Silly trivia

[Bob Bancroft]

Part way through production of the WD45, AC, (as they liked to do) made a change. Does anyone know why they went from the three bolt front support to the four bolt? It's been so long since I've looked at one I can't remember- but didn't the four bolt support have something other than regular capscrews in it?

 

[4wdtom]

I believe the 4 bolt support began in 1954 with serial no. 186413. If I remember right when I rebuilt one to put on my WD two of the four capscrews had a taper under the head to precisely locate the plate on the casting. The four bolt was done because with a heavy front end load like with a loader there was some problems with the support castings cracking.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

I believe the 4 bolt support began in 1954 with serial no. 186413. If I remember right when I rebuilt one to put on my WD two of the four capscrews had a taper under the head to precisely locate the plate on the casting. The four bolt was done because with a heavy front end load like with a loader there was some problems with the support castings cracking.

Thanks. So I was correct on the capscrews. Two of them at least then were like wheel studs- for alignment/more perfect holding/positioning. I can see where with the old three capscrew bracket, it would be easy for the bracket to slide a little under load, then work loose. Maybe the advent of the front loader brought this on? Now I wonder when AC first offered a loader for the WD/WD45. We had a loader on our WD45, and I don't even remember steering being a problem. But then my joints weren't a problem then either!

 

[Bob Bancroft]

Thanks. So I was correct on the capscrews. Two of them at least then were like wheel studs- for alignment/more perfect holding/positioning. I can see where with the old three capscrew bracket, it would be easy for the bracket to slide a little under load, then work loose. Maybe the advent of the front loader brought this on? Now I wonder when AC first offered a loader for the WD/WD45. We had a loader on our WD45, and I don't even remember steering being a problem. But then my joints weren't a problem then either!

Answered my own question- book says "about" 1955.

 

[dkattau]

Part way through production of the WD45, AC, (as they liked to do) made a change. Does anyone know why they went from the three bolt front support to the four bolt? It's been so long since I've looked at one I can't remember- but didn't the four bolt support have something other than regular capscrews in it?

The diesel engine was heavier.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

The diesel engine was heavier.

And the advent of the diesel would roughly line up with the four bolt front end. I didn't think of that.