LA724 loader concern

[Rebel]

Just checked the loader arms on mine and there is some slight wavyness in the same area but not near as bad as in the posted pictures, it's barley noticable on mine as I've never noticed it before.

Also note that the area of waves is in the area where the top edge of the loader arm starts to curve. The result is the metal was bent in 2 directions causing the waves. If you have ever worked with sheetmetal you will understand what I'm trying to explain. The area with the waves needs to be shrunk...I've never seen a shrinker that would work on what looks like 1/4" plate.

 

[CCWKen]

I work with sheet metal everyday and that wouldn't leave my shop. Those arms should be die stamped/bent like a car/truck frame. That's just poor quality. If that's their "normal" production, I'd look elsewhere for a loader. There's too many high quality FELs in the aftermarket to put up with that. Pretty much turns me away from Kubota and that the dealer found it acceptable makes me wonder what else he might "let pass". Have you checked the fluid levels? Are the wheel lugs tight?

Reminds me of the story about a GM dealer fixing a cracked engine block under warranty with JB Weld.

 

[john_bud]

Good coat of wax and that will buff right out!

Oh wait, that's what the sales guys will probably tell you.

jb

 

[mark2610d]

my brand new 724 loader has the waves and I would have never known if if I did not read this thread. I don't see it as a problem other than knowing it's there and it does look a little funny.

Still love my 724 and I won't lose any sleep over this issue.
Mark 3240hstc 724 loader

 

[PapaPerk]

I'm nearly speechless, I wouldn't accept that loader. I'm not an engineer and I'm not qualified to say this but I call that a structural defect.

What's going on with KUBOTA??

Well I am an engineer and yes this is a structural defect! I cannot believe they are shipping these loaders like this. It appears they have not perfected the hydroforming process of the loader arms. Very disappointing... for any manufacture... especially Kubota!!! I do not like the bent loader arms.... bad idea IMHO.

 

[Harvest Moon]

I just saw a curved arm Kubota loader... was too busy checking out the wrinkles to note the model. They were subtle and didn't look like they had any significance. I wouldn't have noticed them if I wasn't looking for them.

Anyway, I guess they are standard and acceptable by Kubota spec. but the OP's look much worse than what I saw.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

Well I am an engineer and yes this is a structural defect! I cannot believe they are shipping these loaders like this. It appears they have not perfected the hydroforming process of the loader arms. Very disappointing... for any manufacture... especially Kubota!!! I do not like the bent loader arms.... bad idea IMHO.

I agree with PapaPerk. An unanticipated consequence to the "skirted" design I think. In their effort to improve the aesthetics and/or to protect the hyd. lines, has backfired on them, resulting in this rippling when a bending load is applied to the boom. I bet these loaders will all exhibit varying degrees of rippling depending on how much use/abuse the loader has been subjected to. One good hit with the lip of the bucket into a curb or immovable object is probably all it takes.

That said, I can see why they would want to hide the lines though. If you have a curved boom, you have to curve the steel hyd. lines along their whole length to match the radius of the bend. Wouldn't be easy to to. Better to try and hide them.

 

[Kubotawally]

Notice folks that this "wavyness" is only present in the curved boom models. It is not possible to make a compound bend in metal without the additional metal going somewhere. We the customers asked for a curved boom and Kubota has supplied. Go take a look at the blue and green ones you will see the same conditions

 

[Harvest Moon]

Notice folks that this "wavyness" is only present in the curved boom models. It is not possible to make a compound bend in metal without the additional metal going somewhere. We the customers asked for a curved boom and Kubota has supplied. Go take a look at the blue and green ones you will see the same conditions

hummm.... "Kubota"wally, bleed orange, engineer... Georgia. So your the one making the loaders, I was wondering when we'd hear from Kubota.

Just kidding, welcome aboard Kubotawally. I like engineers, they know lots of cool things. And if you really do work for Kubota, well, it's still great to have you here!

 

[dirtworksequip]

Kubotawally, I think your full of it! The Deere boom is a piece of quality craftsmanship compared to that wavy Kubota boom. If you need close up pics, I'll be glad to provide them.
That Kubota boom has more ripples than Bertha's butt! (no offense if anyone here has a wife named Bertha)

Sorry, but it really gets my goat when someone gets on here and starts spewing info they have no knowledge of.
Sincerely, Dirt

Deere 300cx boom
There is a few water drops and snow flakes on it, but no rippled steel.