Is this acceptable quality on a brand new Kubota?

[BANDAMAN]

Any update from the dealer?

I was in contact with both my dealer and Kubota last week. Due to the holidays and certain people on vacation and such, things were slowed a bit, but I suspect action soon. I'll post up when I get resolution.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[JimMorrissey]

I just read this and don't really understand the response (get the drift though), but it doesn't bother me one bit. Wash and wax your tractor to your hearts delight.

Mine stays undercover, protected from the rain, snow and pine pitch. If it gets covered in mud, it gets hosed off. Sometimes the hood gets a wax. The machine looks great and I don't worry about it. I don't want to worry about it. I simply don't have the time or desire for that level of maintenance. Have at it.

 

[Botabill]

Originally Posted by JOHNTHOMAS
...The Kubotas, struck me as the same design tractors that were offered in the 70's. To each his own.

I've been trying to find pictures of a 70's B2x20 series Kubota but I must be looking in the wrong places. I'd like to compare that 70's design to that of my 2008. Can you help me with any links... you know, just for comparison?

7th Angel

I have issue #18 of Harrowsmith printed in 1979. In it is a full page Kubota ad showing the 5 models they offered in Canada at the time. They range from 14 to 30 HP. None of them look much like todays models except they are orange. I can't make out the quality of the welds on them of course. No B2x20s. The closest in HP was the L245 D.T. at 25 HP. The only tractor larger than the L245 was the 30 HP L 295. The B6100 and the B7100 are 14 and 16 HP respectively. All look like pretty basic machines. Not sure if they even have a cup holder on them. The ad says Kubota entered the Canadian market in 1972.

 

[Mustangous]

I have issue #18 of Harrowsmith printed in 1979. In it is a full page Kubota ad showing the 5 models they offered in Canada at the time. They range from 14 to 30 HP. None of them look much like todays models except they are orange. I can't make out the quality of the welds on them of course. No B2x20s. The closest in HP was the L245 D.T. at 25 HP. The only tractor larger than the L245 was the 30 HP L 295. The B6100 and the B7100 are 14 and 16 HP respectively. All look like pretty basic machines. Not sure if they even have a cup holder on them. The ad says Kubota entered the Canadian market in 1972.

Very cool... I have been trying to look up the older kubotas and its very hard to come across them...

 

[Tollster]

It seems to me that with almost every new Kubota model, the quality is not as good as the last model. Maybe its just me, but I took notice after I got my BX 23, soon after the BX 24 came out and I could not help but to take a look, I noticed the control panel on the BH was not nearly as stout as my 23, not to mention the amount of plastic. Who can forget the plastic floor boards that cracked when you climb on the rig? And those welds on your rig look cobbled together with coathangers from 30' feet away. Very sad for the welder, and even worse for the QC inspector that bought em off.
I have been a welding inspector for 22 years, and all I can say is we better not start building nukes here in the USA, as we will never fill the positions with quality personel, it will be the "Git Her done" crowd with little interest in anything but their payrole checks.

 

[copperhead1967]

Weld splatter is poor QC, I've seen better quality on Matchbox cars than that.
My BX22 has nothing that looks like that as far a weld quality. Fire the QC guy and hire a couple guys to debur the welds before you send the piece off to paint. Maybe the regular guy called off that day.

 

[escavader]

It seems to me that with almost every new Kubota model, the quality is not as good as the last model. Maybe its just me, but I took notice after I got my BX 23, soon after the BX 24 came out and I could not help but to take a look, I noticed the control panel on the BH was not nearly as stout as my 23, not to mention the amount of plastic. Who can forget the plastic floor boards that cracked when you climb on the rig? And those welds on your rig look cobbled together with coathangers from 30' feet away. Very sad for the welder, and even worse for the QC inspector that bought em off.
I have been a welding inspector for 22 years, and all I can say is we better not start building nukes here in the USA, as we will never fill the positions with quality personel, it will be the "Git Her done" crowd with little interest in anything but their payrole checks.

Noticed the same thing.I was disappointed KUBOTA came out with the curved loader arms and back hoe ,and cheapened the 24 up with all the plastic.I hope they go back to metal partsif i decide to trade up someday,or i might be switching colors.
ALAN

 

[EE_Bota]

When I saw the last set of pictures, I couldn't help but chuckle....
Two things popped into my head simultaneously
1)That'll shut 'em up (nobody would want those welds, if for no other reason corrosion and risk of cutting yourself)
2)Why didn't you say so! (if those pictures were shown first, few would razz you about your desire to have a different loader...I realize you probably didn't have those photos earlier...no sweat!)

Until I saw the second set of pictures, I was thinking you should ask for an extended warranty on the entire tractor to make you feel more secure about the entire build and durability of your new tractor. But after I saw the last pics, I knew you will never be happy with your purchase as long as that loader is a part of the deal. Well maybe if they traded you even for your older, well loved, lightly used tractor....maybe...

I'm in the same boat as you were BEFORE your trade. I have a nice BX (not as nice as your old one) and I have been pricing an upgrade to a new model.
I'm not going to let go of the cash until/unless you are satisfied with your deal.

There are plenty of nice SCUT's on the market, and although I have preferred Kubota, I would not like to feel like you have been feeling since your purchase, and if they don't care about your satisfaction, will it be any different for me? If my deal went bad before I read your post, I would feel cheated. But after reading (forewarned) I would feel STUPID and cheated.

I think Kubota still makes a good product, and I believe they do care about your satisfaction, and I predict that you will get an apology, and a new loader. If I am wrong, I will keep my current equipment several more years, and take a look at other brands then. I was in heat for a new Kubota, and this incident has "cooled my jets."

 

[chinawall]

I feel your pain. Hope ZZ doesn't see your comments.
Good luck with it's performance!

 

[E_Sanborn]

.. post these close-ups for a few of the guys that think I am a nut-job. Perfect is not what I am after here, strong, good looking, and free of corrosion trapping holes is all I need.

Wow. That's good material for an "unacceptable welding" poster at a QA station at the Kubota, GA factory.

I think some who felt that you were being unreasonable or prissy might have had a different opinion if these shots were posted earlier in the thread. The preliminary pix were of sloppy, low-quality welds, but the earlier pix did not necessarily depict defective welds.

These welds are not acceptable for their intended use, and some are not just cosmetically poor, but appear to be structurally deficient.

I do think that you weaken your case with Kubota if you elaborate on your other concerns about the paint and grease. Those are dealer performance issues, and I think they will dilute your substantial case for defective weldments. Some who are in a position to make decisions regarding your case at Kubota may be negatively influenced in your case re: the loader if you even mention those other issues, it's just human nature.