Loader I think I really messed up new tractor

NCCrestonMtn · Jan 2, 2012

I tried to pic up a tree with my grapple that was apparently to heavy for my loader. It was about 30ft. I just wanted to pic one end up to make the sawing a little easier. I got it up to high...picked the tree up. It rocked a little then the right side loader quick connect popped off the grapple. The loader is pretty bent up. Take a look at the pictures and let me know if the tractor needs to go back to the dealer.

Put a damper on the weekend!

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Mousefield · Jan 2, 2012

First post and with pics.:thumbsup:
Sorry it is about a problem, bit of a bummer. I suggest you talk to your dealer about having them look at it.

JJZ 109 · Jan 2, 2012

That one side is sure a twisted sister now. Does it look like the ram bent any?
It sure would be nice if it didn't do a whole lot to that lift arm. If the arm is out of whack I hope you'll be lucky enough to get it straightened somehow without getting into to much $$$.
Let us know how you make out. Guys here like updates! You never know when one of us can be next.

kevinj · Jan 2, 2012

when you get it straight be sure to check the grapple fit. It must not be correct or it would have stayed on.

NCCrestonMtn · Jan 2, 2012

It looks like it is a fairly simple job to remove the quick attach from the loader arms. Is this a one man job?

the6shooter · Jan 2, 2012

It looks more like the QA is what is bent, not the loader arm, (from the pic)
Kind of looks like repacing the QA with a new one would do the trick. That I would do anyway. with the damage on the QA, I would never trust again.
david

Code54 · Jan 2, 2012

Sorry to hear that - did you have any issues with the grapple fitting loosely in the past?
If we may - what tractor was this on and what kind of grapple? I am going to check my grapple closely next time I get it out to make sure of the fit. While we all feel bad this happen we can thank you for mentioning it so we can all learn from it.
As for the repairs - I would put the tractor on a flat surface and take measurements from the QA back, up the loader arms on both sides, etc, and make sure the loader is square - if the arms are you are set. It does look like you may need to replace the QA but if that is all that is damaged at least that makes it less expensive and much easier to repair.

Code54 · Jan 2, 2012

Sorry to hear that - did you have any issues with the grapple fitting loosely in the past?
If we may - what tractor was this on and what kind of grapple? I am going to check my grapple closely next time I get it out to make sure of the fit. While we all feel bad this happen we can thank you for mentioning it so we can all learn from it.
As for the repairs - I would put the tractor on a flat surface and take measurements from the QA back, up the loader arms on both sides, etc, and make sure the loader is square - if the arms are you are set. It does look like you may need to replace the QA but if that is all that is damaged at least that makes it less expensive and much easier to repair.

grsthegreat · Jan 2, 2012

actually the pictures are too small to see any real details.....but if its whaqt i think it is its a pretty easy fix. can you post some higher resolution pics....

teg · Jan 2, 2012

Is this a new tractor? Is it insured with the kubota insurance, KTAC?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...80-ktac-insurance-agency-kubota-endorsed.html

It covers all sort of stuff... just an option if you have it.

Martian · Jan 2, 2012

These are very small pics but from what I see the loader itself is not damaged, only the QA system, as others have mentioned. This is a difference between $3,000-$4,000 and $300-$400. All that would have to happen is pull the pins and put a new QA system on.

My guess to what happened is you forgot to put the QA lever down and it came off or it raddled out of position. This shouldn't have happened though and if you have a good dealer (or the Kubota insurance) you won't be paying anything:thumbsup:

tony Cecil · Jan 2, 2012

This looks like what happened to my tractor.....I was told it bent (torqued) the tube that connects both sides to the front end loader...

The cost to repair was four hundred fifty dollars....I couldn`t see where the machine shop cut the tube and re welded, as they are a very good machine shop....I`m sure if you get involved personally and take it to a competent machine shop you would save some money...I had to pay for the transportation and profit for the dealer who did the details.....Tony

dex3361 · Jan 2, 2012

Welcome to TBN. Well that sure ruined your day. Take some better pics so we can all see a little better. I would check with Kubota Tractor Insurance they may very well cover this. If they do not cover this you may be able to cut the torque tube, realign the quick hitch and then weld it back.

grsthegreat · Jan 2, 2012

MartianTractorMan said:
These are very small pics but from what I see the loader itself is not damaged, only the QA system, as others have mentioned. This is a difference between $3,000-$4,000 and $300-$400. All that would have to happen is pull the pins and put a new QA system on.

My guess to what happened is you forgot to put the QA lever down and it came off or it raddled out of position. This shouldn't have happened though and if you have a good dealer (or the Kubota insurance) you won't be paying anything:thumbsup:

i dont think the amount of damage would even exceed the deductible on any insurance. More than likely if the QA is damaged it could be straightened and strengthened pretty cheaply.

it almost looks like you could just straighten it out without any major effort at all. I have had one side contract more than the other side on other tractors before, and all i had to do as fully retract both sides to level it out..even if a little brute force was necessary.

then again, i might revise this thought if i could see better details.

Hooked_on_HP · Jan 2, 2012

If you bought the tractor and grapple from the dealer and it came unhooked because of a loose fit I think the dealer is responsible for the repair. There have been a lot of posts about quick attaches not matching up properly. The end result is what happened to you. When you get it repaired check the rest of your attachments fit propperly.
Bill

mcd176 · Jan 2, 2012

First of all Welcome to TBN, I am sorry for your misfortune. I agree with some of the others, before I did anything I would contact your dealer if you purchased the tractor and grapple from them, looks like a bad fit.

jcliburn · Jan 2, 2012

Same thing happened to me last February when my grapple detached on one side while clearing heavy brush. (One of the quick attach pins came unlatched when a limb hit the latch arm.) The tube that connects the two SSQA plates got bent as a result of the uneven load.

I cut the tube in two places, then fully curled the SSQA to ensure the plates were inline, then welded the tube back together. Nary a problem since then.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/195968-everybody-loves-guessing-game-3.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/196125-ssqa-frame-repair.html

Redneck in training · Jan 2, 2012

I would just twist the QA the other way. I would use the tractor hydraulics to do so. I would put a stop on the left cylinder so it could stay few inches extended and then curl up. Alternatively you could chain the right cyclinder to prevent it extend and curl down. It should twist the QA straight. The QA is not torsionally too stiff as the strength is provided by whatever is attached to it.

jcliburn · Jan 2, 2012

Redneck in training said:
I would just twist the QA the other way. I would use the tractor hydraulics to do so. I would put a stop on the left cylinder so it could stay few inches extended and then curl up. Alternatively you could chain the right cyclinder to prevent it extend and curl down. It should twist the QA straight. The QA is not torsionally too stiff as the strength is provided by whatever is attached to it.

None of that worked when it happened to me. Might work for the OP though...

NCCrestonMtn · Jan 2, 2012

The dealer I purchased both from has gone out of business. I do have the kubota insurance so I will have to check with them regarding coverage. Here are better picks. I really appreciate all the great input.