Confused About HST Fan Protection

[bp fick]

No, I was wrong. It is indeed bolted on. That is good news for possible retro fits on other BXs.

There are extension arms I did not notice, at first. These extend toward the rear of the tractor and are heavily bolted with two bolts per side.

 

[bp fick]

One more thought here, I don't believe Kubota set out to offer a true skid plate. That bespeaks a level of protection that is sober and intentional.

I simply suspect they set out to offer a genuine fan protection system. In that, I believe they were reasonably successful.

 

[psvines]

Anyone attach the BroTek to a BX2660? I'm considering it but don't want to be the first to do so. Hopefully the hole for the MMM shaft works well.

 

[TripleR]

Anyone attach the BroTek to a BX2660? I'm considering it but don't want to be the first to do so. Hopefully the hole for the MMM shaft works well.

I am also interested and have some concerns about restricted air flow, especially during times the MMM is on. Since I only take my MMM during the fall and winter, I am considering the advisability of taking it off when I install the MMM as that will be during the hot summer months.

 

[CHDinCT]

BP - as others have already stated, that is a vast improvement over no skid plate and 100% better than the first version Kubota came out with. Are you sure your dealer didn't take two of the 1st gen Kubota fan protectors and tac them together somehow? - almost looks like two of those 1st gen protectors connected together.

Also, for anyone considering the Bro-Tek skid plate, I only needed to loosen the front U-bolts about half way to remove my HST filter from the side. I may have removed the right rear wheel to do that thought - can't recall for sure, but if so, still easier than taking the skid plate off. I still highly recommend the Bro-Tek version as it is a true skid plate that protects from forward of the fan to the rear hitch plate, including the entire bottom of the HST housing.

 

[BXinNH]

Has anyone who is running a Bro-Tek or other skid plate noticed any increase in HST temp or any symptoms of increased HST temp? I am considering a skid plate but I'm concerned about overheating the HST. Thanks.
Matt.

 

[bp fick]

BP - Are you sure your dealer didn't take two of the 1st gen Kubota fan protectors and tac them together somehow? - almost looks like two of those 1st gen protectors connected together.

Chris, No I don't believe this was a dealer installed option. I do believe it is a Kubota "quiet" upgrade. I believe people should expect to see more. My tractor was assembled in late May, so it is very new in the pipeline, I suspect.

 

[radioman]

Has anyone who is running a Bro-Tek or other skid plate noticed any increase in HST temp or any symptoms of increased HST temp? I am considering a skid plate but I'm concerned about overheating the HST. Thanks.
Matt.

First of all- there are no needle or digital readout temp gauge for hydralic fluid on the BX'es so with or without skid plate, there seems to be no way of knowing.

 

[RobertCramer]

I have the "old" new fan protector and would be interested in the "NEW" fan protector part number so I could order one. Somebody must know what it is.
Bob Cramer

 

[nh DRAGON]

I have the "old" new fan protector and would be interested in the "NEW" fan protector part number so I could order one. Somebody must know what it is.
Bob Cramer

And what was the cost? I have never had a problem in almost three years out in the woods with no mmm on. but also do not wont one ether! If it is as much as BRO guys I will make my own.

 

[Jeff H]

That stinks, I have the "old style" brand new sitting here in the box, which I bought from the dealer.

I was waiting for the next time I have to take off the mower for maintenance.

I want the new one!

Does any one think its possible we will be offered this upgrade for free or am I dreaming?

 

[bp fick]

Jeff, oh, I doubt anything will be free.

But, you could certainly take your old/new one back and ask about the new/new one. You saved the sales receipt, right? At this point, no one even knows what the new part number is. All I know is that when I posted the photo of the protector plate on my new BX, the good eyes of the fellows here spotted the fact that it is a new item and this topic lit up like a Christmas tree.

Sooner or later, someone is going to be able to properly identify the new part and its number. Then, the application process will likely begin. What models have the new plate, or on which models will these plates fit? At this point, unanswered questions.

 

[Tdog]

BXinNH - - as has been stated, who knows what the hydro temp is in the 1st place? I was victimized by some brush or twigs & lost all my fan blades, but I did not realize it. I just happened to notice the problem when I was underneath - - I have NO idea how long I operated w/o a functional fan with blades. I noticed no dropoff in performance. As I said, I just happened to see the raped fan.
I now have the Bro-tek skid plate. I am incapable of connecting the MMM with the skidplate in place. It is made to accommodate the MMM shaft, but I can't do it. I have to remove the skidplate each time I mount the MMM - - a royal PITA. Not as much a PITA as losing your fan blades, however. I'm just sure to replace it whenever the MMM comes off.

Jack

 

[FullBucket]

Any progress on sorting out the new part number anyone?

 

[psvines]

I now have the Bro-tek skid plate. I am incapable of connecting the MMM with the skidplate in place. It is made to accommodate the MMM shaft, but I can't do it. I have to remove the skidplate each time I mount the MMM - - a royal PITA.

Jack

Is this with a BX22? Anyone with a BX2660 have success with the Bro-tek skid plate?

 

[TheFlatlander]

I went to my dealer with pictures from this thread of both the old and the newer Kubota Guards. We were only able to find a part call out for the older -smaller guard and not the larger new guard. When somebody can get a part number, please post it.

Thanks-Tim

 

[CHDinCT]

I now have the Bro-tek skid plate. I am incapable of connecting the MMM with the skidplate in place. It is made to accommodate the MMM shaft, but I can't do it. I have to remove the skidplate each time I mount the MMM - - a royal PITA. Not as much a PITA as losing your fan blades, however. I'm just sure to replace it whenever the MMM comes off.

Jack

This was my one concern before ordering the Bro-Tek skid plate and I've found that I have very little additional difficulty connecting the MMM shaft with the plate on. When mounting the deck, you need to hook up the shaft before aligning the deck with the lift pins. Once the deck is on the lift pins, there is not enough retraction on the PTO shaft to get it past the edge of the skid plate (don't ask how I know ). I find I can reach in from the side of the skid plate near the left rear tire to hook up the MMM shaft. Not super easy, but not much more difficult than without the skid plate installed.

This is on a BX1860 and 54" deck.

 

[BXinNH]

Thanks for the input on the overheating issue. I know there is no way to know the exact HST temp, I was just looking for a seat of the pants/educated guess type of thing. I guess if it can run without a fan, the skid plate probably doesn't hurt.
Matt.

 

[bp fick]

Thanks for the input on the overheating issue. I know there is no way to know the exact HST temp, I was just looking for a seat of the pants/educated guess type of thing. I guess if it can run without a fan, the skid plate probably doesn't hurt.
Matt.

My guess is rudimentary. Unless it is packed with mud, the thing isn't sealed like a pickle jar and enough air will leak in for the fan? I don't know.

 

[Tdog]

This was my one concern before ordering the Bro-Tek skid plate and I've found that I have very little additional difficulty connecting the MMM shaft with the plate on.

Wish I could say the same, but I cannot do it with my 60" deck on the BX-22. Someone With longer/stronger arms & wrists maybe - - & maybe without arthritis.

Jack