I was dumb. Now Kubota wants me to 'pay for it'.

[HerbP]

My GF1800 is only 2WD. A small patch of my yard is a steep-ish hill so I can only mow in the downhill direction. When going back uphill, I raise the deck to get more weight on the drive tires. Yesterday, one of the front casters on my RC60 fell off as I raised the deck and then gleefully bounced under the deck. Of course, the PTO was still active so loud noises ensued.

Guess how much for a replacement? $230 CAD at the local orange dealer.

None of my local stores have an equivalent. For now I've cobbled something together with an old wheelchair tire and will have to get underneath the deck to see what the damage is under there.

 

[Bmyers]

I'm confused.

You break your equipment and you are surprised that you have to pay for the replacement part?

Also, you acted surprise that the price is on the high end, guess you haven't watched the news about the whole supply chain/post-pandemic and inflation cost increase that is currently going on for EVERYTHING.

 

[lugbolt]

I spent over 3 decades working at a dealer, now at a different dealer-non kubota. In that time I saw all sorts of things and I noticed all kinds of things. Sometimes accidents just happen and there wasn't a way around it. Other times, not so much. I remember one time testing a customer's ZD331 with a 72" and while mowing I raised the deck and as I began to raise, I noticed the lynch pin missing off of the LF deck wheel. I immediately stopped and headed back to the shop & installed a new pin and then went on my way. Had I not been paying attention, I'd have ended up like your situation, eating the cost of a new wheel assembly.

Something has to hold the wheel from coming out. I may be wrong since it's been years since I've messed with a GF series, but the retaining mechanism that holds that wheel in is easily visible from the operator's seat. I guess you didn't see it missing? Maybe it come out during operation?

 

[PaulR]

2/10 rant score, agree with above.
is the rim steel? pound it back. Us Jeep guys have done that for trail fixes many times. Not like it needs to be balanced for highway driving.

 

[johnjk]

Agree with PaulR. Steel rim, solid tire, I would take my frustrations out and beat it back as straight as I could. If that top post of the wheel is bent as well, apply some heat and beat it back in to shape. A bit of orange paint to prevent rust and you will be releasing your inner Carl Spangler in no time. I would be more concerned if I damaged any of the underside on that deck. Check the blades for damage and balance. Make sure you didn’t bend or compromise a spindle or spindle seal. I bought a set of blades for my RC60 last fall and they were only $60 USD from the dealer.

 

[mcmxi]

I'm confused.

You break your equipment and you are surprised that you have to pay for the replacement part?

Also, you acted surprise that the price is on the high end, guess you haven't watched the news about the whole supply chain/post-pandemic and inflation cost increase that is currently going on for EVERYTHING.

I think this is case of lost in translation. I don't think @HerbP is complaining that much, just making a couple of observations.

 

[fried1765]

2/10 rant score, agree with above.
is the rim steel? pound it back. Us Jeep guys have done that for trail fixes many times. Not like it needs to be balanced for highway driving.

Agreed!
Maybe, even a little heat, and then careful reshaping with a large ball pean hammer.
This is a very low speed wheel assembly.
It does not need to be perfect!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Princess Auto have 'flatfree' tires on rims.........

 

[OrangeKrush]

Agree with PaulR. Steel rim, solid tire, I would take my frustrations out and beat it back as straight as I could. If that top post of the wheel is bent as well, apply some heat and beat it back in to shape. A bit of orange paint to prevent rust and you will be releasing your inner Carl Spangler in no time. I would be more concerned if I damaged any of the underside on that deck. Check the blades for damage and balance. Make sure you didn’t bend or compromise a spindle or spindle seal. I bought a set of blades for my RC60 last fall and they were only $60 USD from the dealer.

This for sure!

I would definitely raise that deck first and make sure there isn't one twisted! I'd be surprised if there isn't some damage..
Good luck OP

 

[HerbP]

I'm confused.

You break your equipment and you are surprised that you have to pay for the replacement part?

Also, you acted surprise that the price is on the high end, guess you haven't watched the news about the whole supply chain/post-pandemic and inflation cost increase that is currently going on for EVERYTHING.

I think you misunderstand the point of my post. Yeah, I screwed up (by not checking my pins were secure I guess) and fully intended to have to pay for replacement parts. A non-Kubota replacement online seems to be in-stock and ships from the US for $44.00 but I figured I'll buy local because having parts available locally does have some value to me. But that's quite the delta.

But hey, thanks for your thoughts.

 

[HerbP]

This for sure!

I would definitely raise that deck first and make sure there isn't one twisted! I'd be surprised if there isn't some damage..
Good luck OP

Yup. that's on Today's list.

 

[Fordtech86]

I'm confused.

You break your equipment and you are surprised that you have to pay for the replacement part?

you ought to hear the F150/super duty owners when they rip the $1500 side mirrors off their trucks backing out of the garage

 

[HerbP]

Princess Auto have 'flatfree' tires on rims.........

I did go through them. The closest fit I could find was https://www.princessauto.com/en/8-x-2-1-2-in-solid-rubber-wheel-assembly/product/PA0008139644 but I'll have to change the mounting bolt/axle. For $215 savings, it's certainly worth the effort.

 

[Bugzilla46310]

Harbor Freight or Surplus Center

HAUL-MASTER
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Replacement tire for carts, hand trucks and more

$799

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[19thSF]

My GF1800 is only 2WD. A small patch of my yard is a steep-ish hill so I can only mow in the downhill direction. When going back uphill, I raise the deck to get more weight on the drive tires. Yesterday, one of the front casters on my RC60 fell off as I raised the deck and then gleefully bounced under the deck. Of course, the PTO was still active so loud noises ensued.

Guess how much for a replacement? $230 CAD at the local orange dealer.

None of my local stores have an equivalent. For now I've cobbled something together with an old wheelchair tire and will have to get underneath the deck to see what the damage is under there.


View attachment 81582

The tires and rim are easy to find. Bearing bore is an issue and would have to match. Try this E-Bay link.

(2-PK-Set) New 8x3.00-4 Flat-Free Smooth Tires w/Steel Rim for Lawn Mowers | eBay

(2) Puncture Proof 8x3.00x4" Solid Tires pressed onto a White Steel rim. Size: 8x3.00x4" 8X3X4" 8X3.00-4" 8X3-4". 2-PK-Set New 8 x 3.00 - 4" Flat Free Smooth Tread TIRES w/Steel Rim for Lawn Mowers / Lawn and Gardon Tires - 3/4" Bushing & 5/8" Bore Both Available.

www.ebay.com

 

[GreensvilleJay]

what's the axle size ?? You can probably change the bearings in the PA wheel. I've done that with 'oddball' wheelbarrows..

 

[radas]

you ought to hear the F150/super duty owners when they rip the $1500 side mirrors off their trucks backing out of the garage

These are the same ones shelling out $11k for a full Carli pintop without breaking a sweat?

 

[mikester]

My GF1800 is only 2WD. A small patch of my yard is a steep-ish hill so I can only mow in the downhill direction. When going back uphill, I raise the deck to get more weight on the drive tires. Yesterday, one of the front casters on my RC60 fell off as I raised the deck and then gleefully bounced under the deck. Of course, the PTO was still active so loud noises ensued.

Guess how much for a replacement? $230 CAD at the local orange dealer.

None of my local stores have an equivalent. For now I've cobbled something together with an old wheelchair tire and will have to get underneath the deck to see what the damage is under there.


View attachment 81582

I think it's class action lawsuit time. I did the same thing with my landpride mower. It cost me a new tire and inner tube and some spacer bushings I lost. My rim was ok. Needed new blades after.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yeah, lawsuit against those that insist on abusing equipment by NOT using within the limits of the equipment.....

re: a steep-ish hill so I can only mow in the downhill direction.

sounds like the user didn't read what the allowable 'entry/exit' angles are...

 

[GeoHorn]

HerbP….. WELCOME to the OTT Forums! Don’t let the self-appointed rant-critics who never think they’ll screw up discourage you from participating! They’re not always that unwelcoming to a new guy.…sometimes a little morning coffee turns them into nice guys again.

I agree with you…whenever possible…buy LOCAL. When that isn’t possible, Messicks is a great supplier of Kubota items and well-worth the shipping troubles for their follow-up/support.

I backed into a fence with my new finish-mower and bent an almost identical part. I managed to hammer and bend it back into shape for temporary use with a shop hyd-press. The mfr’r did send me a replacement part and yes, it wasn’t cheap…. But I learn lessons Best when I have to Pay for them.