What is Kubota doing about the broken plastic fenders?

Charliebrn · Sep 23, 2006

Well, you may have a dog...you sure don't speak for me. I love my BX, and I've worked it hard.

But thats my point...they HAVE acknowledged the problem by redesigning the part and installing them under warranty. Thats what I expect a company to do. I agree that there are other issues besides the cracked fenders that some people have had issues with, mostly cosmetic things like that screen frame...and I expect they'll have a fix for that as well...

The truly important thing for me is the engine, tranny, controls...all of these have been solid performers considering the redesigns that took place. Nothing like the broken castings and wheels habitually coming off that other manufacturers have been known for...

And as far as that offer of a picture of that screen hinge...I'd love tosee it. My BX2350 screens have no hinges, so I'm curious about that...

Buster57 · Sep 23, 2006

Charliebrn said:
Well, you may have a dog...you sure don't speak for me. I love my BX, and I've worked it hard.

But thats my point...they HAVE acknowledged the problem by redesigning the part and installing them under warranty. Thats what I expect a company to do. I agree that there are other issues besides the cracked fenders that some people have had issues with, mostly cosmetic things like that screen frame...and I expect they'll have a fix for that as well...

The truly important thing for me is the engine, tranny, controls...all of these have been solid performers considering the redesigns that took place. Nothing like the broken castings and wheels habitually coming off that other manufacturers have been known for...

And as far as that offer of a picture of that screen hinge...I'd love tosee it. My BX2350 screens have no hinges, so I'm curious about that...

I speak for myself-never have claimed anything else. But I am a loyal Kubota owner, 2X.

I have not seen any new revs on the fenders. Do you have numbers that demonstrate a new revision? My dealer said they were still working on it(6 moths into the problem). They replaced them, but I expect this time consuming operation to repeat. And yes-there are other issues...

For the radiator screen, I will be more then happy to take a pic of the lack of fit and present it on TBN. It is awful.

Engine and drive train are not the only reason why I buy Kubota. If this was all I wanted in a car I would drive a Checker...

Charliebrn · Sep 23, 2006

well, if it's just a standard radiator screen, don't bother with a pic...the way you said it (radiator screen hinge) I thought maybe you had something different than mine.

I don't have a part number, haven't even had the problem...course that could change, I've only put a 100 hours on mine. I can only relate what I've read here. A few people here have mentioned a new design, so Kubota is working on it...so they obviously acknowledge the problem. You presented your argument as if Kubota was ignoring the issue, which is what I took you to task for.

Again, I agree that the cosmetics need fixing...I just don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater...

Buster57 · Sep 23, 2006

Charliebrn said:
well, if it's just a standard radiator screen, don't bother with a pic...the way you said it (radiator screen hinge) I thought maybe you had something different than mine.

I don't have a part number, haven't even had the problem...course that could change, I've only put a 100 hours on mine. I can only relate what I've read here. A few people here have mentioned a new design, so Kubota is working on it...so they obviously acknowledge the problem. You presented your argument as if Kubota was ignoring the issue, which is what I took you to task for.

Again, I agree that the cosmetics need fixing...I just don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater...

I have not seen any rev on the fenders or adjustment to the reverse gearing problem. Actions speak volumes about intention.

shownuff · Sep 23, 2006

maybe kubota should cut the price on these orange -lemons by a few grand.... like the old saying you get what you pay for, cheap price... cheap product.... any insiders know anything about the bx 25???

Ken_CT · Sep 23, 2006

Charliebrn said:
Again, I agree that the cosmetics need fixing...I just don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater...

I don't think a fender breaking is a cosmetic issue. What is going to happen when the weather gets cold? Will the plastic become more brittle? I am very happy with my BX23 but even that has a filter bracket issue which is definitely not cosmetic. I hope they fixed that on the 24.

kevinj · Sep 23, 2006

shownuff said:
i cant believe the quality control dept does nothing about these items. the dealer says that there is a kit in the works to fix the fenders but to replace them is a major job..... ..

I recently replaced my broken fender (warranty). It only takes a couple of hours. I guess that is major to some people. I would have five hours into two trips towing the tractor so I just replaced it myself.

Tang · Sep 23, 2006

kevinj said:
I recently replaced my broken fender (warranty). It only takes a couple of hours. I guess that is major to some people. I would have five hours into two trips towing the tractor so I just replaced it myself.

Was your replacement fender the redesigned version that is supposed to prevent the fender from breaking? If so, do you have any pictures?

Thanks,
Shane

kevinj · Sep 23, 2006

Tang said:
Was your replacement fender the redesigned version that is supposed to prevent the fender from breaking? If so, do you have any pictures?

Thanks,
Shane

IT IS SUPPOSED to be the new type. I can't see any difference. The dealer swears it is the replacement part # he got from Kubota so I will have to accept that for now. I did not take any pictures of the replacement.

Mike_V · Sep 23, 2006

Charliebrn said:
But thats my point...they HAVE acknowledged the problem by redesigning the part and installing them under warranty. Thats what I expect a company to do. ...

Sorry, Charliebrn, I don't that is good enough. Why should we have to tip-toe on a tractor, fearing that it might break? Who needs the inconvenience returning the tractor to the dealer for an unnecessary repair (one from a known defect), even under warranty. And beyond warranty, who should have to pay for repairing an obviously defective part?

This may also apply to the incredible repair costs to fix a broken fan, also reported here.

Here's what I'd expect a company like Kubota to do:

Notify owners of a known problem and offer them a kit to PREVENT an unnecessary failure.
EXTEND the warranty for such a widely reported defect as unusually weak fenders and the extreme cost of repairing a broken fan.

Kubota has established a good reputation and lots of loyal customers. If they lose that, they may find it would have been better to act proactively.

Mike