TC45DA Fenders Cracking

[gregkabob]

My wife pointed out that both of the fenders have cracks in them at the point right by the roll bar next to the seat. I guess I haven't been real observant (too busy using the tractor). When I step on and off the tractror you can see the flex in the step and fender. I took some pics and will post tomorrow. I'm heading to the NH dealer at lunch to see what they say.

I've had the tractor since April 07 and I have 268 hours on it. It has been great except for the hydo leak at the manifold block that was fixed with JB weld (NH fix not mine) But it has held and no more leaks.

Anyone else have fenders that cracked?

 

[Doc_Bob]

Post some pictures!
Bob

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

i sure hate to hear that......i've wondered about my plastic fenders and how they'll be in 20 years

 

[gregkabob]

I just got back from my NH dealer. He knew about the problem with the fenders cracking but was surprised that the right one cracked as most people get on and off the left side. With having the BH on a lot taking out cedar trees I use the right side more than a little and I'm sure with the BH on I have more mounts and dismounts than most. Everytime I get off on the left I always remember the post of someone breaking off the joy stick by hooking their shorts on it. I've almost done it a couple of times.

The owner said that he talked a NH engineer about the fender cracking problem and supposidly they did a minor mod to the fender. The dealer feels it's not enough of a mod to stop the problem and he adds a brace by the step to help stop the flex. After my wife pointed out the cracks I could see the fender flex when I stepped on the step. I'm not a real big guy (210) but I can see how over a lot of up and downs it's going to break. When I get the new fenders on I'm going to see what kind of brace they added and just might add a couple of more. I'm glad the tractor is still under the 2 year warrenty as I don't want to have to buy any fenders.

I have pics on the camera at the house. I'll be sure to post them for all to see and I'll be sure to post pics of the new fenders.

Right now it will probably be the end of the month before they do the swap out as that seems to be when their and my schedules line up.

 

[jinman]

i sure hate to hear that......i've wondered about my plastic fenders and how they'll be in 20 years

I promise you that they will never rust.

Just kiddin', but I have not noticed any problems with my fenders except where I got limbs between the tires and rear fender edges. Ouch! I have a couple of chunks missing, but no extended cracks.

 

[gregkabob]

Thanks Jim!

I was really surprised to see how extensive the cracks are and I swear I was not jumping up and down on them or running the fenders into anything.....That's my story and I'm sticking to it....no really...

I came here first and did a search as I remember reading about some fenders cracking but the search showed it was a smaller model tractor than mine.

 

[gregkabob]

Ok, as promised, here's the pics:

 

[Doc_Bob]

Photoshop

 

[gregkabob]

I'm getting pretty good at that, been practicing....

 

[mikim]

Never even looked at mine .... guess I better check it out this weekend. thanks