B3030 HSDC grille guard/weight problems

[LRH]

I am having a problem installing the front suitcase weights on my B3030 HSDC; it does not have a loader, but has the grille guard that comes with the loader as a stand alone option. AFAIK, Kubota uses the same grille guard with or without loader; some brands offer a different guard if not equipped with loader. The problem is that additional thickness and height (1/2-3/8") of the of the face bar mounting plate will not allow the weight to tilt upwards enough to mount, even with front grille temporally removed. I did a search and noticed that the weights shown installed with the Woods backhoe are mounted behind the face bar, between the 2 rails, hanging below the oil pan. Don't know if that was a Woods or Kubota weight/hardware setup or not. Certainly Kubota expects front suitcase weights to be able to be used on models without a front loader, or when loader is not in use. So does anyone have this problem?

 

[number two]

Will the weights fit on the front of the frame,like where the quick-hitch used for snowblowers or blades mounts?Just guessing here.

 

[LRH]

Will the weights fit on the front of the frame,like where the quick-hitch used for snowblowers or blades mounts?Just guessing here.

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If those mount on what I am calling the face bar which is a heavy piece of flat stock with the outermost ends turned back 30-45 degrees, which serve to tie the 2 longitudinal rails together, and also serve as a bumper bar of sorts; then yes, that is where they go, and there is a piece of flat stock behind and slightly below to bolt the weights down so rough terrain will not cause the weights to bounce. (longest sentence I've written) The grille guard mounts directly to this bar, not to the side like some of the other B series. The plate on the guard is slightly taller than the face plate, and +/- doubles the thickness. The slot in the weight is more than thick enough, but the middle bar on the guard prevents lifting the weight straight upwards enough to mount, and tilting the weight just allows contact with the grille and the middle bar. Removal of the battery might allow it to work, but that is a lot of trouble, and I just don't think that is the "designed in" method. I might just loosen the guard and let it lay back a little, but then again I don't think that is what is supposed to be done, as suitcase weights are meant to be relatively easy to remove; most don't even bother to bolt them down, and I have seen one person who used stubby tractor pins and wavy clips to both secure and make for a speedy removal/replacement. Most B series on this site have loaders, but what are some of the few just using rear only implements using? I have looked at many photos on this site, and either the tractor has a loader, the picture is of a tractor with no implements, or the angle of the shot is not correct to see any front/side detail. I will check my library of propaganda, er I mean brochures when I get home in a few days; I am currently hiding out in a N GA mountain cabin. There are 3 Kubota dealers within ~30 miles of here (1 just 4 miles away, 1 about 12-13 miles away) so I will do some looking around when I wake up. Bet some N GA folks could guess what city I am in just by that info.

EDIT: I AM very pleased with My Kubota, as I was and still are with My NH Boomer.......................

 

[imajeepnut]

So you're referring to the dealer located on Hwy 365 maybe? Heck...we may be neighbors!

 

[LRH]

So you're referring to the dealer located on Hwy 365 maybe? Heck...we may be neighbors!

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Yup, that is one of them; but I don't live here, just visit as often as I can. Spend lots of time looking at the tractor dealers as well as the new pickup truck lots to see what's new, while everyone else goes to boring places. This is on topic since I am going to look at some in-stock tractors to see about my weight/grille guard problem; but not until someone moves the tree blown across the road from this AM's high winds. I'm trapped and my tractor is 90 miles away.

 

[imajeepnut]

Winds were rough this morning for certain. Wherebouts are you? PM me if you like. Hope you/someone got the tree moved by now!

 

[LRH]

Found out what the problem is; that grille guard is not compatible with suitcase weights, so it is modification or removal time. Had that answer in the back of my head all along; just didn't want to believe it.

The trees, 2 of them were gone by 2:00PM. I figured there would be more down, but that might have been because I was on top of one of the tallest hills around. I thought the severity of the wind might had been exaggerated way up/looking down. I am in Blue Ridge and will be heading out Tuesday to get home to meet insurance co adjuster about last months hail damage, 2 houses and 1 barn need new roofs.

 

[LRH]

Long time since posting anything, still read occasionally and enjoy. As for my weight/grille guard problem; it had the wrong one installed on the front weight plate, bolted directly to the front plate much like a license plate would on a car/truck. It fit and looked perfect as far as the crossbar spacing and angle with the grille. It is made of flat stock with flat stock for the cross bars. The correct grille guard is B2335 and is flat stock with round crossbars w/side plates to bolt in the side holes so front plate stays proper thickness for weights. I have no use for the old one; any one who has a tractor with a flat front face bar with the 4 (in face of plate) holes is free to have it. Could be modded for most anything if one has the ability. South of Atlanta. Will not ship unless someone really really wants to handle shipping cost. I still have the heavy duty triple wall cardboard box the replacement came in. CELL: 404-713-0132.

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