4720 Cab damaged by wind

[TCowner]

I'm depressed. SE Minnesota is getting pretty good winter storm today. We had about 6" of snow on top of about 5" yesterday. The winds are picking up and are expected to blow 30-40 mph tonight and tomorrow.

I was out plowing this afternoon. The cab heat issue is resolved, at least for now with the cardboard blocking some of the airflow through the radiator, so things were going great. It was about 65 degrees in the cab, Tom Petty and his heartbreakers were providing the inspiration to take on the storm. Tom and I were winning the battle until I made the mistake of opening the cab door to get the mail. A gust of wind caught the cab door and it swung open breaking the top door hinge completely and the bottom hinge is damaged but holding the door partially in place.

I was able to hold the door while I drove back to the shed. I am able to get the door at least partially latched so that I can use the tractor but I neet to enter from the right side. That is a bit of a challenge with no step, no hand hold and trying to work around the hydraulic control valve.

I'm hoping I only have to replace the hinges but I'm not certain I haven't damaged the portion that is welded to the cab frame.

I have full comprehensive insurance coverage ($250 deductable) so I should be covered if it gets expensive. But frankly, I was a little disappointed that the door opening limiter didn't hold. Granted, it was windy but the limiter does seem a little wimpy for a door that weighs as much as it does.

We have more snow forecasted for Tuesday and Wednesday so I need to have the tractor. The holidays will most likely delay the repair so I may be using the right door for at least a couple of weeks. I just hope the damaged door will stay closed so I can use the tractor.

 

[AKfish]

Sorry to hear that... That really does BLOW!

I'd be really surprised if the cab frame was the weaker link vs the door hinge. I'd think that the door hinge would be the sacrifical element.

Question about the door limiter - is it adjustable? You'd like to believe that in a chain reaction like that; that the limiter would break, then the hinge and finally the door.

Since the cab has to provide roll-over protection; it should be WAY stout.

Good luck on the repairs and thank God the window didn't gooooo... A lap full of snow while sitting in your cab plowing into a 40mph wind -- would not be a fun afternoon.

AKfish

 

[kennyd]

That Blows
But, on the bright side, at least the glass did not shatter!

 

[TCowner]

AK, I hope your right and I hope that it is just hinges. I agree that the cab frame shoudn't be damaged but the piece that is welded to the cab frame where the hinges attach could be bent.

Kenny, When the door swung back at the speed of light I was just waiting for the explosion of glass. I haven't priced a door but I imagine it would be over $500.

I am going to get new hinges overnighted, assuming Deere has them somewhere, so that I have them for the next storm. If the door doesn't allign properly with the new hinges then I will have to have the dealer pick up the tractor.

Any thoughts here about persuing this as a warranty claim. THe only thing that restrics the door opening is the shock absorber which is pretty wimpy. I think there should be something more substantial limits the opening.

 

[Ductape]

It stinks for sure, but look at the bright side. My memory isn't what it used to be, but i don't think you are the first to have a door hinge break. At least it wasn't worse!

 

[vettemanwight]

Now would be a good time to fabricate a better door limiter ! V

 

[Nuru]

When my loader arms punched my lower window, i priced the doors and I seem to remember they were north of $500.

 

[Karl2]

Yikes! Well at least one member's misfortune will prompt the rest of us to watch that wind. After reading the original post I went out to look at the hinges and noticed one of the pins on the step side was halfway out. Punched it back in, would never have noticed that if not for this thread.

 

[dirtworksequip]

Terry, sorry to hear about your door. I could see where this could easily happen. I think the hinges are around $170 each if I rememer correctly. I had the limit cable break on the right side door which allowed the door to open too far and it did damage the hinges. A small piece on each hinge broke out. The hinges still work okay. I guess yours are not usable from what you discribe. The wind catching the door isn't going to be covered by the warantee I'm sure.

In the pic below you can see the center part of the hinge that broke out when the door opend too far.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[dqdave1]

You could move good hinges to side you use and secure other side till hinges arrive.