Grill guard improvements

[jmc]

JMC - "what is OEM & what is fabbed". OEM is the frame. This includes the entire outer band and horizontal bar & vertical bar on the upper half. All the expanded metal and "tongue" were added...

Thanks, oosik. My frame is solid and yours appears to be hinged. I had assumed you fabbed the hinge as well.

 

[oosik]

The OEM guard IS hinged. I have to tip the guard forward when I lift the hood. That's why the "tongue" is tipped forward also. It allows the guard to tip forward sufficiently.

BTW - I DO NOT do brush very often. Almost completely big rocks and big lengths of Ponderosa pine trunk. However - the few times I have done brush - that expanded metal addition has save me two times - that I know of.

The OEM guard, as it came on the tractor, is just great for stopping things such as garbage cans, 55 gallon drums, large root wads, etc.

 

[Smokeydog]

With all the different variations it would be hard to make and market bolt on grill guards. Fortunately welding technologies and cost make doing DIY an interesting skill to learn. A skill I find somewhat addicting and rewarding. With some basic tools you can yield impressive results. Some very good tutorials on utube. Back in the day almost every farm had a blacksmith shop to take care of horsey iron and repair projects. Metal sellers can usually help you with finding someone who can help.

 

[Notforhire]

Here is the factory (optional) grill guard on my JD. It wasn't great, but it did cover most of the grill.
It's actually sold in two parts!

Without the screen it's pretty worthless.

 

[moship]

For those that have added expanded metal mesh to their brush guards and other. What size did you recommend and thickness (weight)?

Example: 3/4 #9, 3/4 #16, 1/2 #13 or other?

Looking to modify the stock brush guard on the L4740-3.

Thanks

 

[dstig1]

3/4 #9, flattened

 

[Rebeldad1]

For me its the radiator I want to protect. ..... Ok... maybe all the grill and whats behind it.

 

[jonsstihl]

here is mine on my 4740

 

[jmc]

here is mine on my 4740View attachment 664078

That looks great painted black.

 

[JBacon52]

My version built onto the OEM guard.

 

[moship]

here is mine on my 4740View attachment 664079View attachment 664078

Thanks for posting the picture. Is there anything you would change in the design? Do you remember the mesh size?

I'm not concerned about the headlight and block illumination as I have better LED cab lights installed.

Thanks.

 

[Smokeydog]

Tying some topics together concerning grills. With the grill off to install brush guard screens would be a good time to install a good tie down point. Hooks, D-ring, receiver hitch or whatever. The front axle is a poor choice for routine trailering. Front bumper protects and pushes down brush when bush hogging. Just today had 6” limb snap out of the pile while stacking storm damage debris with the M59. Scuffed some paint, but no damage.

Adding some bars to secure the expanded metal around all edges helps to add strength.

B26 grill guard.
Stainless steel expanded metal from scrapyard. Choose to install behind the bars. 3x5” angle iron bottom supports the screen and keeps sticks from coming up. Hitch makes for a good tie down point but really pretty useless with a FEL.

 

[jonsstihl]

Thanks jmc, everything modded on the tractor gets painted corrostop gloss black enamel because I don't have the heart to pay top dollar for kubota orange.

jbacon2 nice that you were able to protect the sides as well those grill parts sure are expensive.

 

[fried1765]

Just found some bare 9GA, expanded steel at a local welding shop.
When it warms up a bit I'll remove the OEM grill guard frame, and have them weld the 9GA on for me.
Then I'll spray it with OEM Kubota color.
I should really learn how to use my Hobart Handler 190 MIG.

 

[old and tired]

...I should really learn how to use my Hobart Handler 190 MIG.

Perfect time to learn... get extra steel to practice on.

 

[fried1765]

Perfect time to learn... get extra steel to practice on.

Oh, I have plenty of steel, I just need to get a 220V circuit wired with outlet.
I have the wiring materials, but it is just too damm cold now, in my unheated building.
And......when it warms up.....I will have other chit to do!
I never seem to catch up to my desires!
Being 80 has also had a meaningful impact on my motivation.

 

[Leejohn]

Being 80 has also had a meaningful impact on my motivation.

You sure can say that again!!!!

 

[dstig1]

There is another trick I did on my grapple that also helps do 2 things - 1. Protect the tractor and 2. help you munch a bigger bite of brush. See pics below

 

[BackRoad]

Mr. Dstig, do you find brush gets hung up more with the expanded metal when you dump?

 

[dstig1]

Mr. Dstig, do you find brush gets hung up more with the expanded metal when you dump?

Very rarely and nothing of note. Maybe a small stick once in a while gets stuck. As long as the openings are small enough and the mesh sturdy enough you get a lot of benefits from it with basically zero downsides.

-Dave