LA 525 Loader Issue

[Ortimber]

I just purchased a new L3901 w/ LA525 loader. It was delivered Friday and due to poor weather, it was unloaded and driven into my shop. Has .5 hrs on it.

Yep, brackets are already slightly flared out. In fact they are so flimsy, I can move them with my bare hands.

I'll probably just weld in a piece and forget about it.

I've had many Kubota products and never felt they were under engineered. However, I do believe the 3/16 plate on these loaders is too thin.

 

[mdhughes]

I just purchased a new L3901 w/ LA525 loader. It was delivered Friday and due to poor weather, it was unloaded and driven into my shop. Has .5 hrs on it.

Yep, brackets are already slightly flared out. In fact they are so flimsy, I can move them with my bare hands.

I'll probably just weld in a piece and forget about it.

I've had many Kubota products and never felt they were under engineered. However, I do believe the 3/16 plate on these loaders is too thin.

Can you please add your FEL to the database that I have setup so we can track this? You can find the here. Thanks in advance!

 

[Fro65]

mdhughes,

Is there a way we can see your list as it progresses? When I added my loader to the list, it let me see all other entries. Now, I see no options to view it.

I thought it was interesting that all entries, including mine, were opposite of the problem being discussed. Everyones brackets were actually slightly closer together at the pins than at the arms.

Just curious. Thanks.

 

[mdhughes]

mdhughes,

Is there a way we can see your list as it progresses? When I added my loader to the list, it let me see all other entries. Now, I see no options to view it.

I thought it was interesting that all entries, including mine, were opposite of the problem being discussed. Everyones brackets were actually slightly closer together at the pins than at the arms.

Just curious. Thanks.

You can see the list at the FEL database.

 

[NCUndertaker]

I have purchased, but not taken delivery of, a L3301 with the 525 FEL. I will measure and post when it is delivered so we can track it from brand new specs.


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[NCUndertaker]

Well I guess I won't be able to provide any good measurements. I showed the dealer this forum topic and he is going to weld mine prior to delivery.


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[Ortimber]

Can you please add your FEL to the database that I have setup so we can track this? You can find the here. Thanks in advance!

Done.



Mine are actually bent inward slightly. The width of the loader frame is 2.7"

My measurements average 2.509"



I also took a look at my M7040 loader, and the design differs by not only thicker plate, but the distance from the pin to the face of the loader frame is much shorter. I'll try and get some pics uploaded tonight to show everyone.

 

[flyidaho]

New guy here, but long time Kubota user. 14 years anyway, I just sold my '95 B 2105 HST, and the very next day picked up my brand new L 3301 HST! I found this forum just tonight, and have speed read through all the previous threads on the loader issue. Part way through I ran out to the shop and noted what you all are referring to. My tractor has 4.9 hours on it, been moving a bit of snow, using the loader and the blower.

Help me out here, it is unclear to me that anyone who has perceived WHAT SEEMS TO BE ( yes it's spread now, but did it come that way) some spreading of the loader arm brackets, BUT has continued to use the loader in the normal fashion.......what have you seen? Has it gotten worse, stayed the same, or caused a problem? My take on it so far is it normal deformation caused by the manufacturing process/welding. I may be guilty of too much faith in the Kubota engineers, but my take on it is that mine came that way, and while it may appear to be spreading, is it really? In other words......has anyone taken note of previously perfectly parallel brackets, and then after working the tractor seen a (spreading) change, and then have it cause an actual problem some time later?

I totally agree the brackets seem lightly built, but not as sure that they present a problem that needs fixing. Now if someone chimes in with major issues and problems caused by simply continuing to run the loader as it was designed (bent pins, binding, weird noises etc.) problems that require an actual fix or repair rather then a preemptive one, it's a different story. So, let's hear the horror stories of what happens if ran as it was designed! I weld, and sure it'd be easy enough to weld a plate across the top, or any other number of fixes, ( but damn I hate to mess up the pretty paint job) the whole area could be gusseted in various ways. I'm just not sure it's "broke". Correct me if I'm wrong, please. I just bought an official spray can of Kubota Orange today, as I'm welding some chain grab hooks to my QA bucket tomorrow, so it'd be easy enough to "upgrade" the brackets IF it's really needed.

FWIW: My background is, home builder/contractor most of my working life, then operator of a crane service the last 18 years, nothing really big and only one. A 30 ton unit with 110' of main boom and 44' of jib, but it's all mine and I make a decent living with it. I also have built 6 experimental category aircraft and am a very active pilot. None of this means squat, but I am considered "handy" by those who know me. If nothing else, now that this matter has come to my attention, maybe I should be the poster boy for not messing with it, spread or no spread! I could take some measurements and write them down, and then work it as normal, and then take more measurements after some time has passed, and see if it stays the same. The "slop" (a negative association, how about "designed working load clearance", that sounds better) between the brackets and hydraulic cylinder is another area that could very well be "fixed", with spacers or large washers, but again, has anyone documented any issues with running it as is? Are you overthinking the issue and seeing a problem where non exists? A presumptive post for my first, straighten me out if I have it all wrong.

 

[sheepfarmer]

Well I guess I won't be able to provide any good measurements. I showed the dealer this forum topic and he is going to weld mine prior to delivery.


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But if you can provide baseline measurements and keep us posted as to how it all holds up, that would be helpful.

 

[sheepfarmer]

flyidaho yes, you have it correct. That is what we are trying to figure out: if the spread changes with use, and if it matters. It looked to me when I was measuring my two loaders that the separation was affected by the welding, so there might be some variation from loader to loader.

 

[flyidaho]

As of now, until I hear some horror stories of catastrophic damage caused by neglecting the way these loader brackets look, or an example of sudden structural failure of the part, I'm not going to do anything. I will post my current measurements here, based on the assumption it came that way from the factory, 4.9 hrs ago. I'll write the numbers down in the loader manual, and try and remember to check it again at my first oil change, 50 hrs.

Some years ago, at the end of a long busy day on my, at the time, 17 ton TEREX boom truck, I got persuaded to set an I beam while not completely level, due to the hillside I was working on, which side loads the boom and more to the point, the turret base. No big deal, until 3 or 4 weeks later, then I started hearing a squealing noise every time I boomed down! A close inspection showed I had tweaked the turret, a 7 K part plus 2 weeks down time. This issue with the loader brackets is good to know, but seems minor to me as of now anyway, and I will keep an eye on things, otherwise full steam ahead. Kubota engineers, don't let me down!

 

[millsrv]

New guy here, but long time Kubota user. 14 years anyway, I just sold my '95 B 2105 HST, and the very next day picked up my brand new L 3301 HST! I found this forum just tonight, and have speed read through all the previous threads on the loader issue. Part way through I ran out to the shop and noted what you all are referring to. My tractor has 4.9 hours on it, been moving a bit of snow, using the loader and the blower.

Help me out here, it is unclear to me that anyone who has perceived WHAT SEEMS TO BE ( yes it's spread now, but did it come that way) some spreading of the loader arm brackets, BUT has continued to use the loader in the normal fashion.......what have you seen? Has it gotten worse, stayed the same, or caused a problem? My take on it so far is it normal deformation caused by the manufacturing process/welding. I may be guilty of too much faith in the Kubota engineers, but my take on it is that mine came that way, and while it may appear to be spreading, is it really? In other words......has anyone taken note of previously perfectly parallel brackets, and then after working the tractor seen a (spreading) change, and then have it cause an actual problem some time later?

I totally agree the brackets seem lightly built, but not as sure that they present a problem that needs fixing. Now if someone chimes in with major issues and problems caused by simply continuing to run the loader as it was designed (bent pins, binding, weird noises etc.) problems that require an actual fix or repair rather then a preemptive one, it's a different story. So, let's hear the horror stories of what happens if ran as it was designed! I weld, and sure it'd be easy enough to weld a plate across the top, or any other number of fixes, ( but damn I hate to mess up the pretty paint job) the whole area could be gusseted in various ways. I'm just not sure it's "broke". Correct me if I'm wrong, please. I just bought an official spray can of Kubota Orange today, as I'm welding some chain grab hooks to my QA bucket tomorrow, so it'd be easy enough to "upgrade" the brackets IF it's really needed.

FWIW: My background is, home builder/contractor most of my working life, then operator of a crane service the last 18 years, nothing really big and only one. A 30 ton unit with 110' of main boom and 44' of jib, but it's all mine and I make a decent living with it. I also have built 6 experimental category aircraft and am a very active pilot. None of this means squat, but I am considered "handy" by those who know me. If nothing else, now that this matter has come to my attention, maybe I should be the poster boy for not messing with it, spread or no spread! I could take some measurements and write them down, and then work it as normal, and then take more measurements after some time has passed, and see if it stays the same. The "slop" (a negative association, how about "designed working load clearance", that sounds better) between the brackets and hydraulic cylinder is another area that could very well be "fixed", with spacers or large washers, but again, has anyone documented any issues with running it as is? Are you overthinking the issue and seeing a problem where non exists? A presumptive post for my first, straighten me out if I have it all wrong.

I started this thread because mine was a problem, and becoming worse. I could see the change from new and watched it getting worse. The brackets had spread so much that the pin was coming out of the bore. Like I had mentioned in one of my earlier posts I regret very much not have taken before pictures. I simply saw the problem and built a solution. Starting this thread was an afterthought and I wish I had considered it before the repair.

I certainly do not blame you for deciding to wait and see if the brackets move. I see no downside to that choice. This problem is simply not a big deal in my opinion, no "Horror Story" here. This situation can very easily be monitored. I have no axe to grind with Kubota and ask nothing of them, (some orange paint perhaps). I love my tractor, loader, backhoe, and would purchase this setup again in a heartbeat

 

[flyidaho]

MILLSRV: your effort to document this issue is much appreciated, and thanks for getting my attention on it! You got me real curious to see if the brackets spread more on mine, but I see you say they did on your's AFTER you first noticed it spread a bit, interesting. Thanks for clearing that up. I'm serious when I say I don't want to mess up my pretty paint job, (!), as my last tractor was such a beater, but that is the only reason I can see for not adding a crossplate there. It make perfect sense structurally.

I was at my dealer where I bought my tractor yesterday, picking up my bucket angle indicator kit ($75.00, worth it for the two new pins included and figuring out the geometry, but the LS tractor I was looking at earlier included it for free, PLUS a tilt steering wheel) and I was a little disappointed that he didn't throw in the can of Kubota Orange paint I also bought, for free. No big deal, but it would have been a nice gesture but that's OK. I ended up passing on the LS primarily because of my past Kubota experience and the high resale value of my last one, just like I stay with Toyota even though I hear the newer Hyundai cars are pretty good. I only paid about $1200.00 more for the L 3301 but believe it's well worth it in the long run. Now I want to run by that LS dealer's place (when he's not around) and eyeball how they designed that same area where we have having the issue, that would be interesting. If I do so I'll take some pictures.

 

[millsrv]

MILLSRV: your effort to document this issue is much appreciated, and thanks for getting my attention on it! You got me real curious to see if the brackets spread more on mine, but I see you say they did on your's AFTER you first noticed it spread a bit, interesting. Thanks for clearing that up. I'm serious when I say I don't want to mess up my pretty paint job, (!), as my last tractor was such a beater, but that is the only reason I can see for not adding a crossplate there. It make perfect sense structurally.

I was at my dealer where I bought my tractor yesterday, picking up my bucket angle indicator kit ($75.00, worth it for the two new pins included and figuring out the geometry, but the LS tractor I was looking at earlier included it for free, PLUS a tilt steering wheel) and I was a little disappointed that he didn't throw in the can of Kubota Orange paint I also bought, for free. No big deal, but it would have been a nice gesture but that's OK. I ended up passing on the LS primarily because of my past Kubota experience and the high resale value of my last one, just like I stay with Toyota even though I hear the newer Hyundai cars are pretty good. I only paid about $1200.00 more for the L 3301 but believe it's well worth it in the long run. Now I want to run by that LS dealer's place (when he's not around) and eyeball how they designed that same area where we have having the issue, that would be interesting. If I do so I'll take some pictures.

Flyidaho, sounds good, comparison pictures would be great.

It is funny, I had never heard of LS Tractors before you mentioned them. I actually Googled them to learn about them. By the way, I completely agree with your Toyota vs Hyundai resale comparison, as it relates to Kubota. All you have to do is look at used Kubota's to see that. Side note, not intended to sidetrack thread; I recently sold my wife's 2005 Camry in 2 days for way more than its Blue Book Value. (Replaced with RAV4 Hybrid)
As a retired mechanic, I have seen it all, my wife and I both drive Toyotas as they just work and don't cause me any grief... I hope I did not just jinx myself

 

[flyidaho]

Well.....since I already had the correct color "official spray paint", for touching up my loader bucket after welding on 3 grab hooks, AND had the welder out, I went ahead and welded in some 3/16" flat bar between the brackets. It took about 5 minutes per side including grinding off the paint first and cutting the flat bar. I recessed them about 1/4" below the top, making for a real easy to get at weld. Today, I will get the Rustoleum red metal primer out (I love the stuff, two coats and no finish coat is how I do all my metal work usually) and finish it off with the orange rattle can. Probably/maybe not needed but it fell into the category of being so quick and easy to do, why the hell not? I'll post a picture later.

I've driven Toyota for about 25 years now, except for my 1 ton Dodge hauler (POS in comparison but I love that Cummins power) just sold the Yaris and bought a used Plug in Prius for my daily driver. I have a large grid tied solar array so I drive the first 15 miles for free now, and as my commute to work, my crane yard, is 13 miles and I have another solar setup there, it's a free ride both directions. The rest of the time I get 50+ MPG, pretty hard to beat that.

 

[TopesRule]

Mine looks straight to my eye but the outside measurement on one side is 2.75 inches and the other side is slightly over 3 inches.

Be nice to measure a couple of them lined up at a dealership to be able to find out if there are discrepancies right from the factory. I use my loader pretty hard banging it into piles of hardwood logs to free them out of the ice and snow.

 

[Ortimber]

Mine looks straight to my eye but the outside measurement on one side is 2.75 inches and the other side is slightly over 3 inches.



Be nice to measure a couple of them lined up at a dealership to be able to find out if there are discrepancies right from the factory. I use my loader pretty hard banging it into piles of hardwood logs to free them out of the ice and snow.

Every loader will have different measurements when new, the material is thin enough that I'll move when it's welded.


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[flyidaho]

Like I said earlier, I'm still not real sure it was needed, but it was so easy to do, why not?

 

[millsrv]

A possible upside to these bracket reinforcements are a great spot to mount additional work lights.

 

[tor]

I'm using a LA1065 on an MX5200. The brackets are "flared" just a tad. They have been that way since the day I got the tractor bought new around 5 weeks ago.

Edit: I should also add I don't have anywhere close to the inside bracket to cylinder gaps most of you have. Very tight with just a little cyl. eye movement side to side. Bracket thickness is 1/4 inch.