New grill guard project on RK55HC

[gunny0628]

After watching a branch almost javelin the front grill I thought it needed something a little more heavy duty.

BEFORE


AFTER




Let me know your thoughts. It’s welded, and the top round pieces are PVC because the top and bottom edges were sharp.

Bill

 

[snymat68]

Nice!

Thought: Instead of PVC, what if you used a length of thin-wall steel tubing? You could put it in the vice and cut a slot with a cut-off wheel in an angle grinder. Then slip it over the same way the PVC is and tack it in place. Or for that matter, you could just use a piece of solid round bar and tack it across the tops. Just thinking out loud for a more robust edge.

 

[Ford850]

It looks good. Did you buy the expanded metal, welding supplies, PVC, and paint at your RK store too? Not many tractor dealers can offer that!

 

[gunny0628]

Nice!

Thought: Instead of PVC, what if you used a length of thin-wall steel tubing? You could put it in the vice and cut a slot with a cut-off wheel in an angle grinder. Then slip it over the same way the PVC is and tack it in place. Or for that matter, you could just use a piece of solid round bar and tack it across the tops. Just thinking out loud for a more robust edge.

Thought of both of those. Which I like. I botched the PVC the same way as the thin wall steel tubing would have been. I could’ve tacked the expanded metal right to the frame. Not really sure why I chose the PVC, quicker and I’m battling a cold in July? I may go back and tack it up or see how this holds up.

 

[gunny0628]

It looks good. Did you buy the expanded metal, welding supplies, PVC, and paint at your RK store too? Not many tractor dealers can offer that!

Hah! Right! I bought the metal at a local farm supply place closer to my house. The paint at ACE hardware, also closer. And the welder, it’s an EVERLAST 210ext.

I know you didn’t really care where I bought the stuff. But decided to answer anyway.

 

[YLee Kioti]

Nice job.
I did the same thing. Went to a welding shop and got a 10ga. X-panded metal piece cut to my specs and cheaper then a box store, plus 1/4 in. x 1/2 inch wide flat bar to bolt mine on. Don't have a welder.
After clearing out about 2 acres of decayed mesquite and oaks the grill look battle tested and held up well.

You will really be glad you got that little beauty mounted up! :thumbsup:
I did not install a top guard like you speak of, though it can use it. But the top is cut to short to add a piece.
Will have to warn the dealer mechanic when he does the valve lash check at the 400 hour mark...lol.

Thanks for the pics....looks like good ol fashion OCD kindah guy work....lol.... :laughing:

 

[TripleR]

My brother put guards on my 5740 and 8540; used angle iron and expanded metal to cover a bit more. ovrszd made a real nice one for his M9540.

 

[gunny0628]

Yeah I though about making my own large grill/brush guard. But decided not to get too carried away.

 

[Qapla]

Looks nice - looking forward to checking it out

 

[Bud Soda]

I you don't like the PVC you could 1/2" fuel or vacuum line. Sprayer hose, etc.