How to Keep Your Turnbuckles Tight on the Little Bull Loader: Troubleshooting & Easy Fixes
Owners of the Little Bull Loader for John Deere garden tractors (including the 425, 445, 455, and X700 series) love the strength and versatility this aftermarket, American-made front-end loader brings to their property. And like any well-used attachment, a little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping everything running smoothly.
Recently, a customer reached out with a great question about turnbuckle adjustment on the Little Bull:
“Howdy folks! I bought a loader from you a few years ago—great tool! But I’ve been noticing that the left turnbuckle comes loose after I use the loader for a while. I tighten both per your instructions, but one always works its way loose. Any idea why, and how can I keep them tight all the time?”
If you’ve noticed the same thing on your Little Bull Loader, the fix is simple.
Why a Turnbuckle May Loosen on the Little Bull Loader
Turnbuckles on the Little Bull Loader are designed to help stabilize and tension the loader arms. Over time and under heavy use, one side may begin to loosen due to:
1. Normal Vibration During Loader Operation
Loader work, especially on gravel, dirt, logs, or uneven ground, introduces vibration that can gradually loosen threaded connections.
2. Uneven Loading During Certain Tasks
Depending on how material rests in the bucket, one side may occasionally experience more force than the other.
3. Small Variations in Initial Tightness
Even when tightened according to the manual, some tractors or loaders may benefit from an extra turn or two to achieve ideal tension.
Quick Adjustment: Add 1–2 Extra Turns
If the either turnbuckle is the one loosening (the most common case), the first solution to try is simple:
Tighten that turnbuckle 1–2 additional full turns beyond the standard recommendation.
This increases preload and helps the assembly resist vibration during operation.
Long-Term Fix: Add a Locknut to Keep It Tight
For Bull owners who want a “set it and forget it” solution, we recommend adding a simple hardware store item:
Use a ½-inch coarse-thread nut as a jam nut on the right-hand thread side.
Here’s how to apply it:
Tighten the turnbuckle to your desired tension.
Thread a ½-inch coarse-thread nut onto the right-hand threaded rod of the turnbuckle.
Snug the nut up against the body of the turnbuckle.
This acts as a locking nut and prevents the turnbuckle from backing off during operation.
This little add-on costs pennies and dramatically increases reliability.
Why Proper Turnbuckle Tension Matters
Keeping your turnbuckles properly tightened helps:
Maintain stable loader alignment
Improve bucket response
Reduce wear on pins and joints
Support safe lifting and operation
Extend the longevity of your Little Bull Loader
A few minutes of adjustment can make a major difference in how the loader performs under load.
Have Questions About Your Little Bull Loader? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you're running a John Deere 425, 445, 455, X465–X495, X575–X595, or the X700 series, we’re always happy to help troubleshoot and fine-tune your Little Bull setup.
And if you’ve built something you’re proud of, don’t forget, send us your project pics! We love featuring the incredible work from the LBL community.