Loader Kubota Pallet forks don't fit right.

ronjhall · Mar 28, 2012

magicheater said:
That is one way to do it but taking metal off is only the equivalent to wear. Kubota brackets are only 1/4 material. A slightly more than gentle tap is all that is needed to bring the circumferences into alignment, Sometimes a bit more. Grinding will work too, if needed. This works on other colored tractors as well.

My bucket requires use of a plastic mallet to install and remove the pins. Forks install with no force at all. You may need to clean out holes holes on the quick attach along with the fork assembly holes.

kuboman · Mar 28, 2012

I have a bucket and PF's and they are both difficult on the right hand pin. I think Kubota had the jig out a little when it got welded. Get a die grinder and check where it needs some taken off when you have the forks on but leave the pin out.

Verticaltrx · Mar 28, 2012

One thing I have found, it isn't that one of the sides is tighter than the other, it is that once you remove one pin, the last one it always tougher (naturally you remove the left one first as you walk around the front of the tractor.) Something I do it roll the bucket/forks almost all the way forward when installing/removing the pins. You'll notice as you roll it forward it will get to its balance point and there will be little to no tension on the pins. If mine is in the level position or rolled back it is a bear to get the pins out. If I roll it forward as mentioned, they slide right out with only finger-tip pressure. One thing to be careful of however, don't roll the bucket/forks too far forward without the pins in, it is possible to have it slide off the top of the hooks.

mjw357 · Mar 28, 2012

Verticaltrx said:
Something I do it roll the bucket/forks almost all the way forward when installing/removing the pins. You'll notice as you roll it forward it will get to its balance point and there will be little to no tension on the pins.

Thanks, I'll have to try that!

rglaser · Mar 29, 2012

I think I will try to fix it myself. I like the idea of bending into allignment with a steel rod, problem is where would one find something the correct diameter and long enough to accomplish it? If I am unable to find something capable of doing this, I will fall back on the gentle grinding plan. I am disappointed in the QC on such an expensive item from Kubota. Thanks to all who provideed ideas/advice!

-Rob

magicheater · Mar 29, 2012

rglaser said:
I think I will try to fix it myself. I like the idea of bending into allignment with a steel rod, problem is where would one find something the correct diameter and long enough to accomplish it? If I am unable to find something capable of doing this, I will fall back on the gentle grinding plan. I am disappointed in the QC on such an expensive item from Kubota. Thanks to all who provideed ideas/advice!

-Rob

It should be a standard 1" diameter, you don't need a lot of length, 12" or so would do it. Remember, You are only moving a few thousandths of an inch. Tap and test, tap and test. This has worked on a repeated basis for me. Die grinder should be a last resort, more so if the diameter as a whole is too tight.

rglaser · Mar 31, 2012

Think I got it worked out. Used drawbar I got from tractor supply to pry the inner right hole to the outboard side would guess about an eight of an inch. This seemed like an awful lot but on looking at it assembled, it could have gone a bit further. As is I no longer need tools to swap it with the bucket so good enough for me. Kubota should have fixed it before I ever got it though. Sounds to me like all the Kubota fork sets are boogered up in this way which I find rediculous for the $1,000 plus price tag. Shame on you Kubota.

As always, thanks for the great advice. You all got me on the right track to get this worked out!