Broken leveling link/ L3400

[TDVT]

I was just finishing up some mowing today & when I raised the mower to drive off, I noticed that the mower was still touching the ground on the right side. So I lowered it, shut things down & upon closer examination noticed that my adjustable leveling side link on the 3PH had snapped. It broke right in the center of the lower threaded section which is approx 19mm threaded rod. I didn't hit anything that I was aware of but there were sections of pretty uneven ground in the area that it let go so I'm thinking it was more of a twisting force than an abrupt shock.

Has anyone else broken one of these? And does anyone know if they are available in sections, as the middle & upper sections are fine? I will probably sleeve & weld the lower part to get up & running for now.

 

[RadarTech]

TDVT,
I have not heard of this before... BUT it could be a defective part.. I would call your dealer and see what they say.

Tractor supply has a part that may help you.

Lift Arm Leveling Assembly for Ford - 0267741 | Tractor Supply Company

I would also look at the possibility of some kind of Binding that would have given mechanical leverage to cause the damage....


Let us know how you get along..
and can you send a pic?


Later,
J

 

[RadarTech]

Oh-- the link says for Ford.. BUT in the description is mentions any Cat 1 3 PH..

so give it a look see..

J

 

[TDVT]

Thanks for the reply, I didn't see that on the TSC site. Actually, a TBN search pulled up a short thread where the OP was wondering if there was a crank-style leveler for Kubota. I also have an old N tractor & that type of leveler IS nice. I may have to mod one to fit the thicker L3400 lift arms if the Kubota replacement part is too expensive.

 

[Harvest Moon]

I'd say the Kubota part is too expensive.

According to my reference it is TC220-71522 ROD LIFT LOWER and it looks to run about $70. The whole assembly runs around $135, I once considered getting one for the left side.

 

[RadarTech]

WOW that is expensive!!
I once thought about trying this:
3-Point Ratchet Jack - 0267898 | Tractor Supply Company

but deemed it too much$$$...

J

 

[TDVT]

I'd say the Kubota part is too expensive.

According to my reference it is TC220-71522 ROD LIFT LOWER and it looks to run about $70. The whole assembly runs around $135, I once considered getting one for the left side.

That's what I was afraid of & of course the dealer's closed for the long weekend anyway to see what they might be able to do.

Luckily, the way the link is attached with pins, I can weld the bottom together & still be able to detach one end to adjust the length. Not convenient but doable.

 

[Harvest Moon]

If you're a competent welder, you could cut the broken threads off of the clevice and weld on a new pice of threaded rod.

McMaster.com probably has what you need, cheaper than one of those made in China alternative links.

 

[Harvest Moon]

Is there any sign of a flaw in the rod where it broke? Maybe you can get it replaced under warranty?

 

[Toolguy]

It doesn't look like a warranty problem to me. The threaded part is bent and so is the clevis part that attaches to the lower link. You must have dropped the right wheel in a hole to twist the mower up to bend and break the link like that. That kind of thing happens quickly sometimes and there is nothing you can do about it. The link looks like it would be easy to repair. Your lucky the bottom part broke. That is RH thread so a replacement threaded rod or long bolt should be easy to find. I would cut the part off of the clevis and weld some new threads on. If you don't weld you can find a welding shop that can do it for you. Heavy equipment repairs like that are done all the time. No reason you can't do it on your Kubota. Good Luck.

 

[TDVT]

$70 for the lower part was right on the money. I didn't even get into the warranty thing as I don't really think it was defective either, just bad luck.
I am using a 6' flail which is offset to that side, so it probably just got torqued pretty good.

I might take the broken section up to the dealer sometime (1hr away) if I order the new part but will just repair the bottom for now & look into modifying a Ford crank leveler as that part is cheaper & easier to use.

First broken part on this machine!
(only 65 hrs though)

 

[StrangeRanger]

$70 for the lower part was right on the money. I didn't even get into the warranty thing as I don't really think it was defective either, just bad luck.
I am using a 6' flail which is offset to that side, so it probably just got torqued pretty good.

I might take the broken section up to the dealer sometime (1hr away) if I order the new part but will just repair the bottom for now & look into modifying a Ford crank leveler as that part is cheaper & easier to use.

First broken part on this machine!
(only 65 hrs though)

TDVT if you're in the NEK I'm not too far away and have one of these from my L3400 just sitting on a shelf. I installed a top n tilt system and really have no need for this side link. I'm over near St. Albans if you're interested drop me a PM. I can't get online from home so please don't expect a response until probably Monday.

 

[TDVT]

TDVT if you're in the NEK I'm not too far away and have one of these from my L3400 just sitting on a shelf. I installed a top n tilt system and really have no need for this side link. I'm over near St. Albans if you're interested drop me a PM. I can't get online from home so please don't expect a response until probably Monday.

Great!!

PM sent Thanks!