WHMoll
New member
After a couple years of running through brush, I had my fan taken out by a single small branch on a cleared road. The stock "skid plate" is worthless. After crawling under the tractor and inspecting, I am amazed that I never took out the hydraulic filter or broke the rear case. I made two attachment plates from 1/2"x5"x14" plate. The first was attached to the frame spacer just ahead of the fan by two u-bolts like the commercial skid plate is. I welded ears on the other and mounted it with the existing holes in the frame, using one of the holes used for the front drive shaft pillow block (12mm x 1.25 x ~ 42mm bolt required). I used scrap metal for the plate and added a second baffle - I am a bit paranoid after the little twig costing $225 at the Kubota place. The fan repair is about 3 hours - see PSB-2007-050 HST FAN.pdf on the internet for details.
Making the skid plate is about 3-4 hours if you are skilled and can measure and 5-6 hours if you are like me. It me cost about $40 in parts, but that depends upon what you have in your scrap box. All new materials would be about $75. I used 5/16" u-bolts based on using 3, but the middle was way too close to the fan. If I ever have to take it off, I will put it back with 3/8" u-bolts.
Making the skid plate is about 3-4 hours if you are skilled and can measure and 5-6 hours if you are like me. It me cost about $40 in parts, but that depends upon what you have in your scrap box. All new materials would be about $75. I used 5/16" u-bolts based on using 3, but the middle was way too close to the fan. If I ever have to take it off, I will put it back with 3/8" u-bolts.
