MT-125 Messed up (70% LS, 30% me)

tookielee · Mar 25, 2019

This will be a long post:
I needed to rip some roots, and I thought it would be a good idea to get the MMM out of the way.
Plus I wanted to see how hard it is to remove. So I removed it (actually easier than Cub Cadet riding mower)
So off to ripping I go... after about 30 minutes, I reversed, and it felt like I backed into something. Stopped
to check what happened, and the arm on right side just under HST pedals that runs back to mower deck lift
linkage had come off. Further inspection revealed that the other side was close to falling, because LS ( or
dealer, not sure who assembles deck) did not put washers / cotter pins in. Maybe I should have noticed,
hence the 30% me, but it was my first time removing the deck, didn't know they were supposed to be there.
Here is a pic of the place where the cotter pin(s) were missing.

The arm was bent pretty badly, I straightened it enough to get the deck back on, but I don't think I have it
correct... I tried to go by the local LS dealer to compare it with a new one, but they had none with a MMM.
EDIT: Had some free time today, I think I've got it as close as I will ever need

tookielee · Mar 25, 2019

Forgot to add, I can get the deck on, but it's got

ThirdMan · Apr 3, 2019

I would not consider that your fault. It was assembled incorrectly!

coldsteelva · Apr 3, 2019

When you buy a new and pre-assembled tractor it is wise (but not mandated) that you check the visible and accessible nuts and bolts. Since the pin was in place, I'm not sure anyone would notice the missing washer/clip UNTIL the pin came out. I would push the dealer for a new arm as it was their assembly that missed the component. I was provided the install instructions with my manuals when I purchased my TLB so I know that the dealer had all they needed to complete the assembly upon receipt; they weren't doing it from memory. All of the equipment comes over on a boat, in crates, in various states of assembly for shipping. Every selling dealer has to complete final assembly.

3Lfarms · Apr 3, 2019

I know Kubota dealers do final assembly of their tractors, but LS tractors come from the facility in NC ready to deliver. The dealer may install little things, but otherwise they come off the truck configured to the customers order. The tires, loader, backhoe, mower deck are already installed. Of course if a dealer has a tractor on the lot, and the customer wants a backhoe, the dealer may order and install it, but many dealers will just order another machine configured the way the customer wants.
The only thing an LS dealer usually needs to do is inspect the machine and do a prep for delivery.

wagne223 · Apr 3, 2019

I operate in roots and heavy brush a lot.
I am constantly losing pins.
The sticks and roots just have a way of removing them.

So, do you think that you have been operating the machine without those pins in and it just now failed, or do you think maybe a root removed the pins for you and caused the failure?

Food for thought.....

orezok · Apr 3, 2019

... and unfortunately people steal small parts off of display items. How many small parts are missing from display items at your local box store?

tookielee · Apr 3, 2019

wagne223 said:
I operate in roots and heavy brush a lot.
I am constantly losing pins.
The sticks and roots just have a way of removing them.

So, do you think that you have been operating the machine without those pins in and it just now failed, or do you think maybe a root removed the pins for you and caused the failure?

Food for thought.....

No, it had about 4 hours on it