Z726X Broken Engine Mount bolts after 160 hours

[Battloid]

I was a proud owner of a Kubota Z726X zero-turn until today. The mower died on me while mowing 3 weeks ago (one month after the warranty expired) and would not crank or start. Had it taken in to be repaired by a local dealer, (not the dealer I purchased from, they went out of business one month after I bought the mower). I have had ALL prescribed service appointments done at this dealer according to Kubota recommendations . Well they called to tell me my mowers engine mount bolts had sheared off and the engine was scooting around, causing wires to break and thus the mower died. They also told me my I was not the only one to have this happen. Come to find out, on these forums, that mowers sold during the time period I bought this mower we subject to under-torqued engine mount bolts from the factory. Long story short, both the dealer and Kubota corporate told me that my mower was not subject to any service bulletins or recalls, and thus it was my problem and bill to pay, ($750) AND that I should have checked the engine mount bolt tightness myself. Engine mounts breaking off at 160 hours is unacceptable for a commercial grade mower at almost $11,000 price tag. I am pissed and they lost my business. It’s a shame because I liked the mower and had planned to buy more Kubota equipment. Anyone else experience this issue?

 

[whitetiger]

This is the PSB or recall for the Z series zero turns involving engine mounting bolts. Your model was not involved.
PSB-2018-077 August 6, 2018
MANDATORY CAMPAIGN: Z-Series; Engine Mount Bolt Torque Check
This Campaign describes preventative modifications that must be performed whether a failure has occurred or not. Complete all eligible units as soon as possible, always prior to retail, and whenever they are in the shop for maintenance or repair. Please contact your customers to arrange for timely repair of retailed units.
Product Line: Z-Series Model: Z411KW-48, Z421KW-54, Z421KWT-6

 

[Battloid]

I understand that, but my issue is why would a mower with 160 hours have ALL of its engine mounting bolts either loose or BROKEN OFF such that engine is scooting around? It’s clearly a factory defect and despite the fact my mower was not included in the PSB, it seems to me that the engine mount bolts were not torqued properly during construction. This isn’t normal wear and tear for a piece of equipment of that age.

 

[lugbolt]

They got loose. Thats how they broke. When one bolt comes loose or out, the other 3 usually aren't far behind.

On mine, the maintenance schedule says to check engine bolts or some jinglish term like that, periodically. I didn't and it cost me a lot of time drilling broken bolts out of the Kohler oil pan. Pain in the neck. What frustrated "me" more than anything was the fact that I am (or was) a 30 year kubota tech and during winter maintenance, I looked under the back of the engine at all 4 bolts and said screw it-they look tight. Halfway through the mowing season I noticed more noise from the exhaust and that's how I found it. Got in a complacent hurry.

I know it's frustrating but keep in mind that the PEOPLE that designed and built these things are of the same imperfectness as you and I are.