Fenders on TC 40 Cracked...

Todd_C · Jan 14, 2011

I just noticed that both the right and left fenders have cracks around the metal supports on my TC 40. I searched this forum and the last post seems to have beeen done in 2009. I purchased my tractor in 10/06 and it only hast 360 hours. It has been garaged and washed as if it were a car. I know my warranty has expired but there seems to be a problem with the fenders on the Boomers. Has anyone had any luck with getting New Holland to repair the fenders on their dime after the warranty has expired?

jinman · Jan 15, 2011

I don't have a thing to offer you except sympathy, but it sure seems to be a common problem.

sweep · Jan 15, 2011

My 2006 TC45A has the cracks in the same area left side fender only -cracked after warranty of course and my tractor only has 155 hours on it.

Funny, the '04-'06 fenders are thinner plastic than the earlier 2001-2003 fenders and those earlier fenders also had a metal brace that went from the fender to the roll bar for extra rigidity.

By chance I met up with the divisional NH representative at the '10 Farm Science review at the NH display. He asked me how I liked my tractor and I told him it was great other than the cracked fender that others were experiencing as well. His reply was "I'm not aware of a problem with those fenders cracking" Bull crap. I asked him then why did NH go back to all metal fenders and hoods on their new models??

My remedy was to use Fusor 117 metal to plastic adhesive. This is the same stuff auto companies are using to glue together the new cars. GM for instance uses this to glue roof panels and quarters on their new cars as well as Chrysler and Ford. Using the same principle as a very large washer for extra backing and support, I made a large 1/8" x 1' x 1' steel patch fitted and formed to the inside of the fender (closest to tire) right over the roll bar mounting area, and then Fusor glued it in place with a homemade clamp( I just put 2 bolts and large washers through the factory holes and my patch and tightened them down sandwiching the metal patch to the fender while the glue dried). After one year it is holding up great. The thin steel NH bracket inside of the fender go over this. Cracks have not spread and the fender is more solid and less flimsly.

Here is a brace another poster had made. I will probably make this brace in the spring for extra rigidity or make one that attaches to the roll bar like the earlier models.

boatyard · Jan 16, 2011

The fenders on my 2005 TC35A are cracked. The left side fender handle got used a good bit more and is in worse shape. Because the tractor was a one year old lease return tractor when it was purchased at the dealers, the warranty did not run out until the Fall of 2009. I chased New Holland and the Regional Rep said yea, yea, yea and the dealer order parts that were suppose to be the answer to the problem. Not!
They sent out the same parts that attach the fender from the factory. The dealer was confused. Rep kept saying yea, yea, yea. They sent the same parts a second time. The warranty ran out and I gave up.

I have plans for brackets like the ones in the photo, and/or handles up to the ROP. In the mean time I try not to hang on the fender handle on the way in and out of the tractor

It has really been my only complaint with the tractor. It has almost 700 hours on it.

Todd_C · Jan 16, 2011

Thanks for the replies. I took another look at my fenders today. I haven't used the handles to get on and off the tractor since I bought it. I never have trusted the plastic fenders. There is a 3-4" crack next to the metal support inside the right fender. I noticed that both of my fenders have a lot of downward pressure and the back of the right fender was warped. The bracket on the back of the right fender that bolts to the bottom of the ROPS under the fuel tank was pulling the plastic fender about 1/2" inward which is placing stress on the area around the metal support. I also found an issue with how the fender contacts the fuel tank. My fuel tank extends beyound the ROPS on both sides about 1/4" which also pushes down on the top of the fenders. This pushes the top of the fender out further than the lower portion of the fender. I believe this is causing a lot of stress on the plastic. I think my fender just cracked during the last snow removal session when the temp was around 15 outside. I do rest my arms against the handles while plowing snow so the cold temp may have caused the plastic to crack instead of flex.

I am planning on plastic welding the underside of the fenders, adding metal to both sides of the metal supposrts, add rubber washers in the same area, and place an additional bracket under both fenders for additional support. Also, I am thinking abuot adding a bracket to the top of the fender and welding it to the ROPS for even more support. I will post pictures once I start.

I am really upset with this issue. I plan on buying one more tractor before I retire and I may not even give NH consideration.

Kevin Hansen · Dec 4, 2018

I have a 2005 TC40A, that I bought a few years back. Researching before I bought the tractor I was aware of the cracking issue (and expensive replacements). Mine had very badly cracked fenders when I bought it. I have used and perhaps abused this tractor, especially digging a few stands of Autumn Olive. This took further toll on the fenders. Decided to tackle my idea of metal fenders, so this fall I got together with a friend who has a plasma table, and he is a good designer and welder. We put our heads together and made new fenders out of 12 and 14 gauge steel. When you grab the hand rail to get on, there is no movement of the fender or deck. Turned out very nice I think. You will also notice in the pics that I moved the tail lights to inside the ROPS because I was tired of knocking off the lights when plowing through the autumn olive.

thclimer · Dec 4, 2018

That is very nice replacement. Looks terrific!

You and your friend may have found a business opportunity if you can fab them for a reasonable cost.

LS Tractor Owner · Dec 4, 2018

NICE JOB! Those look waaayyy better than stock!

ryantowry81 · Dec 5, 2018

those metal fenders look really good! nice work. my 07 tc40da also has cracked fenders. my plan is to rivet some patch panels under the braces over the cracks and try and fab some additional supports to help make them survive. I am not easy on mine either clearing brush so I know at some point I am going to knock them around.