B2601: From New to Used disturbingly fast

[Vraz]

Took delivery of my new B2601 just over 3 weeks ago. Today was my fourth weekend with it (too busy on the weekdays) and logged 11.5 hours. My primary goal was removing buckthorn from a heavily wooded lot (previously planted with pines in rows). My tool of destruction in a 48" King Kutter rotary cutter. The little B2601 has exceeded my expectations. Though I have destroyed a significant chunk of my buckthorn problem, it has taken revenge:

* Kocked off the hazard light covers multiple times. Managed to find them each time.
* Removed the silver hood accent. Never found that.
* Dented one of the rear fenders.
* Completely broke off one of the hazard light assemblies (yesterday).
* Bent the 3pt stabilizer "bolt" (likely when backing through and hitting large buckthorn or maybe catching a pine).
* Knocked one rear tail lights out of alignment (fixable).
* Lots of minor scratches, etc.

Upside is that replacement parts cost appears under $100 from my brief research.

Anybody aware of an aftermarket brush guard that might help for this task? (I have the front grill guard, and it helps a bit, but was not enough to save the hood accent.) In particular, something to protect the hazard lights would be great. Anything mesh would need to be very strong since the buckthorn would tend to grab it.

Appreciate any thoughts-- thanks.

 

[erda]

You might want to check these guys out: http://coupersproducts.com No previous experience with them, just came across their webpage today.

 

[Grandad4]

Lots of folks add their own "IED armor" to their tractors for work like that, particularly if they expect those jobs to be a regular part of what it's used for. If it's a one-time thing, the alternative is hiring/renting a tracksteer or dozer to do the rough work.

Just a heads up that your Kubbie has lots of exposed plumbing, etc., underneath. If the topside has delicate parts that are cheap to replace, down under there's a huge potential for very expensive damage. A good skid plate setup would be top priority for nasty brush work, IMHO.

 

[Tooljunkie]

I have to agree, undercarriage is one thing you need to be careful with.
Rule #1 travel in only one direction, backing up after bending brush over can be catastrophic. Mowing in a couple passes, or 1/2 overlap will make smaller pieces of debris.

I was cutting firewood in a burn area, left front wheel flipped up a 3" diameter branch and it pushed up through the floor of my truck. Was a small rust hole, it got awful big real fast. Caught me just above my left knee. Was a wake up call.

 

[maclean]

I just unbolted and unplugged my hazard lights and rear brake lights and set them aside. I'm not planning on doing any road driving any time soon.

And yes... undercarriage protection...a skid plate is worth every penny. I'm already three blades into my second transmission fan and that's with a skid plate...I think sticks are getting in between the wheels since I added spacers.

-Mac

 

[Guv]

Who sells a skid plate for the 2601, I have done my share of damage to mine shredding/cutting heavy brush.

 

[Guv]

I have to agree, undercarriage is one thing you need to be careful with.
Rule #1 travel in only one direction, backing up after bending brush over can be catastrophic. Mowing in a couple passes, or 1/2 overlap will make smaller pieces of debris.

I was cutting firewood in a burn area, left front wheel flipped up a 3" diameter branch and it pushed up through the floor of my truck. Was a small rust hole, it got awful big real fast. Caught me just above my left knee. Was a wake up call.

Sounds like what I managed to do to my left step on my 2601, Crazy!

 

[savoy9020]

You might check these guys.. http://www.bro-tek.com/kubota/