Top link breakage

Bayrat · Feb 3, 2002

I would like to see some opinions regarding that 2710-2910 link breakage.I just went out and looked at the steel in the top link mounting bracket again and tried to imagine what amount of force it would take to break it. What I am assuming, is that one individual has had one break. I also assume that somehow there was a tremendous force applied to the bracket. From what I have gleened off of the posts on the subject, the bolts pull or break from the casting necessitating replacement, is that correct? Is there more than one instance of this happening out there? I will replace mine if it is a design defect and Kubota won't stand behind it. In the meantime, I look forward to hearing about some personal experiences with it. I would like to see a picture of the broken ones posted as well! I plan on e-mailing Kubota about it just to see what they say. Thanks to all /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif!

rbargeron · Feb 3, 2002

I believe the major concern is breakage of the main tractor housing where the bolts thread into it. The bolts and steel brackets are cheap to replace, the housing is extremely expensive (requires complete disassembly of the tractor). The heavy duty top link bracket spreads the load out over a bigger area of the housing - so the fiscal catastrophe is less likely. Cheap insurance if you use a back blade or other attachment where the tractor's inertia can smack the top link.

Bayrat · Feb 3, 2002

I'm certainly not doubting that it would be expensive, I just find it hard to believe that Kubota, with all the B series tractors out there, would not replace that part themselves if it is causing such catastrophic damage to the tractor when an object is struck with an implement. Look at all the heat Deere has taken for not admitting to the scuffing problem. They did since make it right, but it severly damaged their reputation.

kubmech · Feb 3, 2002

Under the right circumstances,<font color=red>THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU</font color=red>.
This is a picture borrowed from JD Owning/Operating, It's not just Kubota's problem.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=jdown&Number=84234&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=>http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=jdown&Number=84234&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=</A>

kubmech · Feb 3, 2002

I geuss I can't put two links that work in one post, here's another one, there's two more, about where these came from.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=jdown&Number=83645&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=>http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=jdown&Number=83645&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=</A>

Bayrat · Feb 3, 2002

Although it is difficult to picture the relationship to the rest of the machine here, I get the idea. I went to the link you posted, is that a 4300?

kubmech · Feb 3, 2002

Yes, 4300, basically that hole in the housing is where the top link brackets used to be.

Bayrat · Feb 3, 2002

I see it now. That is not only amazing, it is unbelievable that these tractor manufacturers would make something so flimsy.

Youare · Feb 3, 2002

Since this topic surfaced last week or so I called a couple of dealers about the HD link for the Kubota L3000 I have. I got several different reactions, all the way from you probably don't need that unless you are operating a backhoe to, maybe that would be a good idea since you are using a winch which can put the same forces on the top link as a backhoe would.

This weekend while at an Expo where several different tractors were on display I paid special attention to each different model tractor. Some tractors had a very light duty top link, others had a substantial looking mount.

None of the dealers in this area had a HD top link mount in stock, so I ordered one.

Once agin had it not been for this board I would not have known about this option unless it was from a bad experience.

Randy

john_bud · Feb 3, 2002

Yo Kubmech,

What is the Part Number for the HD bracket for the L3410? My dealer has a difficult time finding esoteric parts, but can order stuff just fine!

Thanks!,
John Bud