B2650 entry step

[timbertom]

Just getting familiar with my new B2650 HSD. I noticed that the entire left side body work flexes when stepping on the entry step and up onto the seat. Is this normal? It seems excessive and not representative of what one would consider a sturdy build. I am only 180lbs- hardly a big man.

 

[check]

This was a big deal when I was "window shopping" for a B2650 a while ago. It may have even been a game changer for me at the time. I, too, was shocked at how flimsy the step set up was.

 

[s219]

It's because the whole operators platform is mounted on rubber bushings to isolate vibration (look around the edges where it mounts and you can see all of this). I wouldn't give it a second thought. I have seen other people complain about this too, and I think they are not understanding the purpose/benefit of the rubber mounts and interpreting the flex to mean "cheap" or "weak". I've had two Kubotas with the rubber isolated platform and never seen it turn into a problem.

 

[check]

It's because the whole operators platform is mounted on rubber bushings to isolate vibration (look around the edges where it mounts and you can see all of this). I wouldn't give it a second thought. I have seen other people complain about this too, and I think they are not understanding the purpose/benefit of the rubber mounts and interpreting the flex to mean "cheap" or "weak". I've had two Kubotas with the rubber isolated platform and never seen it turn into a problem.

And how much do you weigh? My dealer acknowledged that it would be a problem for anyone except a fairly light person.

 

[kuboman]

And how much do you weigh? My dealer acknowledged that it would be a problem for anyone except a fairly light person.

I weigh 230lbs and haven't broken my step yet.

 

[s219]

And how much do you weigh? My dealer acknowledged that it would be a problem for anyone except a fairly light person.

Was 220# until last year, down to about 190# now. Never was an issue for me at any of those weights. I doubt it would be a real "problem" at any weight though -- if you're really heavy you'll compress the rubber bushings down to the point where it's going to bottom out but that's all that will happen. It's not like the tractor is going to fold in half.

 

[sandyc]

I'm a petite 136 pounds and I can make the cab shake a bit. I agree that the cab's rubber isolater cause the motion but if the cab was solid mounted to the frame the noise would be terrible.

 

[rkidd]

Was 220# until last year, down to about 190# now. Never was an issue for me at any of those weights. I doubt it would be a real "problem" at any weight though -- if you're really heavy you'll compress the rubber bushings down to the point where it's going to bottom out but that's all that will happen. It's not like the tractor is going to fold in half.

I have almost 500hrs on my B2650 and have had no problem with my step or platform. Works great.

 

[timbertom]

Thanks for the replies. I understand the whole rubber bushing design, but still don't think the whole operators foot rest and fender should flex that much. Otherwise happy so far with the tractor.

 

[kcender]

Timbertom,is your B2650 a cab model or open station? I don't notice much flexing with my cab model. On my previous B2620 there was noticeable flexing of the fender when using the foot step.

 

[timbertom]

Timbertom,is your B2650 a cab model or open station? I don't notice much flexing with my cab model. On my previous B2620 there was noticeable flexing of the fender when using the foot step.

Open station. Western Washington never gets too hot or cold, rarely snows significantly and the rain is frequent but light/moderate. Little need for a cab.

 

[kcender]

I tried the step on my cab model B2650 and it seemed very solid with little flexing. I weigh about 185#. Different situation with the open station tractor it seems.

 

[von-mil]

I get the same "fender-flex" on my open-station B3030. It's not a lot and I don't think it's anything to worry about, but just in case, I always try to transfer my weight to the grab handle when stepping up onto the platform.

 

[jlbmi]

The step on my B2650 is like tinfoil. My front tire picked up a small log and lodged into the step. The step and platform buckled. I was able to straighten it out a bit. I am disappointed in the gauge of the metal used on the step and platform.