How to latch grille JD 318 420 etc

[OutbackL130]

For the life of me I cant seem to figure out how to get the grille to attach right on my 420. I was looking at the jd parts catalog and saw there is a latch on the top but they dont really show where it latches to. Would somebody post a pic or describe how it attaches?

 

[KENSFM]

I have a 318, to install the grille just put the bottom in first and give the top a tap with your hand. If it does not want to latch just reach in with a screw driver and move the latch on the grille. It is really easy to do. Not sure if the 420 is the same.
Ken

 

[OutbackL130]

420 should be the same as the 318, however, on mine I dont see where the latch would catch onto anything. I'll post up a pick to show what I'm working with.

 

[KENSFM]

It latches to a crosspiece on the tractor that has a rectangular slot approx. 2" x 1/2". Again this is a 318. Did you ever have the grille on the tractor?
Ken

 

[OutbackL130]

When I picked the tractor up it was in really rough shape and the grille actually fell off as I drove onto the trailer. I didnt get to see how it was supposed to latch.


Finally discovered the reason it gave so much trouble was because the flange at the top of the grille had been bent down slightly which made me think the grille was supposed to go under the tractor's crossbar. I straightened the metal out with a rubber mallet and the grille fits like a glove now!

Before when the flange was bent

With the grille flange on top now I see how the latch works!

 

[KENSFM]

Glad you got it figured out, I told you it was easy.
Ken

 

[420GLH]

I had the same mini panic attack too, and when I whacked it with my hand it smapped right on. Kinda like starting a DeLorean in 1950's Hill Valley.