Rear LED Lights - Dealer Mounted

[Maibox]

Looking for some advice. My L3940 needed its 50 hour service and I had ordered a front blade. I had the dealer come pick up the tractor with the idea that they could hook up the blade and I could save delivery. I decided while it was there to have two LED's mounted to the ROPs. I know I could have done it myself but laziness won out.

So I went to pay the other day and they showed me the lights. They basically came off the right side of the seat and wired up to a switch. To mount the switch they drilled holes in the ROPs about 12-18 inches or so up on the inside and screwed on a 4-5 in long by 3/4 inch wide piece of metal at a 90 degree angle to the ROPS-facing forward. I can't recall if it went all the way through or if the holes are just on the inside. They mounted a switch to end of the piece of metal. I didn't get a close look to see how they waterproofed it. It basically sticks out from the ROPS about 3 inches or so with the switch in the end. I was bit surprised they didn't mount it on the fender or somewhere else. They also appear to have drilled through the top of the ROPS to attach the lights. By the way, labor on it was about $300 (I don't know the shop rate). I haven't said anything and that's why I am posting.

Is this a normal place to mount a switch? It seems strange to have it sticking out at shoulder height on a piece of metal. I also couldn't tell how they waterproofed it or the rest of the wiring. Is it normal practice to drill through the top and bottom of the ROPS to attach the mounting brackets?

If not, suggestions on how to deal with this? The holes are already there? If I have them move the switch to a better place, what do we do with the holes in the ROPS?

Looking for suggestions (other than don't ever let them work on my tractor again).

As an aside, instead of replacing the hydraulic connectors on the hoses to the blade, they replaced the Kubota third function connectors on the tractor to match the connectors on the blade. When I asked how I was going to hook up my grapple, they told me I would need to change back out the connectors. I mentioned that it sort of eliminated the "quick" in quick-attach. The said they didn't know whether I had anything that used the front remotes and they didn't have the Kubota connectors in stock--to which I replied, why would I have them and why didn't you call to ask? They are going to replace the Kubota connectors and put Kubota connectors on the blade hoses. We will see how they address this on the invoice. This issue makes me question the light mounting even more.

Thanks in advance.

 

[s219]

I am pretty sure they voided the safety specs of the ROPS by drilling on it. I think it says that's a big no-no in the owner's manual. I am sure it could be done without too much compromise, but that's not how Kubota looks at it.

 

[KennyV]

Get Kubota involved...
Have the "dealer" replace the Rops...
Have them Put everything Back as it was when you Last had it.
and then You need to put this stuff on your tractor, (you will care enough to do the job right).

 

[94BULLITT]

I can't believe they drilled into the ROPS. They could have made a simple bracket for the lights that clamped to the ROPS.

 

[Maibox]

Yeah, the more I think about this more angry I get. They also didn't use any loom so essentially just the bare wire zip tied to the ROPS.

I'm not the most handy person so I take something to the "professionals" thinking it will get done right. Now I just need to figure out next steps.

 

[sixdogs]

No winners in this situation. You could ask Kubota, without disclosing your situation if it is permissible to drill into the ROPS. Then when they say, or better still write no it's in the bag. You could also check the owner's manual or literature because I recall specific advice from Kubota not to drill.

Personally, I'm not sure it's terrible to drill a small hole in the ROPS but I would be outnumbered 100 to one in disagreement.

 

[Maibox]

I actually drilled 2 very small holes (1/8 in) to mount a trailer plug on the side below the tool "box". However, from what I remember from my quick look, they essentially drilled through the top of the ROPS clear through. I'm not sure the size of the bolt they used but I'm going to say between 1/4 - 1/2 inch.

 

[JerryK]

I drilled holes in my ROPS to mount LED worklight brackets, amber flasher for blowing snow, three grommeted holes for wires, and had a bracket with some switches on it at one time. AND I SLEEP VERY WELL AT NIGHT, thank you.... I also drive tractors that never had seatbelts or ROPS at hair raising speeds down bumpy roads.... Also, in all those years, never rolled a tractor [ where is some wood to knock on ]. In the big sceme of things, I think your worry about a few holes is worse on your health than the actual holes will ever be. Just my 2 cents....

 

[varmint]

IMHO, drilling holes in ROPS is to be discouraged, especially when there's no need to. And, $300 for a lousy installation job is insulting. For that money, they should have done is right. You can do better if you just check out some of the threads here on TBN on rear lights.

Good luck!

 

[Midniteoyl]

Holes should make no difference at all.. PLENTY of 'lightening' holes in structures with no ill effects.. Lotta roll cages too have holes drilled for things like seat belt attachment, lights, wire runs, etc, etc... I dont see the big deal - other than it prolly looks like crap the way they mounted things..

On the plus side, you now have inspection holes to check for internal rot, which is more of a concern that holes.

 

[sixdogs]

Well, if Kubota says no drilling holes, when you go to sell the tractor you are stuck with buying the ROPS or discounting the price because of the holes. How's that for Karma?

 

[Maibox]

So this weekend, I sent an email to Kubota asking whether it is advisable to drill through the ROPS to attach lights. I actually got a call from them at work today. The gentleman that called informed me that I should not drill through the ROPS as it would compromise the roll-over protection. I asked him, if that's the case, why one of their dealer's did. He fumbled around and eventually said they are independently operated. He asked whether they were installing Kubota "authorized" lights. I asked what difference that made and he said it might be the recommended install procedure for non-Kubota lights. I explained that didn't make sense since he had told me Kubota did not recommend drilling through the ROPS and I don't see why it would be okay if a non-Kubota authorized light kit maker to say go ahead and drill. He agreed and I asked how Kubota recommended installing their light kit. He looked it up (I want to say L8329) and determined they use U-bolts.

I told him I would talk to the dealer but that I would expect Kubota's support as one of their dealer's had violated Kubota's specific recommendation not to drill through the ROPS. He hemmed and hawed a bit and I asked him what he would expect; he answered that they should replace the ROPS.

I will be going into tomorrow on my way to work. Should be a fun way to start the day.

 

[My Hoe]

So this weekend, I sent an email to Kubota asking whether it is advisable to drill through the ROPS to attach lights. I actually got a call from them at work today. The gentleman that called informed me that I should not drill through the ROPS as it would compromise the roll-over protection. I asked him, if that's the case, why one of their dealer's did. He fumbled around and eventually said they are independently operated. He asked whether they were installing Kubota "authorized" lights. I asked what difference that made and he said it might be the recommended install procedure for non-Kubota lights. I explained that didn't make sense since he had told me Kubota did not recommend drilling through the ROPS and I don't see why it would be okay if a non-Kubota authorized light kit maker to say go ahead and drill. He agreed and I asked how Kubota recommended installing their light kit. He looked it up (I want to say L8329) and determined they use U-bolts.

I told him I would talk to the dealer but that I would expect Kubota's support as one of their dealer's had violated Kubota's specific recommendation not to drill through the ROPS. He hemmed and hawed a bit and I asked him what he would expect; he answered that they should replace the ROPS.

I will be going into tomorrow on my way to work. Should be a fun way to start the day.

As KennyV said:

"Get kubota involved...
Have the "dealer" replace the Rops...
Have them Put everything Back as it was when you Last had it.
and then You need to put this stuff on your tractor, (you will care enough to do the job right)."

I used to work for two domestic car dealers, and a national headquarters, for a high end auto importer. Dealers would routinely do things the Owners Manual and warranty EXPRESSLY FORBID. Adding "dust shields" to keep the brake dust off of the wheels being just one such example. The shields also keep cooling air off of the rotors. The excess heat can warp the rotors, and in an extreme case, cause "brake fade" (which can lead to no brakes). These dealers made money on the shields and labor, and would do it until their regional manager stepped in.

So, IF you get no where with the dealer (which would not surprise me), I would ask them for the name and number of their regional manager and, when they refuse, I would re-contact Kubota, and ask them to "open a case" (or whatever their terminology is). Ask them for the specific "case number," so you can give it to anyone who answers, should you call back. Also, if getting no where, consider saying "if you can't help me, either, then I'd like to speak directly to the regional manager." (In actuality, the Regional Manager works for them [Kubota] but the mere fact that you're asking to speak with him/her, directly, will rattle their cage and show them you know how the game is played).

And in the end, I'm confident the fur will fly, and you will get a new ROPS. The dealer's labor charge, for the lights, is outrageous ($300.?!) IMO. If they won't refund it, perhaps they can issue a credit for hydraulic oil, or something? (Then Parts can fight it out with Service).

Oh, and please post some pics. From your description, it sounds like there's sharp, 90-degree corners sticking out, ready to gouge (or worse) the unwary, as you work around the tractor. And if so, are they potentially even more dangerous in a rollover? IF the brackets are obviously dangerous, such pics can only help your case, IMO, when Kubota sees them.

Did you tell Kubota, Inc., about how they took the (sl)eazy way out, on your quick-connects? That would only be more ammo, as you know.

Best scenario is Kubota tells the dealer to write the hose charges off, obviously, before you're even asked to pay.

Onward and upward. It sucks, but I can't see how you can lose, with the Owner's Manual prohibiting drilling the ROPS.

Oh--and Kudos on calling out the dude at Kubota who tried to suggest the dealer may have drilled the ROPS in accordance with a (possible) non-Kubota light supplier's instructions! That was OUTRAGEOUS and I'm glad you said what you said. You must have had a real dullard for a rep. How stupid could he think we are? So I would ask for a different rep. at Kubota next time. One named "Supervisor." The first guy needs some training, and a Supervisor can make things happen--the rep almost certainly cannot.

Thank you for posting, however. You've given me more ammo I can show SWMBO for why I DETEST letting others work on things for me. I've had to pay for a lot more labor, lately, and I HATE it. I may be slow, and even slower when I'm new to something, but I'm not stupid. I go to the appropriate forum and get the help I need. This dealer sounds like a real piece of work.


Good luck.

P.S.: Can anyone tell me where the button, on the "Advance" posting window, is, (in the "Toolbar") that allows you to use the "quote" function? Seems like there's been an upgrade, and I missed a meeting, or something. Thanks.

 

[bandaidmd]

"Oh, and please post some pics."
Hopefully you did take some pictures???

We would all like to see the not how its done photos.

 

[Maibox]

So I stopped in at the dealer on the way in today. I spoke with the salesperson first who said it's how he would have have done it and he didn't think it would cause an issue. I told him I can respect his opinion but I was told by Kubota via a phone call they made to me never to drill through the ROPS as it is a safety concern. He sent me back to service.

I talked with one of the service managers. He said he questioned them why they were drilling through the ROPS since you should never drill through the ROPS. They told him they were told to do it that way. I explained I never told anyone to drill anything--all I did was tell the salesperson I wanted them mounted under the ROPS, one forward facing, one rear facing. I asked what we could do and he said they'd have to order a new top ROPS and then mount the lights with brackets. So we'll see whether he gets overruled.

Regarding the rest of the install--they had cleaned up the wiring--added loom, etc. It looked a lot better. The switch location is still a concern (on a bar mounted at a 90 to the ROPS) but I'll deal with that next once I get confirmation on the ROPS replacement. They did drill two holes to mount the bar the switch is mounted to, but they are small. Not sure whether I want to/should make a big deal out it given I put two smaller holes on the other side to mount a bracket for a trailer plug with a cigarette lighter. I can always take the bar off, put the screws in with some silicon sealer and then redo the switch (I'd like to have the front and rear lights turn on/off separately--right now they are on one switch). Only down side is I'd be paying for something I'm going to end up changing.

 

[aczlan]

P.S.: Can anyone tell me where the button, on the "Advance" posting window, is, (in the "Toolbar") that allows you to use the "quote" function? Seems like there's been an upgrade, and I missed a meeting, or something. Thanks.

Click the "Reply with Quote" (

) button or (if you want to quote several people) the "Multiquote" (

) button and then click on "Reply" at the bottom of the page.

Aaron Z

 

[sixdogs]

So this weekend, I sent an email to Kubota asking whether it is advisable to drill through the ROPS to attach lights. I actually got a call from them at work today. The gentleman that called informed me that I should not drill through the ROPS as it would compromise the roll-over protection. I asked him, if that's the case, why one of their dealer's did. He fumbled around and eventually said they are independently operated. He asked whether they were installing Kubota "authorized" lights. I asked what difference that made and he said it might be the recommended install procedure for non-Kubota lights. I explained that didn't make sense since he had told me Kubota did not recommend drilling through the ROPS and I don't see why it would be okay if a non-Kubota authorized light kit maker to say go ahead and drill. He agreed and I asked how Kubota recommended installing their light kit. He looked it up (I want to say L8329) and determined they use U-bolts.

I told him I would talk to the dealer but that I would expect Kubota's support as one of their dealer's had violated Kubota's specific recommendation not to drill through the ROPS. He hemmed and hawed a bit and I asked him what he would expect; he answered that they should replace the ROPS.

I will be going into tomorrow on my way to work. Should be a fun way to start the day.

That is exactly the way to do it. The Kubota guy would have hemmed and hawed till the cows came home but you let him explain the position first. Lesson for negotiators here is to let others do the heavy lifting and rarely ask a question unless you know the answer..

 

[My Hoe]

Click the "Reply with Quote" (

) button or (if you want to quote several people) the "Multiquote" (

) button and then click on "Reply" at the bottom of the page.

Aaron Z

Aaron,

Thank you for your prompt response. With your help, I think I've found the one that allowed you to quote if you wanted to quote someone other than the writer you're responding to.

And I've seen the "Multiquote" button somewhere, but can't see it now, despite having what looks like a full toolbar. Nothing in my toolbar has those little blue quote mark/icons that showed up in your answer.

I'm running Firefox, but then, I have for years. But Firefox periodically has problems. What op. system are you running, if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks again,

Peter

 

[aczlan]

Aaron,
Thank you for your prompt response. With your help, I think I've found the one that allowed you to quote if you wanted to quote someone other than the writer you're responding to.
And I've seen the "Multiquote" button somewhere, but can't see it now, despite having what looks like a full toolbar. Nothing in my toolbar has those little blue quote mark/icons that showed up in your answer.
I'm running Firefox, but then, I have for years. But Firefox periodically has problems. What op. system are you running, if you don't mind me asking?
Thanks again,
Peter

Win 7 with Firefox 25. The buttons are at the bottom right corner of each post (in the grey bar). Oddly, the buttons I linked look blue, but the buttons themselves are dark grey (as seen below):

Aaron Z

 

[Maibox]

Interesting development - got a call from the same Kubota rep. that called me yesterday. He wanted to know the name of the dealer that drilled through the ROPS. I told him that they had agreed to replace the top portion.