New Brackets for Woods BH80-X sub-frame

vic4news · Jun 3, 2008

I noticed that the new Woods BH80-X sub-frames for the Kubota B3030 have an additional mounting bracket that the old sub-frame didn't have.
Since the bolts that attach the sub-frame to the rear axle sometimes work their way loose, even with lock-tight, I figured the extra mounting point would help.

I ordered the new brackets from Woods and decided to weld them to the sub-frame, since my sub-frame didn't have the required mounting holes, and welding is much more fun than drilling holes.

Here are some clickable thumbnails of the work.

The first one shows one side done, with the new bracket for the other sitting on the ground.
The frame looks a lot more solid with the new bracket.

Here is the new bracket bolted to the tractor and tack welded.

Now I've taken the sub-frame off so that I can weld on the bracket.

Here is the bracket welded on and painted.

All back together now.

Here is one using the hoe after the new brackets were installed. It feels nice and solid.

Vic

MJPetersen · Jun 3, 2008

Good Job Vic,

You are right--it does look a lot stronger and more stable. It would take out any flex that might develop in the plate. It is interesting to me that Woods has all the weight carried by the two pins. The bottom just hod it in line.

Mike

hazmat · Jun 10, 2008

Nice work Vic - I'm considering the mod myself.

Did you get the brackets from Woods direct or through a dealer?

P/N? Cost?

I don't have a a welder (I really should get one) - is drilling and bolting feasible?

vic4news · Jun 10, 2008

hazmat said:
Nice work Vic - I'm considering the mod myself.

Did you get the brackets from Woods direct or through a dealer?

P/N? Cost?

I don't have a a welder (I really should get one) - is drilling and bolting feasible?

I emailed woods and they sent me the parts. I told them that this was for subframe kit 1014301 which I purchased new last year.
The new part is #1026908 Rops Bracket(s). They also sent the mounting bolts and washers.
They didn't charge me for the parts.

You can download the updated manual for the hoe from the woods website. It has all the part numbers and torque values for the new bolts. The new sub-frame from woods has the extra holes in the sub-frame so that the brackets bolt right up.

I think trying to drill new holes would be a lot harder than welding because you have three holes in each side to do and you would want them
drilled in exactly the right spots, and that means getting them centered.

If you were to try to drill new holes in the sub-frame, you would want to mount the bracket to the rops and tighten everything down.
You would need to clamp the brackets to the frame so that you could remove the frame and mark the center of each hole.

I like having them welded because that is six less bolts that may loosen up.
Perhaps, Chappell Tractor could swap sub-frames with you or even weld up the new brackets.

Vic

vic4news · Jun 10, 2008

MJPetersen said:
It is interesting to me that Woods has all the weight carried by the two pins. The bottom just hod it in line.

Mike

I agree. It seems like a lot of force on the two top bolts, but it certainly seems
strong. I have to be careful not to lift the front on the tractor when digging out
stumps.

Vic