Shear Bolt Price Explosion!!

[Spam Bot]

I was just looking up some prices of service items for the BX2816 / Bx2822 snow blower common service parts on Messicks dot com . The shear bolt part # 70060-01338 now costs $5.44 . Has Kubota lost all concept of reality, or is this a simple case of price gauging? When they were $2.00 a couple of years ago I thought that was on the high side.

 

[jimh406]

I'm sure it's just a standard markup percentage. I can't see why you'd need to buy a Kubota one. With a bit of work, you can determine what kind of bolt it is and buy somewhere local.

I'd go with a Grade 2 to start.

Here you go from Grok.

Tractor shear bolts typically range from **Grade 2** to **Grade 5**, with **Grade 2** being the most common for many agricultural applications. The specific grade depends on the tractor, implement, and manufacturer’s specifications:

- **Grade 2**: Often used for shear bolts in lighter-duty equipment like mowers or rotary cutters. These bolts are designed to break under excessive load to protect the equipment. They have a tensile strength of around 74,000 psi and are softer, making them ideal for shearing.

- **Grade 5**: Used in heavier-duty applications or larger tractors where more strength is needed before shearing occurs. These have a tensile strength of about 120,000 psi and are harder, suitable for implements like plows or heavy tillers.

Some manufacturers may specify custom or proprietary shear bolts, but Grades 2 and 5 are standard in most cases. Always check the equipment manual or with the manufacturer for the exact grade, as using the wrong grade can lead to equipment damage or failure to shear properly. For example, a Grade 8 bolt (150,000 psi) is typically too strong and won’t shear as intended, risking damage to the tractor or implement.

If you’re replacing a shear bolt, match the diameter, length, and grade of the original bolt, and ensure it’s rated for the torque load of your specific equipment. You can usually find this information in the manual or by contacting the dealer.

 

[McMXi]

I was just looking up some prices of service items for the BX2816 / Bx2822 snow blower common service parts on Messicks dot com . The shear bolt part # 70060-01338 now costs $5.44 . Has Kubota lost all concept of reality, or is this a simple case of price gauging? When they were $2.00 a couple of years ago I thought that was on the high side.

Make your own shear bolts or buy some grade 2 bolts.

I used to go through a bunch of shear bolts when I ran a BX5450 on the front of the BX25 for five years, but I haven't had to change a shear bolt yet on the much more capable SB1574 that I've run behind the MX for the past four winters.

 

[mikester]

I use 5/16 carriage bolts because I already have a big box of them, they are cheap and they are the right length. I keep several in my tractor toolbox as I tend to break a couple every season.

 

[John T]

Make your own shear bolts

I was gonna suggest that. I did that for years until I smartened up and bought a plow...

 

[chim]

Can't remember for sure if I used GR 2 or GR 5 bolts (but I think they were GR 5) when I ran a blower. Picked them up cheap at the local hardware store along with Nylok nuts.

I sold the blower with the L3200 because the plow is way better for parking lots.

 

[McMXi]

I was gonna suggest that. I did that for years until I smartened up and bought a plow...

Nothing wrong with blowers or plows. But my experience is that a bigger blower tends to chuck blocks of ice that will shear bolts on smaller blowers.

 

[torch]

There are two kinds of shear bolts: One is for a simple face-to-face joint with a single shear plane, as between two flanges. Plain bolts are typical in this application.

The other kind goes through a shaft and coupling. The bolt has two shear planes, separated by the diameter of the shaft with the one closest to the head equal distance to the wall thickness of the coupling. This kind of shear bolt typically has a machined groove at each shear plane so it will shear cleanly without causing damage to the holes.

A picture of the part number quoted by the OP shows it is of the latter design. He should ignore all the nonsensical advice about dropping in ordinary bolts, carriage bolts, etc. He can make his own if he can determine the strength of the original bolt, the required groove depth and has a metal lathe.

As for why the price increase? My guess is tariffs. Whether they are imported, made of imported steel or completely domestic but now in short supply.

 

[skeets]

Nothing wrong with blowers or plows. But my experience is that a bigger blower tends to chuck blocks of ice that will shear bolts on smaller blowers.

Not only ice, but the Sunday paper tossed in the drive and covered with snow will too!

 

[Spam Bot]

I just bought 15 on eBay for under $2.00 a bolt, lock washer, and nut. I was only pointing out how Kubota is loosing touch with reality with high prices on things that cost them pennies to make or purchase.

 

[jyoutz]

I just bought 15 on eBay for under $2.00 a bolt, lock washer, and nut. I was only pointing out how Kubota is loosing touch with reality with high prices on things that cost them pennies to make or purchase.

Tariffs, not Kubota.

 

[jimh406]

Tariffs, not Kubota.

Major assumption since we don't even know where that part was produced or when.

 

[jyoutz]

Major assumption since we don't even know where that part was produced or when.

Not really. Retailers are marking up prices regardless and calling it tariffs. Even if it was sourced pre-tariffs, they are saying it’s more costly to restock.

 

[torch]

Major assumption since we don't even know where that part was produced or when.

Not so much: law of supply and demand. Even if this particular bolt was made in the US of USA made steel the lack of and/or increased cost of imported versions will drive up prices.

 

[jimh406]

law of supply and demand.

supply and demand does not equal "it's the tariffs".

In any case, we can buy very similar products at the hardware store. It's not particular to the shear bolts. I buy plow bolts at the local hardware store and sometimes Amazon because my Kubota dealer is almost an hour away.

 

[nbryan]

I don't risk mangling my blower when buying replacement shearbolts. They're of a particular hardness, thread depth, and have shear plane machining in some, like the auger bolts.
Throwing in "whatever works, as long as it's cheap" is eventually going to wreck something.
If it doesn't break? Have you priced a new gearbox?
Or keeps breaking all the time? Enjoy frozen fingers?

I buy the expensive, correct shearbolts, thanks you.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Easy to make your own
1. determine 'strength' of bolt. No marks on head= Grade 2, 3 dots or lines = Grade 5
2. buy a bunch of the right size and grade
3. chuck one in drill press,or drill, then use triangular file make a slight groove in the correct spot
4. repeat #3 until all are done.

 

[Spam Bot]

I don't risk mangling my blower when buying replacement shearbolts. They're of a particular hardness, thread depth, and have shear plane machining in some, like the auger bolts.
Throwing in "whatever works, as long as it's cheap" is eventually going to wreck something.
If it doesn't break? Have you priced a new gearbox?
Or keeps breaking all the time? Enjoy frozen fingers?

I buy the expensive, correct shearbolts, thanks you.

I have purchased these aftermarket shear bolts in the past, and I'll bet that if I combined the handful of bolts I purchased from the Kubota dealer before the price increase with the ones I purchase on eBay, you would be hard-pressed to find any difference.
Yes, I know exactly what a gearbox costs, and what has to be done to replace it. When was the last time that you changed the gear oil in your gearbox? If you are like the majority of snow blower owners, the answer will be NEVER!

 

[D2Cat]

supply and demand does not equal "it's the tariffs".

In any case, we can buy very similar products at the hardware store. It's not particular to the shear bolts. I buy plow bolts at the local hardware store and sometimes Amazon because my Kubota dealer is almost an hour away.

Jim are you suggesting using plow bolts as shear bolts? I think I know your answer. Perhaps needed a new paragraph with that new thought.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

My guess is that Messick’s is trying to be as competitive as they can, since it only takes me a few seconds to click around and find another dealer with better prices.

I have no idea if it’s tariffs, greed, or the cost of steel, or American wages Vs. Chinese wages, or fuel costs, or the building/employees they have to support….but it seems that everything is getting out of control.

I walked out of Taco Bell recently when “The Kiosk” (not even a real person anymore) flashed my total of $12.52…….

Now….GET OFF MY LAWN KID!!!!!!!!! (damn I feel old sometimes)