M. Sullivan
Silver Member
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2000
- Messages
- 216
- Location
- S. E. Michigan
- Tractor
- B2710 w/ 402 Loader and 72" belly mower.
Howdy,
Been off line for a while with 2 new kids and a 3rd due soon. Trust all is well. See Tractor by Net continues to expand; well deserved.
First question: Wanted to attach a photo, but it is 175KB, and Post only allows 100K. How do I reduce the size...I have MS Photo Editor??
Foremost, I am writing to see if anyone has encountered the same problems with their 72" belly mower mounts (on a B2710) as I have. Specifically, one of 2 identical bars that attaches to the mower to the tractor, and lifts the mower via the tractor hydraulics, has broken at a weld point on the bar itself. Both ends of the bar are pinned (to the tractor via a large pin thru a bushing welded to the bar...the weld which broke...and a small pin to the mower thru a hole in the bar). Both pin points move/rotate freely. Whew, a picture is worth a thousand words....hopefully I can get the picture attached.
Finally, any ideas on cause appreciated. Below is correspondance I have had with Kubota, and detail explanation and photo's of the problem. Must say, very disappointed in Kubota on this one. Sent notes to various e-mails trying to get a response. So far all I got was what I consider a 'blow off' letter below. I will post future responses.
** Start of correspondance to/from Kubota...most recent first **
From: Sullivan, Michael (M.B.)
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 7:50 AM
To: 'TBoulds@kubota.com';
Subject: RE: Request for Refund
Which picture are you referring to, and what are beech marks?? It is clear the weld was not completed, and that is where the failure occurred. I agree loading (of all types) is the cause of the observed effect. However, this weld point would not be the weakest point to fail. The deck attachment points, etc. would fail first (bend, crack, tear) if the cause were excessive loading as suggested. Pls have someone in your metallurgy activity look at this.
-----Original Message-----
From: TBoulds@kubota.com [mailto:TBoulds@kubota.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 4:32 PM
To: Sullivan, Michael (M.B.)
Subject: Re: Request for Refund
Mr. Sullivan,
Thank you for the analysis of this failed part. However, the beech marks
on the left of the flat piece, indicate that there was excessive side
loading of the mower deck and linkage causing this failure. This means it
is not a defect in material or workmanship and the unit is out of warranty.
Kubota will not be participating in this repair.
Regards,
Tim Boulds
Assitant Service Manager
"Sullivan, Michael (M.B.)" on 08/12/2003 02:55:41 PM
To: "'tboulds@kubota.com'" <tboulds@kubota.com>
Subject: Request for Refund
Mr. Boulds
Sending this to you per Margurite at Kubota Corporate Customer Service.
Thanks in advance.
> I am writing to request a refund of $79.41 USD from Kubota Corporation
for replacement costs of a defective part on my 2000 Kubota B2710.
>
> The Mower Deck Rear Link (part number K5751-51293) on my B2710 failed due
to an incomplete weld where the bushing cylinder is welded to the link bar>
...> .ref. attached photo 'Kubota Both Ends'.
>
> Evident in the attached picture 'Kubota Bushing End' are the following:
> - The weld was not completed resulting in a small gap that resulted in a
weak spot and stress concentration point. The replacement part was welded
throughout the 360 degree perimeter, as were the bars on 2 B2710's I
reviewed at a Kubota dealer.
> - Fatigue striations radiating from this point showing it is the point
of failure. Striations are also visible on the attached photo titled
'Kubota Both Ends' on both the bushing cylinder and the bar.
>
>
> I have attached a photo of the receipt showing the price paid for the
aforementioned part and the bushing and the pins required to complete the
repair> ...> .ref, attached photo 'Kubota Link Receipt'. I bought the
parts at Boullions Tractor in Dexter. Michigan (I had to cut their header
off in the photo to get sufficient resolution for the prices and part
numbers). I was told the best approach to reach Kubota is through your
corporate headquarters via the website, as the Kubota rep. visits Boullions
infrequently.
>
> While I understand this request is beyond the warranty period, I feel
justified in requesting a refund based on the age and usage of the machine
and the fact that it is clearly a defective part. The failure occurred at
less than 150 hours (ref. attached photo 'Kubota Odometer'), and I estimate
the mower deck was only used around 50 hours of this time. I remove the
deck and pin the arm when not mowing. I take great care of the tractor (it
is stored in my garage whereas more expensive vehicles I own sit out in the
elements), and performing all manual recommended inspections and services.
See attached photo 'Kubota Garage' for general condition of the machine.
>
> As an engineer I fully understand how this type of issue can occur, and
am overall very satisfied with the B2710. I actually hope to upgrade to a
Grand L30 with a backhoe in the next couple years. Please confirm my key
purchase reason on this unit, Kubota's quality and reputation for customer
satisfaction by honoring my legitimate request.
>
Been off line for a while with 2 new kids and a 3rd due soon. Trust all is well. See Tractor by Net continues to expand; well deserved.
First question: Wanted to attach a photo, but it is 175KB, and Post only allows 100K. How do I reduce the size...I have MS Photo Editor??
Foremost, I am writing to see if anyone has encountered the same problems with their 72" belly mower mounts (on a B2710) as I have. Specifically, one of 2 identical bars that attaches to the mower to the tractor, and lifts the mower via the tractor hydraulics, has broken at a weld point on the bar itself. Both ends of the bar are pinned (to the tractor via a large pin thru a bushing welded to the bar...the weld which broke...and a small pin to the mower thru a hole in the bar). Both pin points move/rotate freely. Whew, a picture is worth a thousand words....hopefully I can get the picture attached.
Finally, any ideas on cause appreciated. Below is correspondance I have had with Kubota, and detail explanation and photo's of the problem. Must say, very disappointed in Kubota on this one. Sent notes to various e-mails trying to get a response. So far all I got was what I consider a 'blow off' letter below. I will post future responses.
** Start of correspondance to/from Kubota...most recent first **
From: Sullivan, Michael (M.B.)
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 7:50 AM
To: 'TBoulds@kubota.com';
Subject: RE: Request for Refund
Which picture are you referring to, and what are beech marks?? It is clear the weld was not completed, and that is where the failure occurred. I agree loading (of all types) is the cause of the observed effect. However, this weld point would not be the weakest point to fail. The deck attachment points, etc. would fail first (bend, crack, tear) if the cause were excessive loading as suggested. Pls have someone in your metallurgy activity look at this.
-----Original Message-----
From: TBoulds@kubota.com [mailto:TBoulds@kubota.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 4:32 PM
To: Sullivan, Michael (M.B.)
Subject: Re: Request for Refund
Mr. Sullivan,
Thank you for the analysis of this failed part. However, the beech marks
on the left of the flat piece, indicate that there was excessive side
loading of the mower deck and linkage causing this failure. This means it
is not a defect in material or workmanship and the unit is out of warranty.
Kubota will not be participating in this repair.
Regards,
Tim Boulds
Assitant Service Manager
"Sullivan, Michael (M.B.)" on 08/12/2003 02:55:41 PM
To: "'tboulds@kubota.com'" <tboulds@kubota.com>
Subject: Request for Refund
Mr. Boulds
Sending this to you per Margurite at Kubota Corporate Customer Service.
Thanks in advance.
> I am writing to request a refund of $79.41 USD from Kubota Corporation
for replacement costs of a defective part on my 2000 Kubota B2710.
>
> The Mower Deck Rear Link (part number K5751-51293) on my B2710 failed due
to an incomplete weld where the bushing cylinder is welded to the link bar>
...> .ref. attached photo 'Kubota Both Ends'.
>
> Evident in the attached picture 'Kubota Bushing End' are the following:
> - The weld was not completed resulting in a small gap that resulted in a
weak spot and stress concentration point. The replacement part was welded
throughout the 360 degree perimeter, as were the bars on 2 B2710's I
reviewed at a Kubota dealer.
> - Fatigue striations radiating from this point showing it is the point
of failure. Striations are also visible on the attached photo titled
'Kubota Both Ends' on both the bushing cylinder and the bar.
>
>
> I have attached a photo of the receipt showing the price paid for the
aforementioned part and the bushing and the pins required to complete the
repair> ...> .ref, attached photo 'Kubota Link Receipt'. I bought the
parts at Boullions Tractor in Dexter. Michigan (I had to cut their header
off in the photo to get sufficient resolution for the prices and part
numbers). I was told the best approach to reach Kubota is through your
corporate headquarters via the website, as the Kubota rep. visits Boullions
infrequently.
>
> While I understand this request is beyond the warranty period, I feel
justified in requesting a refund based on the age and usage of the machine
and the fact that it is clearly a defective part. The failure occurred at
less than 150 hours (ref. attached photo 'Kubota Odometer'), and I estimate
the mower deck was only used around 50 hours of this time. I remove the
deck and pin the arm when not mowing. I take great care of the tractor (it
is stored in my garage whereas more expensive vehicles I own sit out in the
elements), and performing all manual recommended inspections and services.
See attached photo 'Kubota Garage' for general condition of the machine.
>
> As an engineer I fully understand how this type of issue can occur, and
am overall very satisfied with the B2710. I actually hope to upgrade to a
Grand L30 with a backhoe in the next couple years. Please confirm my key
purchase reason on this unit, Kubota's quality and reputation for customer
satisfaction by honoring my legitimate request.
>