BX23S Front Guard Event

[Kubit]

Had a bit of a mishap finishing up a project last week doing some work on a rock wall--result was my grille guard got tagged. I only post this not that it’s unusual but what it led to. I was prepared to remove & start the repair but my wife said she’d kick in for an early birthday present. Wow, no bending metal, no sanding, no priming & spray painting, what a deal--just bolt off/bolt on!

So, ordered the replacement from a dealer which arrived in a few days. Soon as I unpacked I saw it seemed a bit “skinny”. Measured thickness: mine, 3/8”, replacement, 1/4”.

That includes the mounting plate which was also reduced in OA size--that’s a chunk!

My guard stanchion that took the main hit was bent 1 ½” and that does not include the probable “flex” distance which could be triple. I feel the lighter gauge guard would have folded or bent under the same impact to the extent of coming in contact with the bonnet. That would have damaged my head lights and maybe the bonnet and a big buck cost for parts.

Don’t know what Kubota saved with the lighter gauge but except for a pound or two of steel they still had to weld it up & paint it--and I would think that they buy steel a whole lot less than what I pay for the scrap that I use for my home projects.

Returning replacement guard for credit & tuned up the bent one in shop press to the point it’s back to original condition—it was a process but lot more rewarding too! If that replacement was on to begin with of course I’d just live with it, but no way was I going to give up my heavier original.

Attached is a photo of my guard & the replacement:

 

[DustyRusty]

Must be that there is a magnet in stone walls that attracts these front guards. Mine is bet the same way from hitting a stone wall. I was thinking of trying to pull the one upright back into shape, but I think that it is going to be very difficult to do. The only way that I can think of is to use a chain around a tree, and the other end holding onto the upright, and backing up quickly, and hope that it will be enough to get it back into place. The previous owner damaged the guard, but as he said, "you bought the tractor so inexpensively, that you can afford to buy a replacement. Dealer told me that it was about $63 for a new one. How were you able to straighten it in the press.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Glad I'm not the only one 'readjusting' the grill guard ! What irks me its the silly, $$$$$ 'clips' that are supposed to hold the guard up. They remind me of old skool kitchen door latches,cept the latches were better built !
As for straightening the frame, all you need is a good strong vice and a pipewrench. Once securely in the vice, 'tweak' the arms as required. Be sure to go past the correct spot though, as steel has a 'spring memory' in it. Use a pip 'extender' on the wrench handle...makes it easier to use and finer control.

 

[Kubit]

Must be that there is a magnet in stone walls that attracts these front guards. Mine is bet the same way from hitting a stone wall. I was thinking of trying to pull the one upright back into shape, but I think that it is going to be very difficult to do. The only way that I can think of is to use a chain around a tree, and the other end holding onto the upright, and backing up quickly, and hope that it will be enough to get it back into place. The previous owner damaged the guard, but as he said, "you bought the tractor so inexpensively, that you can afford to buy a replacement. Dealer told me that it was about $63 for a new one. How were you able to straighten it in the press.

Here it is in the press with about a ½” to go, I was pretty far along in the process before I thought to take a photo. Last photo back on tractor you can see the areas where paint is gone but the guard & center grill are back to original fit. I wanted to complete the bending & making sure everything fit prior to painting so I’ll be taking it off later to sand & refinish those areas.

You might want to use a Come-A-Long or similar attached to that tree—a “fast backup” might adjust a lot more than that guard

Also, I see GreensvilleJay has another suggestion.