Plastic versus Metal

[Boondox]

The only negative I saw was an encounter between a 4300 plastic fender and a branch at minus 25 degrees. The plastic shattered pretty badly. On the other hand, metal would have gotten scrunched...and in warmer climes the plastic probably would have come through with just a scratch.

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

 

[MChalkley]

Harv - If you look carefully at the pictures of the EF-5 in the "Goodbye Kubota, Hello EarthForce" thread, you'll notice that the fenders are plastic - thus the custom cup shelf I'm having D&E Mfg make, which caused the guy at D&E to write the poem. So, as you can see, there are some advantages to plastic fenders which aren't immediately apparent... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

When I first looked at the plastic fenders on the EF-5, my initial reaction was to plan to rip them off as soon as I get it and put some real metal ones on it. But, after thinking about it a while, I've decided to give them a chance. I'll leave 'em on until they get ripped off by wear and tear, then replace them with some plate steel ones. Who knows? Maybe they'll never have to be retired, if they're as tough as the JD owners say theirs are.

MarkC

 

[Harv]

<font color=blue>the fenders are plastic - thus the custom cup shelf</font color=blue>

Sure, now you'll be constrained to carrying your cup in one specific place instead of anywhere on your tractor. Okay, so I usually carry mine on the same spot on the fender all the time, but it's knowing that I could stick it anywhere that makes the difference. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

What's that? I can stick it where? /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

I'm sure a bunch of us are looking forward to your actual field tests with this [alleged] machine you've been bragging about. I guess the plastic parts will be of increased interest now. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I suppose you could always replace your cup magnets with a big wad o' chewing gum to get the same versatility you had before. If you really wanted to. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[JATO_RaT]

John, when your doing that kinda serious brush and bush hogging, I'm sure you need the plastic bush hog. Does Brown make a plastic version and if so, is it lighter, cheaper? Hehehe, Rat...

 

[MChalkley]

Harv - You can, and should, stick it where you always stick it. It has to go in the same place all the time so you can instinctively reach for it in emergency situations. Also, safety dictates that you not take your eyes off what you're doing in order to reach for it. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

"Alleged" is a good word for the EF-5 - at this point, I have no evidence that they really exist, either. Well, I did drive one in SC, but I sure haven't seen mine...

MarkC

 

[GaryK]

Dents and dings are what add character.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Ah............. you have the Yanmar metal hood and fenders...

You are so right... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Space Age Materials...

Hi Mark...

First wanted to revive this interesting thread...

Then... wanted to see how you like your plastic/hi-tech fenders on the EarthForce... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Third... when is Kubota gonna join the crowd and go hi-tech plastic... {maybe that will get somebody's attention /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif}

 

[MChalkley]

Ever subtle as the proverbial flying mallet, eh John? /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

So far, there's no problem with the plastic fenders on the EF-5. I don't like them, personally, but I can't say I have any valid basis for that feeling.

I'll be interested to watch Kubota's actions on the "Hi-Tech" materials front, too. Not to mention the reactions of the Kubota faithful. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Thomas]

I for one wouldn't want plastic fender,for zig zaging around trees it would be a matter of time before a crank started.
Remember when Kubota had the plastic hoods,and the sun etc.. faded the hoods kinda orangeish while the rest of the tractor stay its normal color. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif