Locating and Replacing Tie Rods on the Hough H30B Loader

[MikePhua]

The Hough H30B and Its Mechanical Heritage
The Hough H30B was part of a lineage of wheel loaders produced by Hough, a company that pioneered articulated loader design before being acquired by International Harvester in the 1950s. By the time the H30B was introduced, Hough loaders had earned a reputation for rugged construction and straightforward mechanical systems. The H30B featured a rigid frame, rear-wheel steering, and a torque converter transmission, making it ideal for material handling in quarries, yards, and industrial sites.
With an operating weight of roughly 15,000 lbs and a bucket capacity of 2.5 cubic yards, the H30B was powered by an inline six-cylinder gasoline or diesel engine, depending on configuration. Its steering system relied on mechanical linkages and hydraulic assist, with tie rods playing a critical role in maintaining alignment and directional control.
Understanding Tie Rod Function and Failure
Tie rods are structural components that connect the steering knuckle to the steering cylinder or pitman arm. They transmit force from the steering system to the wheels, allowing directional changes. On the H30B, the tie rods are exposed to heavy loads, vibration, and environmental wear.
Common signs of tie rod failure include:

• Excessive play in the steering wheel
  
• Uneven tire wear or misalignment
  
• Clunking noises during turns
  
• Visible bending, cracking, or corrosion
  
• Difficulty maintaining straight travel under load
  

Because the H30B uses a mechanical steering linkage rather than full hydraulic articulation, tie rod integrity is essential for safe operation.
Challenges in Sourcing Replacement Tie Rods
Finding tie rods for a legacy machine like the H30B can be difficult due to discontinued OEM support and limited documentation. Many parts catalogs from the era are no longer in circulation, and serial number ranges may not match modern inventory systems.
Strategies for sourcing include:

• Measuring the existing tie rod dimensions: overall length, thread pitch, rod diameter, and ball joint size
  
• Cross-referencing with agricultural or industrial steering components
  
• Contacting vintage equipment salvage yards specializing in IH or Hough machinery
  
• Consulting machinists to fabricate replacements using high-strength steel and threaded ends
  
• Searching for part numbers stamped on the rod or ball joint housing
  

Some operators have successfully adapted tie rods from older IH trucks or Case loaders, modifying the ends to fit the H30B steering knuckle.
Fabrication and Retrofit Considerations
If original tie rods are unavailable, fabrication may be the best option. Key parameters include:

• Material: Use forged or heat-treated steel rated for high shear loads
  
• Threads: Match pitch and diameter to existing steering arms
  
• Ball joints: Select greaseable, sealed units with replaceable boots
  
• Length: Maintain factory geometry to avoid steering misalignment
  
• Welding: Avoid welding near threaded ends to prevent heat distortion
  

A machinist in Ohio once fabricated a pair of tie rods for an H30B using 4140 steel and aftermarket ball joints. The loader returned to service with improved steering response and reduced tire wear.
Preventive Maintenance and Inspection Tips
To extend tie rod life:

• Grease ball joints monthly using high-pressure lithium grease
  
• Inspect boots for tears or dry rot
  
• Check alignment quarterly and adjust toe-in as needed
  
• Avoid side-loading the steering system during tight turns
  
• Replace worn bushings in the steering cylinder and knuckles
  

Adding a steering damper or shock absorber can reduce vibration and extend component life, especially in rough terrain applications.
A Story from the Field
In 2011, a contractor in Alberta inherited a Hough H30B from a retired quarry operator. The loader had sat idle for years, and the steering was erratic. Upon inspection, both tie rods were bent and one ball joint had separated. With no OEM parts available, the contractor measured the rods and sourced replacements from a local truck parts supplier. After minor machining and bracket adjustments, the loader tracked straight and returned to daily use moving aggregate.
Conclusion
Replacing tie rods on a Hough H30B requires a blend of mechanical understanding, sourcing creativity, and fabrication skill. While OEM support may be long gone, the machine’s straightforward design allows for adaptation and restoration. In vintage iron, steering is more than control—it’s confidence in every turn. When the tie rods hold true and the loader responds, the legacy of Hough continues to move material and memories alike.