Understanding the basics of Plow Bolts
Plow Bolts are defined as a threaded fastener with a low-profile head that includes a feature like a square, keyway, etc, which permits the bolt to be held in position while the nut is tightened.
Over the years, different manufacturers used varying styles of bolts with different head types to attach the blades to their machinery. This resulted in a general overuse of the term ‘Plow Bolt’. To differentiate the varying styles of Plow Bolts used, fastener standards organizations assigned numbers to help identify them. These numbers range from the #1 head to the #11 head.
How does a Plow Bolt work?
Essentially, these bolts work by attaching the blade to the plow of the equipment. Plow Bolts are used for a variety
of applications, but mainly the following:
- For bulldozers, the #3 Head Plow Bolt is used to attach the blade to the bottom of the plow, or as it’s often called, ground engagement hardware.
- For excavators, the #7 Head Plow Bolt can be used to attach the bucket teeth to the bucket, earning itself the name Bucket Tooth Bolt.
- For agricultural plows, the Clipped Head Plow Bolt is used to attach the side cutters, or the tynes, to the plow.
Click here for a chart of all the Plow Bolt styles in the market.
Additionally, custom Plow Bolts are usually needed when special attachments are designed for use on construction equipment. If the original equipment bolt does not fit the application, then specially designed bolts can be provided by Plow Bolt manufacturers like Earnest Machine.
How are Plow Bolts measured?
When measuring the length of a plow bolt, you must include the height of the head in the length measurement (unlike a hex bolt or carriage bolt where you only measure from the bearing surface under the head to the end of the bolt).
What are the most common Plow Bolts used today?
As mentioned above, there are different Plow Bolt head types which range from #1 to #11. However, bolt types #1 and #2 were used by companies that are no longer functioning, and so are practically obsolete. Today, the most commonly used styles of Plow Bolts are the #3 head and the #7 head.
The #3 Domed Head Plow Bolt has a heavy-duty head design that provides greater wear resistance and better engagement in square holes. Earnest offers #3 Head Plow Bolts in either a flat head, domed head, or oversized head style.
Earnest Machine stocks #3 Head Plow Bolts in Grade 5, Grade 8, and 170M, which is commonly referred to as Grade 9. The 170M product is designed to be stronger and more durable than Grade 8, providing excellent resistance to the more abrasive plow applications.
Earnest’s line of Plow Bolts are available in both inch and metric sizes. They are usually measured against the US spec of ASME B18.9, and the metric German spec of DIN 605. Earnest’s line is mainly inch, but metric is also available, along with custom designs.
For more information on Earnest Machine’s entire line of Plow Bolts, or to discuss any of your custom Plow Bolt needs, please contact us at 1-800-327-6378 or email us at [email protected].