3039R....engine frame broke!,,,

[Hobart15]

I was brush hogging an old field...pop and bad noise...quickly shut off the engine. Investigated...busted frame next to where the loader bolts on.

Any suggestions?

 

[s219]

WOW! Still under warranty I hope??

 

[Hobart15]

No, it is a 2012....feels like my pocket change is going to find a new home. This is going to be expensive.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I would just have it welded. A good welder should be able to do it without removing the frame from the tractor though it would be a lot easier removed. What would bother me more is the question as to why it broke.

 

[airbiscuit]

I would just have it welded. A good welder should be able to do it without removing the frame from the tractor though it would be a lot easier removed. What would bother me more is the question as to why it broke.

Times 2 on why it broke? You might talk with some truckers and see if they know of anyone who repairs frames on semi tractor trailers.

 

[Sysop]

A good welder wouldn't try to weld that on the tractor. To do a good weld on a chunk like that, it needs to be removed so the break can be properly ground out and filled with weld. Without grinding it out, all anyone will ever do is put a patch of weld over the crack and it will happen again...

*edit* Upon looking at the pics a bit more, I don't think a good welder would even try to weld that at that hole. Removing the entire piece of subframe, cutting a "stepped notch" in the frame to weld in new material, and redrilling the hole would be a "good" welder's fix...

**edit** The stepped notch referred to above is to prevent the weld from being along a shearing path. Here is an example of the process done on a truck frame.

 

[s219]

Agree that it would be good to determine why it cracked -- was there any misuse/abuse of the loader?

I sure wouldn't do a weld repair without patching over that crack with some extra plating that is welded at least a few inches away from the crack. Really need to do something to spread out the repair. A diamond patch would probably be best.

 

[airbiscuit]

Anyone who repairs frames on 80,000 lb trucks will know what to do.

 

[mmancuso13]

It is a weld job with straps above and below the bolt. I do not agree you have to remove the sub frame - if there even is one (can't enlarge the frame pic$.

 

[Snobdds]

A good welder would have a process to repair that. However, I would be knocking at JD to let them know a frame that should not break for 25 years, broke. They might help with the fix, because this is a super bad PR for them. One youtube video of this is a crushing blow for any manufacturer.

 

[ArlyA]

I thought this is a LS tractor, not John Deere???? This frame was either made with poor steel, or poorly designed. If it was mine, I'd remove the broken frame and have fish plates added to both sides. I only say that if the same bolt hole is located on the other side of the engine as well. I can't see it that's the case in the photos.

 

[George2615]

It is in LS forum but his title is wrong. An LS would be a R3039. A 3039R is a JD.

Don't know why it happened but think a good welder may be able to repair in place and weld a reinforcement plate on the inside of the frame then drill a new hole through the added plate. Check with a welding shop as mentioned for the best way to approach this repair.

 

[cford36]

OP should probably clarify what tractor he has. But I think he messed up the numbers. I think it's an LS since it looks like blue paint and he posted an LS parts diagram.

 

[DK35vince]

I remember reading posts about this issue a while back on that model.
A quick search I found this http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...frame-issue-video.html?highlight=broken+frame
I thought I read some where LS had an upgrade or frame support available for this problem.
More searching on this site might find it.

 

[whis]

if he calls john deere I know what they will do, laugh their tales off. unbolt the frame and weld it up

 

[Underdog57]

I remember reading posts about this issue a while back on that model.
A quick search I found this http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...frame-issue-video.html?highlight=broken+frame
I thought I read some where LS had an upgrade or frame support available for this problem.
More searching on this site might find it.

I remember that also, there was quite a bit of discussion on this a few years ago. I would contact LS, I think there was a factory fix for this.

 

[Hobart15]

Here is an update. LS says it is out of warranty. The new frame is around 350 plus labor. For an extra 75 I can get some factory plates that add strength to the weak point....so they know there is an issue. All in I think it will cost around a grand. The tractor has been great and I have no other real issues with almost 900 hours. This is a huge bummer for me.
I will let you know the outcome.

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

I would weld if I can be done without removing the frame. If you have to remove the frame for $350 it would get a new one. You would be paying at least $100 to get it welded, probably more. Either way it should get the $75 plates.

 

[breadtrk]

Anyone who repairs frames on 80,000 lb trucks will know what to do.

Double this.

Take it to a truck frame shop, it will get fixed right and safe. Probably only cost a couple hundred and be done in a day.

 

[art]

That repair vs some of the other frame repairs needed on NH tractors is a cheap one! You might also make that bracket larger so it goes up further to the front to hold the whole piece.