3 Point Lifting Rod Broke

RobA · May 19, 2005

Went to use the tractor to Bush Hog some more saplings today. After 5 minutes I looked back and noticed that the threaded rod on the lifting rod had sheared off!! Tractor only has 7 hours on it. Could I have done something wrong or is it defective?

More importantly - do you think the dealer will have a replacement in stock? I really want to use it on Saturday and don't want to have to wait for a replacement.

ronnie2005 · May 19, 2005

Sounds like you probaly bounced the Bush Hog. That will cause the support links to snap. I have done it several times on mine.

Most auto parts stores have the thredded rod in stock, and it's probably cheaper than your dealer.

After the last time I broke mine, I replaced the with 1/2 inch steel rods and a piece of flat stock welded on each end, then attached 3/8 chain links on the end that attaches to the deck. Only broke one in the last two years.

btolle · May 19, 2005

I am not sure from your post exactly which rod you are talking about. If you are talking about 1 of the 2 rods used to adjust the side to side movement of the lower arms on the 3 PH then I suspect you tightened them too tight.

If you adjust them so that there is no slack in them with the 3PH raised then you will have them in a terrible strain when you lower the 3 PH. When I adjust mine I swing the implement back and forth and make sure it has a couple of inches of side-to-side movement.

I learned that the hard way myself.

Bill Tolle

RobA · May 19, 2005

Bill: the owners manual lists it as "Lifting Rod (Right)". It is the adjustable rod that attaches to the right of the top link and extends down to the lower link. The right side rod is adjustable and the left is not. Is this the same for all 3 point hitches?

ronnie2005 · May 19, 2005

I'm sorry, I thought we were talking abot the rods on the Bush Hog.

The adjustable link or leveling link is a common item the dealer should have.

Your's was probably defective, as they are designed to support the maximum lift weight of the 3 point.

btolle · May 20, 2005

( Bill: the owners manual lists it as "Lifting Rod (Right)". It is the adjustable rod that attaches to the right of the top link and extends down to the lower link. The right side rod is adjustable and the left is not. Is this the same for all 3 point hitches? )

Now it is clear, sorry that I didn't understand your first post. I would say that yours was defective. The 3 PH should just refuse to lift something before the rod breaks. For instance I have tried to use the 3 PH to pull a fence post that wouldn't budge. The hydraulics bypassed because the load was too heavy but the rod held.

I would say that the dealer should replace it as defective.

As far as I know all 3 PH's have some sort of an adjustable rod on one side or maybe both sides. That's about the only way to level an implement.

I don't know if a rod from an old Ford 8N would work on a Kubota but my 8N had a crank handle on the adjustable rod and I could easily adjust the tilt from the seat. I am surprised that my Kubota does not have some things such as position control that a tractor built in 1952 had.

Bill Tolle

RobA · May 20, 2005

I called the dealer this morning. Part costs $50. I was told I just need to replace the threaded rod that sheared off. Looks easy enough to do. He did not have it in stock but will have it by tomorrow morning (Saturday). I am paying extra for that - my choice.

The dealer said I needed to pay for it and they will submit the broken part for a warranty claim. Is that normal? He also said he couldn't imagine that Kubota wouln't pay for it.

KubotaSteve · May 20, 2005

I did the same thing on my old B7200 but it was in bad shape and had been welded before. My dealer had one in stock. I would think it would be a stocked item as the piece is probably the same for all of the tractors in that series like B, L, etc. (I don't know that for sure, but seems like a good guess)

ronjhall · May 20, 2005

The dealer said I needed to pay for it and they will submit the broken part for a warranty claim. Is that normal? 
No, it is not normal. But getting it tomorrow and not waiting until Kubota decides if it is a warranty item. Is worth paying for the part. Then getting credit for the purchase later. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif