Protection for L3400 steering linkage?

[GeneSchultz]

I have a L3400 and for quite some time I have been wondering why the factory installed piece 1/4" plate steel which apparently is meant to protect the steering linkage is removed and not reinstalled when a dealer sets up a
new tractor with a FEL and grill guard. This piece of steel is about a foot square and is very visible in Kubota L series literature. In my opinion it does indeed protect steering components from damage if you mistakingly run into
something too tall to pass under the front axle such as a stump or rock, etc.

The dealership mechanic told me that when the FEL and grill guard are installed on a L3400 the instructions from Kubota say to discard this piece and he could not figure out why. Perhaps the original 4 bolts holding it on
are too short to go through both the grill guard and plate. The dealership salesman said I was the first person to ever ask about this. Actually I checked with 3 different dealers and no one had an answer. They all follow the same proceedure.

I then called Kubota headquarters in Ca. and after talking with an "engineer" the rep called me back and told me I could indeed sandwich both grillguard and plate together but I may have to purchase longer bolts.

Because I wanted the extra protection for my steering linkage (I live in the woods) I asked my salesman if he and I could look in the scrap iron pile out back to find this piece before I purchase a new one from Kubota for $40. plus. Amazingly I found one in the pile and he gave it to me but before I install it on my tractor I am interested if anyone has any input. Why would Kubota tell their mechanics to discard this piece when it was installed on the tractor originally and appears to serve an important function?

 

[daBear]

Don't know and wish I had it on my L2800 as over the course of two years I have bent both sterring links. Dealer said no sweat, won't wear the tires that much.

 

[Harvest Moon]

Boy, the surprises keep coming.

I didn't bend anything yet but it would be nice to have that piece. It would have been nice if the dealer handed it to me when I turned over that big pile of money and said, "here, this is yours. It's from your tractor, do what you want with it."

 

[woodchuckie]

I bent my right tie rod by pushing around pine logs with my 2800. I couldn't use it, it was bent so bad. Wheels were pointing different directions. I had it straightened at a fabrication shop for 5 bucks. They heated it to straighten it out. I was worried it might re bend easier but it's held up since last summer.
Since I use mine in the woods all the time there are several places I could us better protection. Such as behind the radiator where sticks have damaged it coming from that direction. Under the tractor where sticks etc. can prevent proper operation of the clutch pedal. I've had sticks dislodge the oil filler cap. Sticks through the front and side radiator ventilation area. The battery has saved my radiator from those.

 

[RadarTech]

Hey there..
I wonder if you could post a PIC of the guard after installing..

It would be good to see what you are talking about..

thanks.
Jim

 

[GeneSchultz]

RadarTech,I probably won't install the plate tillnext spring when the weather is warmer.20 degrees below yesterday. Look at the Kubota L series literature available at your dealer for a good picture without the grillguard or check out Kubota.com usa, click on L3400HST or L2800HST model.

 

[emmy71]

My L3400 has that plate on it. It is sandwiched between the frame and the brush guard. I have had my brush guard off when I was mounting some lights under it and see no reason not to install it. Maybe the dealer did install longer bolts but I doubt it. You should be able to see it in this picture.

Terry

 

[GeneSchultz]

Thanks, emmy71

 

[woodchuckie]

That plate was still on my L 2800. The fel was already on it when I first saw it on the lot.

 

[tazz01]

Dealer installed the steering guard with the grill guard.