Increased the airflow through my BX hood the other day...

[dschad]

Hi all,

Thanks this site I purchased a BX24 a few months back, and I have just over 60 hours on it. Unfortunately while moving an engine hoist in my FEL I was concentrating too much on not having it fall forward, and went a bit too far back and ended up giving my hood a little love pat. The result - a rather large hole just over the left headlight. I figured it had to happen sometime, but now I don't want to have to worry about the weather getting under the hood.

So my question - anyone know what type of plastic the hoods are made of? I figure that I'll need to weld it, although I'd rather use some sort of glue/epoxy if that will stick to the plastic.

It's kind of a shame - in 5 or 10 years there will be a lot of "naked" BX tractors on ebay - no hoods, no fenders. Even fiberglass would be better - easily fixed.

Any thoughts on the type and/or appropriate methods to fix the BX24 hood will be greatly appreciated! What type of plastic is it? Anyone had any luck welding or glueing? (And yes, I already though of duct-tape)...

Thanks in advance,

Don

 

[dannydan3]

Wow, they're plastic now? My 2200 has metal, no holes yet. I know that J.B. Weld will stick, but it's such an expensive machine, I would get a new one. You can save your old one for use with your FEL...

 

[Danno1]

.

Don,

Get some Devcon Plastic Welder (epoxy) at WallyWorld. Mix it in small batches, it has a very short pot life, just a few minutes really. BTW, it's made in the USA too!

If you need a patch you can use polycarbonate (Lexan) or PVC sheet. Avail fr McMaster-Carr or procure locally. Both will take paint after sanding.

.

 

[rdsaustintx]

I would put an after-market hot rodder hood scoop on it.

No kidding. Really. I would. Bondo it up nice and freak-out the tractor buffs.

To get it back like new just replace it. 4 bolts and it never happened.

 

[Skyco]

According to a search I just did the hood is only $162. Yup- high but then less than I might have guessed....
Part number- K2581-54110 K2581-54110 Kubota BONNET, UPPER

I suppose if it happened to me I'd be really really ticked at myself....then buy the dang hood, er excuse me- bonnet

 

[dschad]

I called my dealer today (to request my new seat), and asked about the price. I too was surprised that it was relatively cheap. I was quoted $177, but I was expecting $300-$400. I figure that I'll have a repeat performance at some point (perhaps different actors, but the same result), so I think I'll keep patching it up (I'll try the recommended epoxy) for a while if I can get the patches to stick. That'll give it character. And perhaps I can build a scoop...

Thanks for the info all,

don

 

[66gladiator]

I've got a slightly scratched hood we took off a new BX24 that I will sell you for $85 plus freight. I'll get a pic of it and post it up.

 

[Greenfield Dave]

An old welder friend of mine has a famous quote for such an occasion,

"Costs money to go to school!"

In this case, sounds like $162.00...

Sh!* happens...Let it roll off of you, but learn..

 

[fishpick]

Tell your dealer you were worried about the floorboards cracking - so you stood on the hood instead... since that's not EXPLICITLY listed in the manual as something not to do - you should be all set for a free hood...

 

[RobJ]

Sh!* happens...Let it roll off of you, but learn..

Just leave it, it'll be a constant reminder of what not to do. I mean we are talking about a tractor.