did find some hairline cracks at the original welds at the bottom of the arms on both sides of arms. I was going to try to twist the arms back by pulling the arms in the other direction with a chain and tractor. Hoping to bend it back in palce and then grind the welds back out and have them rewelded. Has anyone tried to straighten them back?
3) Another option was to take it to a body shop and see if they could straighten it with a Body & Chassis Realignment-Jig? Would this be possible?
4) Is it possible my bushing are worn and needs replaced and that is part of the issue? I have not removed the busing to inspect. But was planning on cecking them out this week.
5) Would I be better buying a used lift arm set for $1,900 from a salvage machine. Cat wants $10,900 for new arms.
My question are...
1) I assume, I racked the arms and not the body frame. Its hard to tell. We put the Skid Steer on a concrete pad and used a lazer level to try to determine the root cause. The left and right side of the body frame (from the center of cab) was out of allighment about 1/2".
2) We did find some hairline cracks at the original welds at the bottom of the arms on both sides of arms. I was going to try to twist the arms back by pulling the arms in the other direction with a chain and tractor. Hoping to bend it back in palce and then grind the welds back out and have them rewelded. Has anyone tried to straighten them back?
3) Another option was to take it to a body shop and see if they could straighten it with a Body & Chassis Realignment-Jig? Would this be possible?
4) Is it possible my bushing are worn and needs replaced and that is part of the issue? I have not removed the busing to inspect. But was planning on cecking them out this week.
5) Would I be better buying a used lift arm set for $1,900 from a salvage machine. Cat wants $10,900 for new arms.
