What is Kubota doing about the broken plastic fenders?

[Buster57]

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:

1. Notify owners of a known problem and offer them a kit to PREVENT an unnecessary failure.
2. 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

Mike V you are 100% on target.

What gets my goat is the inconsistency with the BX and other Kubota products. Because I buy a BX, vs a Grand L, I get bad quality. This is my experience. The Grand L had Zero problems. I was spoiled. The BX has every detail- - missing. All the way down to the way no human can read the tachometer. Why even have it on the tractor?

As far as a minor replacement of the fender-the warranty specifically indicates that if something is broken due to manufacturers defect, once the dealer is notified you better not use the tractor before it is repaired because any damage beyond the discovery may be on your dime. If you continue to use it, and the crack in the fender causes something else to break, you are liable. This means you are at the mercy of the availability of the fender and or the scheduling of the dealer. I had to wait two weeks during prime season time. I almost had to rent a New Holland.

Big deal-you bet it is a big deal.

 

[Singlecoil]

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.

Could you please give us a brief description of what is involved/what tools are required for doing this? I just snapped mine yesterday and it is a LONG way from my dealer. What components do you have to remove to replace the fender?

Thanks.

 

[kevinj]

Could you please give us a brief description of what is involved/what tools are required for doing this? I just snapped mine yesterday and it is a LONG way from my dealer. What components do you have to remove to replace the fender?

Thanks.

All you need are basic hand tools (metric of course). I have air tools which makes the work a bit faster but many of the bolts should be hand wrenched anyway.

You need to remove the pedals, batery cover, hydraulic cover, seat, lever knobs, ROPS, floor pan, a couple handle bolts from the bottom, light wires, and it lifts right off. All the stuff from the old fender transfers to the new one. Just be sure they order the "4WD" emblem as they do not come on the new one.

My dealer called last week after the dealer meeting and I did not get the new fender, Kubota does not know what happened so I get to change it again when the right one comes in. Also he said that there is a support bracket in the works so I am waiting to change the fender, but he has no more info on the bracket at this time.

 

[Singlecoil]

Thanks, KevinJ! Looks like I'll be tackling that one in a couple of weeks when the fender arrives.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Just an FYI, the actual part numbers for the new fenders where given to dealers about a week ago. They are now taking orders for and should be shipping the corrected fender and cover infont the of the battery.

 

[NoviceguyInCT]

"I am a bit confused about the tone here? Other than a cracking fender there is not much to complain about with the new BX's. With the old ones it was an air filter strap and a crappy hood latch, now its a fender - which is being fixed. Its been a really good machine in my mind."

1) Reverse is so abrupt that you can pull the front end off the ground if you release it too quickly. Not as bad with a FEL, but on a steep hill it can be unsafe.
2) Crappy hood release-still not fixed.
3) Air screen or battery screen-what ever it is-the big one in front of your knees will not fit flush. Very tempted to duck tape the screen to the tractor-that will look professional won't it?
4) Cracked fender on left side.
I never had a single problem with my L3010. Kubota owners expect more-and this should be interpreted as a good thing. But in response the expectation has to be met.

I totally agree with you Buster57 I hope Kubota stands behind their product and replaces these fenders for ALL BX24 owners, not just the ones that have cracked fenders. My hood latch sucks too and the hood doesn't close properly and is off center. The air screen/battery screen thingy on mine didn't fit either. Take it off (the one large nut facing you) and while it's off bend it together slightly and reinstall. This fixed mine perfectly.
I also can't read my tach/hour meter any longer as the digital display has faded.

 

[PJL]

Just an FYI, the actual part numbers for the new fenders where given to dealers about a week ago. They are now taking orders for and should be shipping the corrected fender and cover infont the of the battery.

Messick,
Are dealers replacing all BX24 fenders, regardless of whether or not the fender is currently cracked, or must the fender actually crack during the 2 year warranty period?

BTW - I appreciate you continually offering dealer insight to the forum. I only wish I was located closer to your company so I could buy from you.

 

[Singlecoil]

BTW - I appreciate you continually offering dealer insight to the forum. I only wish I was located closer to your company so I could buy from you.

I strongly second that opinion!

 

[Berniep]

I strongly second that opinion!

Third!

 

[c-and-a]

After reading and re-reading these posts - I promised myself I would be "gentle" on my 2350 with less than 20hrs on it...

Today - in the middle of a moving/lifting/hauling etc...my fender cracked in all directions...up, down and across the platform. At just over 200lbs and being overly cautious, I cannot believe this design made it out of the factory...

Calling dealer tomorrow...

Curt