Custom bumper for the Kubota ZG 222

[4shorts]

Well it's been awhile since I posted anything on here in the way of my work so I thought I would post this little project.

Last week our local Kubota dealer delivered our new ZG 222 Z. This is the second machine we purchased from them in less than a year and I have to say it's because of the great service they have given us.

I got an opportunity to use the new mower and all I can say is WOW! It's only going to be used for my private use and I can do all my mowing in 1.5 hours on a regular ride on mower but with all the trees, shrubs and plants that's around the zero turn will make it easier and much more fun to do now.

I've added a few things to the mower to "dress" it up a bit such as a scoop on the engine hood. Some lettering and black trim around various parts of the machine. One thing that I felt it really needed was a rear bumper so seeing it was raining yesterday I decided to play in the shop.

I didn't realize it would take me 11 hours to build, paint and install the bumper but it's done now and I'm happy with it.

I designed the bumper so that would attach to the existing counter weight bolts. When I build anything I like to do it without altering the machine if possable. I also figured I would add a removable hitch although I doubt very much I will ever pull anything with it seeing I still have my Craftsman tractor and that tractor only pulls a small dump cart at times.

I started out with some thick wall 1 7/8 th OD pipe. Bent it and then put it in the bead blaster to remove the mill scale from it. I cut the area that would be the spot for the hitch tong. I figured I should machine and tap two spacers to weld into the pipe to prevent it from the possibility of collapsing if the bolts were put on to tight.

I capped the ends of the pipe and tig welded most of it but some areas were mig welded as well.

After I painted it and installed it I was very happy to see just how strong it is so the time spent wasn't wasted in my opinion. I attached lots of picture to bore you all with.

Thanks again to Todd Fisher at Newfoundland Kubota for the outstanding service and a great machine.

 

[4shorts]

More pictures!

 

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Some more photo's

 

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Here's the last of the photo's

 

[JohnDeere4300]

Very nice job 4shorts!.... But i expect a nice job when you have a project.

Nice mower also!... The bumper really blends in great with the mower.

On the removable hitch, Do you just reverse it around ?

I see your getting some good use out of the new pipe bender.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Kays Supply]

The removable hitch is a good idea. It is like a can opener on anything you swing close to if left out. I used a small receiver hitch on my ZD326.

 

[mjncad]

Paul:

That bumper looks great! Even if all you did was put the nerf bar brackets on the mower, it would have looked cool.

Those old Shell gas pumps are a nice touch.

I'm looking forward to seeing what other cool stuff you do with that new pipe bender toy...err...tool.

 

[4shorts]

Very nice job 4shorts!.... But i expect a nice job when you have a project.

Nice mower also!... The bumper really blends in great with the mower.

On the removable hitch, Do you just reverse it around ?

I see your getting some good use out of the new pipe bender.

Thanks for sharing!

I just remove the hitch using a socket and put it aside for safe keeping. I won't be using it much with the hitch but I wanted a bumper. I was kind of limited to where I could attach the thing but it worked out OK for me. Your right about the bender. I'm useing it a lot lately. I removed the old flex pipe on the forklift and bent two new pipes to put there instead of the flex. Much nicer I think. Appreciate your comments as always.

The removable hitch is a good idea. It is like a can opener on anything you swing close to if left out. I used a small receiver hitch on my ZD326.

I figured I'd better do it that way. If there's something going to happen it will happen to me That's a nice Zero you have. I went with the gas because of the small area I have to mow. I'm more than pleased with the way it performs. Did you fabricate your receiver? Thanks. Paul

Paul:

That bumper looks great! Even if all you did was put the nerf bar brackets on the mower, it would have looked cool.

Those old Shell gas pumps are a nice touch.

I'm looking forward to seeing what other cool stuff you do with that new pipe bender toy...err...tool.

Matt I almost put a double pipe on there but I figured it was over kill. I did ad a rear reflector to take the plainness off of the thing. Those old pumps have been out there for about 11 years now. There all wired and light up at night. The bender projects are endless. My next two projects are to modify the exhaust on the tractor but putting a stack on it so It don't blacken the bucket anymore. The other job is to install a back up beeper. I need it. I was out early one morning in a snow storm and I almost backed over a guy jogging up the road. I could hardly see out the back window and only caught a glimpse of him at the last minute. I'll have it where I can switch it off when I want to. Thanks for your comments as always. Paul

 

[4shorts]

I installed the mulching kit on the zero the other day. It came with new blades and baffles. I was glad I installed the optional maintenance kit on the machine as well because it made jacking the front of the mower very easy.

 

[Kays Supply]

Yes, I made the tube and hitch for mine. I mount the hitch in a mount on the left side rear when not in use. I put a pin instead of a ball on mine. I welded a ball from a three point arm on my trailer. It lets it move up and down on rough ground without binding. The trailer arm was too small for a regular hitch. I included my knerf bars and light guards I put on my Iseki so when bush hogging I wouldn't tear the emblems and decals off.