5030
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2003
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- 26,986
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- Kubota M9000 HDCC3 M9000 HDC
Perspective being is that any manufacturer will use the least expensive material for fabrication purposes. There are at least 50 different grades of stainless, the cheaper grades are more prone to cracking as they are more brittle. Mounting lights on the ROPS amplifies the vibration problem from the inherent vibrations being produced by the motor. That's why the internal parts of J.W. Speaker lights are encased in a synthetic rubber, just to dampen that vibration. The actual mount, whether stainless or mild steel will be prone to vibration fatigue, it's just that mild steel has more elasticity than a more brittle stainless. I could get really techinical and include the ASTM specs for various grades of stainless versus mild steel for hardness and elasticity as pertaining to fatigue, but it is not germane to this discussion. The important point is that in general, a stainless mount, while virtually maintenance free, is more prone to cracking that a mild steel one.