This instruction will guide you through how to modify your older version of the AX-1 Tractor Mount such that it will be compatible with Kilters latest strapping recommendations.
Equipment needed for modifications
- Drill.
- Step drill bit with a 20 mm diameter step (or other means to make a Ø20 mm hole in aluminum).
- 1 x M10 eye bolt/lifting eye (including bolt/nut and washer) with an inner diameter of approx. 25 mm (for example this). Consult step 1 of the modification instructions to determine if this component is necessary for your specific tractor mount.
- The tractor mount may already be equipped with an eye bolt positioned correctly for your needs.
- The length of the bolt should be 80 mm when the tractor mount is configured to its standard width.
- If the tractor mount has been modified to a width greater than the standard size, a bolt length of 20 mm will be required.
Equipment needed for strapping
- 2 x Car lashing straps (for example this).
- 1 x Cargo strap (for example this).
Modification instructions
- Verify whether an eye bolt or lifting eye is already installed on your tractor mount at the location indicated by the red arrows in Figure 1 below.
- If an eye bolt or lifting eye is not already installed, you will need to determine if the width of your tractor mount has been altered. Refer to Figure 2, which illustrates a standard (unmodified) tractor mount where the bolt passes through the steel beam; in this case, you will require an 80 mm bolt.
- Conversely, Figure 3 depicts a modified tractor mount, where the bolt (not shown) only needs to penetrate the 4 mm thick aluminum. To avoid bending the aluminium it is neccessary to reinforce with a big square washer or piece of plate on each side of the aluminium plate. Ensure that the eye bolt or lifting eye is installed on both the left and right sides of the mount.
- Verify whether the two lifting eyes marked with red arrows in Figure 4 are already installed on your tractor mount. If they are present and do not obstruct the AX-1 wheels—this may occur in certain combinations of wheel width and tractor mount width—retain them as they are and move on to step 5. If the lifting eyes are not installed, proceed to step 5.
- You have two options here: you can attach an additional lifting eye or eye bolt as described in step 2, although this may be more challenging to reach from underneath for proper installation. Alternatively, you can drill a hole into the inside side of the ramp as illustrated in Figure 5. To do this, utilize a step drill bit or another suitable tool to create a Ø20 mm hole. Position the center of this hole approximately 3 cm upward from the base, aligning it with the original location of the lifting eye, which is 100 cm from the front of the ramp.
- For the rear wheel, you will need to create two additional Ø20 mm holes. These holes should be drilled on the outer sides of the left ramp, as indicated by the red arrows in Figure 6. Position each hole approximately 26 cm from the rear of the tractor mount, ensuring they are centered along the flange, as demonstrated in Figure 7.
Transportation of AX-1
Please see our manuals for transportation of AX-1.