It’s Risky Business to Use the Wrong Plow Bolt

Using the wrong bolt can result in lost production time, costly maintenance time or expensive equipment damage. Look for the Xtendor^® logo to ensure you are using the highest quality fastener on the market today. Don’t take a chance on using the wrong bolt when assembling your plow blade and scarifier blade systems. 

Here are a few tips to ensure you use the right bolts the right way for your job.

BOLT TIPS:

• Always use Grade 8 Xtendor^® plow Bolts.
• They are hardened and will not stretch when torqued.
• Number 3 head plow bolts (with self-locking nuts) will greatly reduce the likelihood of blade chatter and bolt failure.
• Bolts torque should be 220 ft./lbs. (Torque spec for 5/8″ Grade 8 bolt.)
• Over-torque will cause heads to pop off.
• Under-torque will let the blades move during use, causing the blades to shear the bolts.
• Calibrate impact wrench periodically with a torque wrench to 220 ft./lbs.

NUT TIPS:

• use Grade 8 Xtendor^®
• They are hardened and will not “mushroom” or flatten in use.
• lock nuts are preferred because they lock to the bolt and are always Grade 8.
• Standard nuts, if used should be Grade 8.
• We recommend you double nut when not using a lock washer.

DON’T USE LOCK WASHERS:

• lock washers gouge the backside of the snow plow moldboard because the washer is harder than the moldboard.
• Hardened lock washers act as a cutting tool, causing unwanted “metal shards” on the moldboard where the nut is to seat.
• No matter how hard you tighten the nut, these metal shards will flatten under use, causing the nut to loosen on the bolt and eventually shear the bolt under use.
• Use a hardened lock nut to alleviate this condition.
• If using standard Grade 8 nut, double nut.

Remember, Xtendor^® Brand 5/8″ Grade 8 Plow Bolts with matching nuts and washers stand tough against the harshest working conditions. Call Winter^® today and one of our representatives will get you the tools you need.