What is this thing?

[KJINTF]

Hi all

Been playing with my new ZD326 Kubota and found a steel plate held down by two thumb screws right in front of the radiator. Took it off and it was not hiding anything, simply a steel plate.

Please anyone what is it used for?
No mention of it in the operators manual
My Kubota shop manual has not yet arrived
Asked the dealer and they have no clue

Thanks for the help

 

[equipman]

That plate helps to keep clippings from obstructing the radiator. There is a short driveline under that plate that goes from the engine to the trans axle that has a grease zerk fitting that needs to be greased. You may have to turn the engine over to get the zerk on the top side of the driveline to get to it with the grease gun.

 

[KJINTF]

Thanks
I pulled up the plate and there is no hole
Simply the same steel surface that's around the plate
I was not able to find any mention of the plate or its function in the operators manual

 

[gregkabob]

Under the plate on my ZD326 is a plastic plate that looks like metal. Pull it up and the hole is under it.

When I bought mine I went back to the dealer to ask what the plate was for as I did like you did and pulled the plate only to find the plate below it. The dealer didn't know so I email Kubota and they told me what it was for. To access the grease fittings on the shaft.

Like equipman said, you'll have to rotate the engine to get to the zerks.

 

[KJINTF]

Thanks
The plastic cover looked as if it was metal just black plastic
Upon further inspection it is the access to the grease fittings
Spending time this morning waxing the machine
It's new home is a fully climate controlled barn when it's not mowing the 3 plus acres of lawn. Took it out for a spin - Yes indeed the seat belt comes in handy - This thing is a monster mower
Sure glad I did not buy a cheaper one :thumbsup:

 

[gregkabob]

I don't know how smooth your 3 acres are but you might want to lower the air pressure from the recommended if your getting bounced around a lot. My place is really bumpy and when I ran it at the recommended air setting I got really bounced around.

I also put Slime in the front tires. I already had one the wanted to go down so I just slimed them both.

Wax it? My goal is just to get all the red dirt and accumlated grass blown off after each mowing. I like Okieville but hate the red dirt.

I got the canopy for mine when I bought it. It's great for the hot sun but it holds the noise in so now I wear the noise canx headphone with radio. Still need to figure out how I'm going to carry the weed eater with me.

Have fun with the new toy as I'm sure am.

 

[KJINTF]

Thanks again

The lawn is mostly smooth a few bumps here and there
When I went across them at full throttle WOW what a difference between this and the mid mount old Honda riding mower - the seat belt helps

Reduction of the air pressure is a good suggestion
Will give it a try
This thing is a 326-P thus flat free front tires

Yes indeed I waxed the entire thing and removed every last **** sticker
The thing was covered in stickers and warning labels - EVERYWHERE
Kind of like buying a ladder now days
Took me two days to get them all off and cleaned up properly then waxed and sealed

 

[J_J]

Still need to figure out how I'm going to carry the weed eater with me.

gregkabob,

On carrying the weed eater, why not install some hose clamps on the ROPS, with some hangers, and drop the weed eater across the back of the ROPS. Keep secure with bungee.

 

[gregkabob]

J_J, Thanks for the idea. I'll take a look at some of those garage hanger things that are covered in foam and try to mount like you suggest.

 

[marks146]

Under the plate on my ZD326 is a plastic plate that looks like metal. Pull it up and the hole is under it.

When I bought mine I went back to the dealer to ask what the plate was for as I did like you did and pulled the plate only to find the plate below it. The dealer didn't know so I email Kubota and they told me what it was for. To access the grease fittings on the shaft.

Like equipman said, you'll have to rotate the engine to get to the zerks.

Thanks to you for this info. I had this same question. I can't wait to break it out for the summer so I can pull this plate and pry up the shroud under this fantom plate to grease the fittings. This was driving me nuts up until now.

Thank you, thank you, thank you...