TomSeller
Super Member
LS makes quality machines. I would just beef up those sections of your frame on your repair and not lose a lot of sleep over it. All brands have minor issues.
LS Frame Issue Video
- Thread starter boomer632
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LS makes quality machines. I would just beef up those sections of your frame on your repair and not lose a lot of sleep over it. All brands have minor issues.
hutchman
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I think the issue is simply the loader is too strong for the frame in that area. The loader mount distributes the weight around and I think (I'm not a materials expert) there are twisting forces in that area (not up/down but left to right or from top of frame to outside) and the cross member limits this on the bottom so that abrubt stop is where the stress is. As I said before, the 41/47 is three times thicker in that area.
So it isn't quality of steel ... its because LS gave us the highest capacity loader in its size/class and someone missed some 2nd and 3rd order effects of that choice.
And technically, the warranty is only 2yr general which is what the frame falls under. Yrs. 3-5 are power train related.
So it isn't quality of steel ... its because LS gave us the highest capacity loader in its size/class and someone missed some 2nd and 3rd order effects of that choice.
And technically, the warranty is only 2yr general which is what the frame falls under. Yrs. 3-5 are power train related.
hutchman
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Here is a visual of the differences.
This is the R3039 subframe:
This the the R4041 subframe (same as R4047):
This is the R3039 subframe:
This the the R4041 subframe (same as R4047):
Underdog57
Veteran Member
Great Post!!!!
Wow, 2 pictures are worth a thousand words. I hope LS stands up and reinforces all the 3039 frames, it clearly is a design defect which shouldn't be the responsibility of the current owners, no matter how old the tractors are.
rwork
Platinum Member
I called my dealer today, just to let them know that I was concerned about this issue, should it arise. They haven't had any of these issues, and were unaware.
I also spoke with Scott at RCO tractor in Texas, because I know they are a pretty big LS dealer. He did tell me that they had a couple instances of the frame issue, and that they put the support plates in those units. He told me not to loose any sleep over it, but would suggest I let my dealer know, just in case the issue ever arises.
BTW, he did mention that the new XR3037s now come with the support plates installed.
I also spoke with Scott at RCO tractor in Texas, because I know they are a pretty big LS dealer. He did tell me that they had a couple instances of the frame issue, and that they put the support plates in those units. He told me not to loose any sleep over it, but would suggest I let my dealer know, just in case the issue ever arises.
BTW, he did mention that the new XR3037s now come with the support plates installed.
DK35vince
Super Member
If they know they are having issues and could use a support plate, I would want the support plate on my machine before the issue comes up, not patching it up after.
rwork
Platinum Member
I may just send a note to LS, and see what their response is.
mangus580
Gold Member
Verdict is in....
They picked up my tractor early yestarday - sadly it sat on their lot all day, and didnt go in the shop until this morning :confused2: bummed, since I could have used it!
Anyway, they delivered it back tonight about 4:30!
When I stopped in yesterday afternoon to check on it, I was able to skim some more info. Seems my tractor had the latest frame design upgrade already. Not good since I managed to break it! But he said the new loader brackets should solve the issue. He said (and is evident from what I see now) that they bolt the new brackets in place, then tack weld them to the existing loader frame. Remove entire loader frame, and weld it properly. (see pictures).
Now - my service guy agrees with my concept, that its likely there was something metallurgical wrong with the original frame. Something that was maybe a 'bad batch' issue. He said he has only see one other 'new' frame broken, and it was exactly the same as mine, crack starting right at the edge of the weld like that. From what I understood, the older frames exhibited a different break....
They picked up my tractor early yestarday - sadly it sat on their lot all day, and didnt go in the shop until this morning :confused2: bummed, since I could have used it!
Anyway, they delivered it back tonight about 4:30!
When I stopped in yesterday afternoon to check on it, I was able to skim some more info. Seems my tractor had the latest frame design upgrade already. Not good since I managed to break it! But he said the new loader brackets should solve the issue. He said (and is evident from what I see now) that they bolt the new brackets in place, then tack weld them to the existing loader frame. Remove entire loader frame, and weld it properly. (see pictures).
Now - my service guy agrees with my concept, that its likely there was something metallurgical wrong with the original frame. Something that was maybe a 'bad batch' issue. He said he has only see one other 'new' frame broken, and it was exactly the same as mine, crack starting right at the edge of the weld like that. From what I understood, the older frames exhibited a different break....
Coyote machine
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Good thread.
I concur with DK35Vince, I too would want to get the brackets in place BEFORE a crack showed up, and wouldn't want to wait to see if so many years through warranty and xxx amount of hours later the fix would or might not be done on my machine, and covered under warranty. Something is/was amiss on some machines/all machines? and I'd want to have it solved instead of the dealer(s) /manufacturer's possible 'wait and see' approach to fixing those that clearly show cracks or worse, (possible frame breaks after the cracks become visible). Time limits on warranty repairs can interfere with what should be done for the tractor's owner, so long as they exercise their rights in a timely fashion. The cause of the cracks is less important than getting in the line for the fix.
Basically don't wait for LS to ask you to come to them - seek remedy now.:thumbsup:
I concur with DK35Vince, I too would want to get the brackets in place BEFORE a crack showed up, and wouldn't want to wait to see if so many years through warranty and xxx amount of hours later the fix would or might not be done on my machine, and covered under warranty. Something is/was amiss on some machines/all machines? and I'd want to have it solved instead of the dealer(s) /manufacturer's possible 'wait and see' approach to fixing those that clearly show cracks or worse, (possible frame breaks after the cracks become visible). Time limits on warranty repairs can interfere with what should be done for the tractor's owner, so long as they exercise their rights in a timely fashion. The cause of the cracks is less important than getting in the line for the fix.
Basically don't wait for LS to ask you to come to them - seek remedy now.:thumbsup:
mangus580
Gold Member
I would say yes. My dealer was surprised I didnt have the 'update' when I came in.
It appears that the one I just purchased has had the same procedure done to it. I hope the pictures come out.I was comparing to the pictures of magnus580. I think like some one else mentioned the loader puts a lot of stress on that area and it needs beefing up. Now that I am looking closer, it looks like mine is a little different. But same idea. I am confident the redesign/ repair will resolve the problem.
Also I know it is a frame, but to me it is about 1/4 flat stock tying the front end together as a reinforcement. Some tractors don't have that and there is no frame / reinforcement, just the components bolted together. But I am no expert.
My feeling is it was a design flaw and the redesign of the loader brackets will solve the problem however I am going to be watching this closely.
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I have been away from this forum for awhile. (kids, wife, house...life) But i just got back on the other week and seen this. I have a R3039 and so i call the main office in NC. They sent the kit to the closest dealer to have them install it. The bracket kit is free, however, i have to pay for the labor. It calls for 1.5hr in labor cost (thats from the paper work sent with the kit from LS) It has to be bolted on then welded and the dealer has to fill out some paper work so the warranty isn't voided with the modification. @ old gray- that doesn't look like the kit i saw. That must be a new style loader mount. Mine looks like the pics magus580 posted.
crawleybp that's what I was thinking. Ls must have realized the problem and changed the loader mounting design. I am disappointed that they are going to hit you for a 1 1/2 hour fee on this. The job has got to more than 1 1/2 hour for sure. But I think it is there screw up and they should take care of it. I guess if yours isn't cracked now, technically there is no problem, but I would want the brace before a problem happens.
That is really good news Thanks for the post.
mangus580
Gold Member
If you are in the 5 year warranty - do NOT let the dealer railroad you into paying for labor. it is covered under warranty.
I originally called the main office here in NC and talked with someone there who was well aware of this issues. He told me several times that i would have to pay for the labor so i was prepared for that. Also the dealer said the frame itslef was only covered for 2 years but would think that if somehting hapened at any point they should pay for it. Nothing is wrong with mine currently but i dont want something to come up in the future. However, i dont want to pay an arm and a leg for the work either. I go tomorrow to pick it up and see what the bill is.....if its to much i'll be given LS headquarters a call back.
TrentonMaple
New member
I'm about to purchase a 3039 today. Is there an easy way I can verify if the upgrade has already been done? I've tried to study the photos but it's confusing.
hutchman
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The pictures are of the frame area just above the front axle. The blue loader frame originally ended with the the two bolts you see in the pictures (one bolt on top with another just under it in line). The new loader frames or tractors that have the reinforce kit have a thick blue plate (or solid metal in the case of the new loader frame) that runs beyond the two inline bolts and ends with a single bolt. Hopefully that explains the pictures a bit better.
I guess another easy way to say it is if there is not 6-8 inches of blue metal between the top/bottom bolts and the data plate on the frame, you don't have the fix.
