Buying Advice When did metal fenders stop?

[roger 4400]

Hi ! My new Massey ferguson 1643 ( 43 hp ) have metal fenders, not as thick as my old Oliver but it is steel.....Is steel better than plastic or fiberglass, I can't tell. Have a nice day.

 

[2720wes]

I don't know if you could say one is better than the other. I personally like plastic better. I think it stays looking better longer. The metal fenders, hood and side panels get dings and dents and rust but on the other hand a blow that puts a dent in metal my break the plastic and that can be expensive to repair.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I don't know if you could say one is better than the other. I personally like plastic better. I think it stays looking better longer. The metal fenders, hood and side panels get dings and dents and rust but on the other hand a blow that puts a dent in metal my break the plastic and that can be expensive to repair.

Glad you brought this up. If you want a fender to last a lifetime, withstand abuse, and be repairable in almost any circumstance you need steel. If you want it to look good plastic will do it for 10 or so years with reasonable ruggedness, but any real damage will be catastrophic. Replacement cost for the unrepairable item that will ultimately fail is huge if the parts are even still available.
larry

 

[Rob-D]

I think 'plastic' is just a term. Deere cites their polymer fenders as a plus. I don't know the long rage wear but steel isn't the best in my view either. My Friend has the 990 with all steel hood and fenders and the hood is a mess already. Shows every dent. Will the polymer be better over time? I don't know, who has it long term? What do you think?

Some of these re-enforced carbon fiber products are outstanding.

Next question, how do you fix it if it breaks? Steel is an easy fix, I've worked on car bodies.

Rob

 

[jlrsn]

I personally like the heavy duty steel fenders and hood of my Kubota L39 without a dent. My son-in-law has steel fenders and hood on his JD990 without a dent. If you are the type of person who dents everything you might want reinforced plastic. I don't like it!!
Jim

 

[Rob-D]

I personally like the heavy duty steel fenders and hood of my Kubota L39 without a dent. My son-in-law has steel fenders and hood on his JD990 without a dent. If you are the type of person who dents everything you might want reinforced plastic. I don't like it!!
Jim

Jim,
My friend got the 990 used, it came with the dents. I garage my machines but the 990 wasn't garaged or at least it didn't look like it to me. The paint and the dash already show the effects of the sun.
I've raised stuff up in the bucket like dirt and rocks only to have part of it drop on the hood and that's what looks like happened to the 990.
Rob

 

[jlrsn]

Jim,
I've raised stuff up in the bucket like dirt and rocks only to have part of it drop on the hood and that's what looks like happened to the 990.
Rob

You're Forgiven Rob!!
Jim

 

[catfishdaddyengineering]

My 2009 Cub Cadet/Yanmar EX3200 has metal hood and fenders.

 

[Rob-D]

You're Forgiven Rob!!
Jim

Thanks Jim, you saved me a trip to confession!