Broken bucket tab on 300CX loader

rockyridgefarm · Oct 5, 2005

If they continue to break after warranty, Deere will most likely continue to warranty them. They are great about that!

HuskerInVA · Oct 5, 2005

The current price on John Deere parts is $66 for each side for the new part number mentioned in the case.

HuskerInVA · Oct 7, 2005

Few things to report. The new JD part is definitely stronger with a reinforcing rib along the outside edge. I'll get a picture and post.

The dealer came out and replaced the part under warranty while I was at work yesterday. I really didn't give them a chance to not do it. Stopped in with my picture and a printout of the JD case and told them I had a warranty item.

They almost got it right. They didn't follow the instructions in the case to replace both sides. They only replaced the broken side. Guess I have to call today and get the other side taken care of. I'll tell them I'll save them the trip and I'll just take the part. I figure the other side will eventually break and as long as I have the replacement on hand I can swap it without much downtime.

dieselmotorhead · Oct 7, 2005

If you look back at the original pictures -- I saw that the crack on the bottom was corroded and the crack at the top was " fresh" . That usually means the part had a pre existing flaw ( corroded)or "old" damage. When it is that brittle it is usually a pre existing flaw in britttle metal. Also notice the lack of any plastic deformation on the fresh crack- a definte sign of a brittle part. JD engineers/outsource contract people really messed up on this one. This is engineering knowledge from over a century ago- the JD engineers/Chinese manufacturers are just re-learning this now??? I had a hand tool (1 1/4"combination wrench) that had a pre existing crack, when I applied force to a nut it broke free- ended up with a lump on my arm that stuck around for months. Brittle cheap steel in a wrench- A HUSKY wrench. I will not darken the door of a vendor that makes a product so cheap it HURTS. Glad the bucket was not in the air, Glad JD does not make man lifts, aircraft, HP boilers, or any machine where a structural part failure results in death

Jomo45 · Oct 14, 2005

Just an FYI;

I currently have my 3320 at the dealer for warranty (leaking axle, PTO not disengaging, Tailights not working, etc). While they have it I asked them to replace the Bucket brackets (early weak versions, not broke yet) My dealer is saying Deere won't replace until they break, not exactly the response I was expecting. I let them know that was unnacceptble, they are going back to Deere....... I guess we'll see if Deere is going to step up here.

beenthere · Oct 14, 2005

I think that is a normal policy - don't fix if not broken. But I expect because you asked, you will get it your way. Some people probably will never horse their bucket around enough to break the castings. So Deere is probably smart (saving money) if just replacing when broken. I'm all for keeping the cost down as much as possible. When they overspend, it is coming out of our pockets - not 'theirs'. IMO. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

JB4310 · Oct 14, 2005

Thanks for the info, I have a 4310 with the 300cx on it and was thinking about getting the brackets replaced before they broke on a friday afternoon before a weekend of planed projects, let me know if they swap them out for you. Evan if I had the parts I could replace them myself, I think. My tractor came with the 430 loader and I traded UP to the 300cx after about 4 months, The first thing I noticed about the new loader was the very thin and weak looking tab on the bracket. Now I know it is an issue after first learning about the problem here on this post. thanks, John

Jomo45 · Oct 14, 2005

I was under the opinon we already "paid" when we bought green. As we all know Deere isn't the cheapest, but like most of us here I don't mind paying for quality. I do mind paying for quality, and not getting it.

I had concerns about buying a new model, there are always bugs to be worked out. I just assumed Deere would make it right, and as you say they probably will. IMO I shouldn't have to hassle with them to get the quality part that should have been there to begin with.

As to them overspending, IMO that is their problem. That is the beauty of competition, engineer it right, price it competitive, support it properly, or expect to lose to the other guy!! (Orange??)

Jomo45 · Oct 14, 2005

Update;

I just heard back form the dealer, they are going to replace the brackets with the improved versions!

It will take a day or two to get them, glad they're doing it now and not after they break. (and in the middle of a project on Saturday!)

bobbyjak · Oct 14, 2005

I think Deere should do a "Recall"?..That would show that they are sincerely concerned about the problem..It would help toward building customer confidence in Deere products..