JD 40T Touch-O-Matic

[Limestone]

Got a 1953 40T with a hydraulic oil leaking around the each side of the rockshaft, I’ve been told that one can remove the arms and install “O” rings and it will stop the leaks. Anyone out there have experience with this? Also been told I could replace it with one off a JD 1010 and alleviate the problem as it has bushings that help with the leaks,,,

Thanks, Keith

 

[spacechem]

Well... I'd put that squarely into the 'maybe' category. The person who could confirm that would know a whole lot more about those tractors than I do, but that's a pretty large group to draw from. I wouldn't take anything but first-hand assurance from an expert. Checking both parts catalogs, the housings look different and seem to have different gaskets to mount them. Doesn't mean they won't interchange, but then there are other issues:

1. Finding a donor 1010
2. Finding a donor 1010 with the optional dual rockshaft.
3. Figuring out how much from the 1010- beyond the rockshaft housing- you would need in order to make the swap.
4. Finding a dual rockshaft assembly that's in better condition than yours. A 'donor' tractor probably won't be in a testable state.
5. Cost and logistics of salvage parts weighed against a potential 'not guaranteed to fit or be better than what you have' basis.

I'd be guilty of just replacing the seals and see if that makes things at least better. Looks like they've been updated so maybe better than if yours are original. You need 2 of part number AT13262.

 

[Dave from Ohio]

I'm not sure a 40 can be swapped for 1010 in terms of the Touch O Matic. There may be differences in the size of the threads/oil return line size.

The rockshafts of the 40, 420, and early 430 series were a bad design in that the rockshaft rotated in direct contact with the metal in the rockshaft housing. Repeated rotations often caused the two parts to wear against one another and made it easier for oil to leak across the "seals." The early seals were not of the best design either (cork?).

Late in the 430 series the rockshaft housing was updated with bushings to prevent as much wear from happening. If you can locate a late 430T rockshaft housing (or a 1010 housing?) you may be able to adapt the return line (the line had a larger diameter in the 420 and up series).

I've read where people have tried installing o-rings to prevent leaks, some have even gone so far to machine the machine the shafts for an o-ring groove or the housing to accept lip type seals.

If you decide to dig into the TOM unit here are a couple videos from my 430S (there will be differences between a Standard and a Tricycle) rebuild to give you an idea of what things look inside.