Stabilizer bars – don’t fit very well

There must be a trick to putting stabilizer bars on that I have not discovered. The first set put on four years ago didn’t seem to fit very well either. There seems to be about 1/32 to 1/16 inch misfit on one side. Although I worked all afternoon the solution has not been discovered. It would appear that there is a slight problem in the geometry. What normally is done to correct a misfit? The bush hog has only been off once and I remember having a difficult time reconnecting it.

I really don’t want to make the hole larger unless it is considered the normal cure. The arms from the base of the tractor have not been welded however the adjustable up link has been welded. Since the adjustable arm was welded the length would not seem to be critical. The angle bracket mounted to the bottom of the trumpet has four holes but only one comes anywhere close to fitting.

What piece of information is missing? This cannot possibly be as complicated as I have made it. Thanks.

I know this is a few days too late, but I haven't been around and just saw your post. The only thing I can add is that I put on stabilizer bars and brackets a few days ago and I had some trouble in the beginning, but then realized something.

To line them up, I had to hook the arms to the brackets on the farthest hole from the rear of the tractor or closest one to the front. I then had to make sure my hog was aligned directly, and I mean "directly", behind my tractor and then I had to raise the hog slightly and make sure it was level. After I figured that out, they went on smooth. I got them from TSC. My two cents worth. - GaryG

I was successful only after loosening the bolts to the pins under the trumpet and continuing to move the lift and the hog. The wife who is usually helpful wasn’t this time and I feel like a one arm paperhanger. Took an hour and I’m too tired to work. And it’s too early in the day for a beer. Instead let the tractor idle me off down into the woods to retrieve a wheelbarrow the wife used to carry a fuel can to her out of gas mower several weeks ago.

Something is definitely not quite correct with the geometry and putting things back in a bind just doesn’t feel good.

Does anyone know the purpose of the other pin locations on the bracket under the trumpet?

I generally find I can only get one stabilizer bar on, can"t usually get the second one on.

Does anybody know if anyone sells a stabilizer bar that is adjustable in length? If just one side were adjustable, we could make everything fit just right with two bars.

My guess would be non-oem lift arms.. or a mix of oem arms and brackets.

My 8n came with oem brackets, arms and stabilizers. My NAA came with oem brackets, and I added replacement arms and stabilizers.. my 2n had nothing and I used the tsc brackets, and stabilizers.. all went on with -0- problems.

good luck

Soundguy