Notes for RTV1100 owners part 2 (do not install tracks!)

[Nwood]

I'm no pro but the pics just dont look right.
Sort of like the spline wasn't fully engaged in the hub, odd that the treads are stripped too. Shaft is unsupported at the hub end too.

Tracks are a red herring this thing should swing cement blocks for tires for 150 hours.

 

[ttowne66]

nwood

"Shaft is unsupported at the hub end too" Yea, this is what our mechanic doesn't understand. He says the object of the spline is to transfer the turning force to the hub then to the wheels, the spline should not be used as a load carrying part (spindle) but apparently on this machine it is. Who could disagree with that statement?

I believe the threads were stripped by the hub because at some point the wear of the spline to the hub allowed the whole hub to cock & wobble back & forth. Mechanic probably has a better explanation but that is my guess.

Tom

 

[ddivinia]

nwood

"Shaft is unsupported at the hub end too" Yea, this is what our mechanic doesn't understand. He says the object of the spline is to transfer the turning force to the hub then to the wheels, the spline should not be used as a load carrying part (spindle) but apparently on this machine it is. Who could disagree with that statement?

I believe the threads were stripped by the hub because at some point the wear of the spline to the hub allowed the whole hub to cock & wobble back & forth. Mechanic probably has a better explanation but that is my guess.

Tom

I think you are on top of it. A lot of weight on the end, and a lot of torque.

Sounds like Kubota might need ot rethink the design. Of course, I bet it makes it thru the warranty period on the majority of the ones left in a standard config.

D.

 

[learstroker]

I just spoke to my dealer and they just had to repair a 900 that had the same thing happen to it. Both shafts were shot. This 900 had never had tracks.

 

[Dargo]

I just spoke to my dealer and they just had to repair a 900 that had the same thing happen to it. Both shafts were shot. This 900 had never had tracks.

Ugh! That's entirely not cool! So far on my 1100 the only "issue" I have is that the welding on the driver's side door frame is pathetic. I told Kubota that I'm disappointed that they have NO quality control on the welds for their door frames. My passenger side door frame welds are fine.

I put my RTV900 through some rather severe use with far, far more weight than it was rated to haul/pull and never had any issue. Hopefully this axle problem doesn't affect all RTV's and that Kubota makes good on them.

 

[john_bud]

Questions about modifying by adding tracks are valid. However, the Kubota salesman was fully aware we were only considering this machine if it would handle the tracks. From several of our members he was questioned on this. The machine was purchased to install tracks onto.

Oh boy.... you trusted the salesman???

First off, the salesman works for the dealer, not Kubota. So, anything he says is totally non-binding on Kubota. When he lied to you (or even just mis-informed you), it has nothing to do with Kubota standing behind the product in it's modified state. (Sorry, but that how it typically shakes down).

I do hope you wrote in the sales contract that the equipment was only going to be purchased if it was suitable for use with aftermarket tracks. If you did, then you are covered in a "sue ya" sort of way. If not, the sales guy got a fat commission with a lot of gold and you (ahem) got the shaft.

It sounds like you may have to roll up your sleeves and duke it out in a battle royal between the dealer and the track company. I sure don't envy you and hope that one of them will step up to the plate and make it right.

jb

 

[ttowne66]

JB

Thank you for your comments. We are not intending to go after or sue anybody, too much of that crap in this country and speaking for our crew here, we are not that type of people. However, we would like to see Kubota design and machine a solution that works. Considering Kubota's resources it really doesn't seem that it would be a difficult task to accomplish. The dealer was contacted with the findings/solution proposed by our mechanic and asked if Kubota would machine new parts with design changes that would allow full bearing support of the hub. Dealer does not want to present this info to Kubota. They have however agreed to fix the machine under warranty with OEM parts. Unfortunately, this solution doesn't really help us or Kubota.

Tom

 

[ddivinia]

JB

Thank you for your comments. We are not intending to go after or sue anybody, too much of that crap in this country and speaking for our crew here, we are not that type of people. However, we would like to see Kubota design and machine a solution that works. Considering Kubota's resources it really doesn't seem that it would be a difficult task to accomplish. The dealer was contacted with the findings/solution proposed by our mechanic and asked if Kubota would machine new parts with design changes that would allow full bearing support of the hub. Dealer does not want to present this info to Kubota. They have however agreed to fix the machine under warranty with OEM parts. Unfortunately, this solution doesn't really help us or Kubota.

Tom

Get it fixed and send it to Kubota. I bet they take it and run with it. Pic, design recommendations, etc.

I wonder if the dealer will let you have the old parts...

D.

 

[Deerlope]

Well it looks like a new RTV is in the works for me but I am going to wait and see what comes of this axle problem. Don't much matter I will have to have mine repaired away. I plan on being in contact with Soucy track to see if they will admitt to knowing about this problem. I am not the sueing kind of person either but I do talking to a lot of people in the course of a month.

 

[ttowne66]

Deerlope

Did you confirm your axles were damaged?