4300 design flaw

[defed]

the rear lights on the rollbar....they stick out too far. when i'm brushhogging, there are trees and branches that lean into the trail...even though my wheels clear the base of the trunk, with the object leaning inward, it comes close to the lights. i've remembered to pay attention enough to not smash them off, but i noticed the other day that one of the lenses is broken. not sure if it was like that when i got it, but i have a feeling i hit it enough to break it.

i either will add a cage around them, or see about moving them, maybe to the inside of the rollbar.

never noticed how many trees lean into the trails until i got this tractor!

 

[beenthere]

I don't think of it as a design flaw, but is something to put a cage around if they are a problem. I'm glad they are outside the ROPS, rather than inside, so they are not in my vision when I turn around to look back.

But after 10 years of brush cutting on woods trails and logging off the trails in the woods, I've not broken a light yet. (cross- fingers, knock on wood). I even have my chain saw scabbard outboard on my ROPS (which I do worry about catching small trees and limbs )

But it is hard to find any flaws in the 4300.

And, those leaners need to be cut off with the saw (why I carry one in the scabbard )

 

[defed]

if it's a limb, i usually trim it off, but i have alot of trees that lean...and i don't want to cut them down.

i think it's a flaw, because they could have integrated them into the fender, like on my dad's landtrac. there are probably a few others places they could have put them too but i'm sure it was much easier/cheaper to just hang them on the ROPS.

 

[JD755]

I have a lot of trees and try to keep them cut back, but they grow so fast it is hard to keep up. I am well familiar with the "whack in the back" after passing a low limb. For this reason I have always appreciated the way JD tucked my lights in tight and away from harm.

 

[RoyJackson]

I don't consider it a design flaw...but I do see defed's concerns.

Trouble is, you can either have those tail light/flashers high and very visible (like defed's 4300 and my 4400) or low, less visible and safer (like JD755's 755 (and my old 670 and 790).

That said, I suggest defed construct or modify a guard for his lights. When I write "modify", I thinking of those light guards you can buy for off-road 4x4's.

 

[Cidertom]

There was a guard made for that series lights. I don't know if they are still available. I moved mine inside for protection. I didn't have too much issue after that, no interference complaints.

 

[rekees4300]

Yes it was a design flaw. The lights should have been on the inside of the ROPS. I always wear a pair of leather gloves to push the limbs out of the way before they strike the lights. When the limbs get to big to push then it's time for a chainsaw session.

 

[kennyd]

JD Does indeed make gaurds for the lights. It's not a "design flaw", they just want you to but more stuff!

I came up with two different "kit" numbers-so not sure exactly the one for the 4x00 series:

LVB25016
and
LVB25236

 

[AKfish]

It all depends on how you use your tractor.. who needs guards/shields if you're mowing a few acres and plowing your driveway?

Wider mounted lights are safer and help others to see you.

If you work in the woods with your tractor... well, you'll buy the optional guards if you're likely to bust brush with your ROPS.

Nothing is free - and if you don't have to have it - why should you have to buy it??

AKfish

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Hmm...I wonder if the entire cab on my tractor is a design flaw because it doesnt come armored like a Skidder :confused2:...After all, the way it is now, a branch could break the glass

Seriously...you have 2 options...
A) Keep the branches trimmed back in your lanes of travel
B) Buy/Fabricate some light guards

 

[arrabil]

I like them right where they're at myself and I use it in the woods all the time. They are so much more visible higher up which is important to me when I go on the road to turn around or snowblow.

I'm pretty sure you can just turn them around into the inside of the ROPS too.

 

[beppington]

I have a Stihl telescoping pole pruner: HT 101 Telescoping Pole Pruner - STIHL USA

... & it's great! From the ground I can cut limbs up as high as about 15'. And, for higher stuff I stand on the roof of my Kawasaki Mule & from there can cut limbs a little over 20' high.

If you want to get a little creative, you can attached two mounting U-brackets to your tractor & just carry the pruner around with you. I've got two U-brackets mounted to the roof of my Mule; Carries easy there, & it's already up there when I get on the roof to cut something high.

 

[defed]

i just think it was silly to set them hanging out there like dumbo's ears when they could have been tucked in somewhere else. i'll find a better place for them.