Protecting underside of 3430??

[DavidVT]

Hello,
I have been working a stump filled field, slowly working it back to a grass field for horses. I am concerned, having looked under my new tractor, regarding the ability to hit and maybe damage expensive parts under the tractor on these stumps.

Anyone have plans for or sell a protective plate(s) so as to lower my anxiety a bit?

For example, I notice a fragile looking brass plug with a spring loaded pin the size of a ball point pen is the lowest point under the tractor. Surely crawling this over a stump would be a problem.....

Thanks for any thoughts on this,
David

 

[AntrimMan]

David, this first bit is not about belly pans, I've been meaning to send this since first reading of your earlier tractors untimely demise. I live on a winding and hilly country road similar to that shown in those pics you posted. When I plow snow I must push it across the road because my 10 foot wide drive is cut through a seven foot high bank at the roadside, there is a small hill between my house and the road. When at all possible I wait until it is dark so I can see the headlights of approaching cars illuminating the trees and then I head back in the driveway to avoid them while they pass. Just trying to offer a little help.

The belly pan is a very good idea, I though about one also. I haven't seen any offered as standard or aftermarket so it will be most likely a custom item. Hanging one part from the bh subframe is easy but how to protect the engine oil pan is not so straightforward. Would you connect to the grill guard in the front and the subframe at the rear? Maybe across the subframe as part 1 and then as part 2, from the grill gard to part 1? It would need to be substantial to resist impact over such a long distance. I think keeping the bucket close to the ground will protect when traveling forward and then perhaps a simple blade hanging from the subframe for the reverse motion. But then if the machine sinks when over an obstacle it would be bad so a skid plate is still a better idea.
Best of luck with your newest tractor,
Martin

 

[JLoaf]

I broke my hydraulic filter and mount off while clearing brush last fall. Fortunately I heard it break and looked down to see the filter on the ground. I shut off the tractor then and there. I left it there till I got new parts and UDT.

That episode has led me thinking of the same thing.
I saw where someone posted pictures of a homemade belly plate on TBN. I can't remember where /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif?
You'd think Kubota would come up with something.

I'll let you know if I find it.

 

[Bobm]

David - belly pans can be very cheap insurance when working in the woods or around stumps and rocks. Yep, you're correct... that brass plug is fragile, as is the hydraulic filter, brake and other linkage, etc. I tore my complete backhoe front mount off on a red oak stump not too many years ago... and I knew the blasted stump was there!

Try http://www.addingtonequipment.com/guards.html for a few good ideas..

 

[JLoaf]

I found this:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/4770

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthreaded.php/Board/custom/Number/453225

You might do a search for "skid plate"?

Hope this helps.

 

[JeffRey30747]

My uncle has had problems two times with damage to the underside of his L3130HST. Our plans are to cut a piece of sheet steel to the size and shape we need and then use square u-bolts like those used to attach trailer axles to bolt the pan to the underside of the loader frame. We may have to cut a few strategically placed holes so that the access is there for service but I think it will work out well.

Jeff