[jakenbake]

So I was bored today and reading somewhere (either here on MTF or on WFM) about 44 loaders on 420s vs 318s. Someone made the point that the 420 front axle is larger, or more heavy duty, than the 318. It got me thinking that it would be pretty easy to swap them.

So 2 questions for everyone:

1. Is it possible?
2. Is it even worth it?

 

[biker3777]

Probably not,the 420 has the pto shaft running through the axle where the 318 has a bolt,but the if the hole in the 420 axle is the same size as the pto shaft it might work but the only thing you would gain is the width?

 

[jakenbake]

any chance anyone could measure the diameter of the hole?
would also need the distance between the center of the hole and the "wiggle stops" (for lack of a better term) that keep the front axle from moving forward and backward and are adjustable by a screw

 

[Alan in Vermont]

It's more than just the PTO shaft, teh shaft runs in a beefy housing that supports the axle. That housing is pretty close to 2" in diameter as opposed to the 3/4" bushed bore in the 318.

 

[adamjd]

jakenbake, they are completly different axles and probably not worth trying rig it. Adam

 

[jakenbake]

thanks guys. sounds like its not worth the trouble.

 

[biker3777]

I think the 318 axel will do a good job,never heard of one failing.