LS G30-38 frame bending

Caveman3250 · Aug 13, 2012

Have a brand new 30-38 w/factory front bucket, or dealer installed, and after using it to move and dig some small tree stumps I am having issues. Seems the reinforced parts for attaching bucket stop at point just behind front axel mounting crossmember. From that point forward the two frame rails have bent upward causing the fan to hit shroud and break a couple of blades off & part of shroud. The Hood latch also is out of line now. I didn't think I lifted too much weight but it must have been from the force of bucket lifting & pulling some roots up. The two short frame members don't seem beefy to me & was wondering if there is a factory reinforced retrofit out there. I may have to fab one myself but would rather get one already made... Any of you have similar experiences or ideas on how to straighten? Thanks

rwork · Aug 13, 2012

Bent the frame?? I can't understand how you could bend the front of the frame from using the loader. Your loader bracket is at about the mid point of the tractor.
Any pictures of this?

Caveman3250 · Aug 14, 2012

I have some pictures I will upload. Basically, the weight of tractor is supported in front by axle that is mounted to the front frame rails which protrude like 2 bladed fork from the engine going towards front. The twin fork has brushguard welded to it and a couple of cross members. The rest of the tractor weight is supported by back wheels whose rigid axle is part of tractor, engine, transmission assembly like most tractors. The front bucket is attached at the point where the bend begins and then in more spots rearward. However when the weight of tractor is increased by weight of bucket and whatever is in it, the front fork type frame pieces bend upwards thus messing things up!

The photo is taken from right front side even with the frame rail....bent maybe an inch or so but enough to screw up the fan/shroud and the hood latch. Plus it flexes when going over terrain with a small load....

Caveman

MarkV · Aug 14, 2012

Is it under warranty? That seems like a pretty serious problem to me.

MarkV

Caveman3250 · Aug 14, 2012

It's supposed to be, not sure what they will say so I will contact them. As you can see, the bolts of the bucket bracket had backed out some as well, turns out I found many more bolts not torqued down on the bucket brackets, the dealer installed it so I guess they just missed a few....I hate taking tractor back to dealer b/c of the trouble of loading etc but will have to I guess. That is why I need to ask other if they had similar problems before I went back. Just in case some sort of pattern was developing....

Gator6x4 · Aug 14, 2012

My vote is the loose bolts caused the frame to flex, which in turn caused the problem. I don't think it is a design problem. It is back to the dealer time for some serious warranty repairs.

Gary Fowler · Aug 14, 2012

Looks like you have a few bolt holes with no bolts in them, possibly loosened and fell out. Many posts here have warned FEL owners to check the attachment bolts on new tractors after 10 hours of operation. Digging stumps with FEL (usually using corner of bucket) will wreck the FEL and anything else attached. Usually folks just warp the FEL lift arms and bend the bucket, but I suppose if the bolts come out or loosen up, then the whole frame of the tractor could be bent. Hopefully your dealer will make it right for you without a hassle but you do bear responsibility for keeping the bolts tight. Speaking of bolts, check the wheel lug bolts as they have to be re-tightened after using for a while (most recommend 50 hour but check for loose bolts prior to that)
I had a Vietnam rebuild on a Yanmar with a V3 loader that I had to tighten the bolts on the mounting frame everytime I used it and sometimes twice a day as they just wouldnt stay tight and would vibrate completly out. Lost a few of them also and had to keep a supply of metric stud bolts for it.

Caveman3250 · Aug 14, 2012

Empty bolt holes are for other accessories that didn't come on tractor, none missing. I have 20 hrs on tractor so far. I have tightened several bolts/fittings since taking delivery. In fact, on test drive had hydraulic leak where dealer didn't tighten a fitting & dealer Guy wasn't too happy w/his mechanics. I have tightened several other bolts as well. As for digging, I have countless hours of operating machinery of many types to dig & can assure u I don't think the tractor is a sub for a dozer, backhoe, etc...

Gary Fowler · Aug 15, 2012

I dont know what to tell you then. I have never heard of a FEL bending the tractor frame as the lift arms are usually the weakest link. i guess you have to take it back to the dealer and see what he says.

Caveman3250 · Aug 16, 2012

I appreciate the response from you guys. My reason for posting was to find out if others had same problem in order to flush out a bigger problem if it existed. I was able to straighten out the frame yesterday. I am working on a reinforcement for the frame in front that will prevent this from happening again. Might use a turnbuckle set up to adjust if necessary on underside. I will update when I get done.

Caveman