I won an MX grill guard from the Messick's moving auction ... and a thermometer!

[mcmxi]

I figured I'd bid on the grill guard with an upper limit of $180. I won it for $120 which is pretty good considering that they're over $300 from the dealer and shipping is another $100 or more. There's a 10% buyer's fee and I'll have to pay shipping, but even still it's a good deal.

I plan on making a custom grill guard that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. My new MX came with a grill guard but it's easier to have a spare to work on. When I'm done, I might upgrade the other one and sell it to the guy who bought the open station MX. I'll take his grill guard as a core charge and then modify that one and sell it ... maybe.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I figured I'd bid on the grill guard with an upper limit of $180. I won it for $120 which is pretty good considering that they're over $300 from the dealer and shipping is another $100 or more. There's a 10% buyer's fee and I'll have to pay shipping, but even still it's a good deal.

I plan on making a custom grill guard that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. My new MX came with a grill guard but it's easier to have a spare to work on. When I'm done, I might upgrade the other one and sell it to the guy who bought the open station MX. I'll take his grill guard as a core charge and then modify that one and sell it ... maybe.

View attachment 76013

View attachment 76014

0ne of my new tractor dissapointments . It does not take much to bend those factory "grille guards" out of alignment. Then they won't hinge or latch properly and opening the hood gets real interesting. More ornament than function.

Dan

 

[mcmxi]

0ne of my new tractor dissapointments . It does not take much to bend those factory "grille guards" out of alignment. Then they won't hinge or latch properly and opening the hood gets real interesting. More ornament than function.

Dan

So what is your solution? Did you replace the factory grill guard with something stronger, did you modify the existing grill guard or do you not have a grill guard?

I'm going to upgrade the one shown and make it into something that won't bend very easily.

 

[B737]

that will be a fun project MCM

I tried to match the factory cross piece, there was only one, and added expanded metal

 

[TheOldHokie]

So what is your solution? Did you replace the factory grill guard with something stronger, did you modify the existing grill guard or do you not have a grill guard?

I'm going to upgrade the one shown and make it into something that won't bend very easily.

I straightened mine as best I could and got it to open and close well enough I don't need a hanmer to operate the latch. Longer term I will probably purchase a replacement and learn to live with it. Last I looked the L01 parts are just under $200.

The frame mounted hinges are a weak point and easily sprung. Not sure how one could rectify that. The vertical piece is also easily twisted and would benefit from some major stiffening. Probably not going to look pretty afterwards.

After poking a hole in the grille in the first week of use I spent $350 on a pretty aftermarket laser cut add-on grille guard. It works to keep sticks out of the grille and radiator but does nothing to stiffen the structure. It also needs to be a lot thicker than 10ga to stay "pretty" and the lacey laser cut design simply adds to the fragility. I can live with the dents but would never pay that price again.

JMO&E

Dan

 

[TheOldHokie]

that will be a fun project MCM

I tried to match the factory cross piece, there was only one, and added expanded metal

A major improvement and still "pretty". Is the laser cut cross bar the original one?

Dan

 

[B737]

yeah that was the one it came with, stock form leaves a lot to be desired. I think kubota is coming out with a retail product to address their grille guards

 

[fried1765]

I figured I'd bid on the grill guard with an upper limit of $180. I won it for $120 which is pretty good considering that they're over $300 from the dealer and shipping is another $100 or more. There's a 10% buyer's fee and I'll have to pay shipping, but even still it's a good deal.

I plan on making a custom grill guard that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. My new MX came with a grill guard but it's easier to have a spare to work on. When I'm done, I might upgrade the other one and sell it to the guy who bought the open station MX. I'll take his grill guard as a core charge and then modify that one and sell it ... maybe.

View attachment 76013

View attachment 76014

I like your way of thinking!

 

[mcmxi]

that will be a fun project MCM

I tried to match the factory cross piece, there was only one, and added expanded metal

Great job! I like what you did.

 

[mcmxi]

I received an email from Messick's this afternoon with a tracking number. Nate has had to take care of a lot of packages over the past few weeks, poor guy. I should have the grill on Wednesday and am looking forward to making up a custom grill guard and chain storage as well as adding a receiver for the solid square stock & shackle I have which will make chaining the tractor on the trailer much easier.

 

[xrocketengineer]

Hey, was the thermometer oral or rectal? You know that the difference is the taste, right?

 

[mcmxi]

Hey, was the thermometer oral or rectal? You know that the difference is the taste, right?

Well, if you can fit this one in either end I'm impressed!