Poor location of tranny/hydraulic filter/hoses

[Cataclysm]

Mine is being dropped off tomorrow morning at the welder/fabricator to have skid plates mounted. Twice was enough, especially when I was overly cautious after the first time.

Shoot us some pics when you get it back if you can. I'd like to see how they do it and it might help someone who is building their own.

 

[yanmars]

I have a Mahindra 4510. I have a skid plate underneath. Helpful but a mess when changing engine oil. The other issue for me is the fuel filter package. It has been damaged three times by saplings hitting the same and causing damage. My neighbor has a smaller Mahindra and his filter is higher and behind the tractor. A better position IMO.

 

[Usmcsrt1]

I just dropped it off at fabricator this afternoon. Will be done by Monday of next week. Looks like a complete skid plate with removable tabs to take it on and off easily will be the route he takes attached to the two main frame rails underneath. He is also going to make it extend around the plastic fuel tank. He will also be making some covers for the front tie rods which are in front of the axle. This should take care of any issues I might have with stumps, trees, limbs, ect from knocking any filters or hoses off again. I will post picks when complete.

 

[Navasot]

All tractors will be venerable to branches or sticks getting places they shouldn't when doing that kind of work... not quite what they are designed for but the plates will help the issues... just be sure yall are using professional fabricators that know the steps like unhooking the battery and important electrical components before welding on them... very big issues can arise if not...

also remember if your going to do these style mods take the time to regularly clean out everything that builds up from this... something as simple as build up getting somewere its not ment to gather and a small split wire grounding out or freak accident a fire starts none of this will be covered under warranty...

 

[jb1390]

All tractors will be venerable to branches or sticks getting places they shouldn't when doing that kind of work... not quite what they are designed for but the plates will help the issues... just be sure yall are using professional fabricators that know the steps like unhooking the battery and important electrical components before welding on them... very big issues can arise if not...

also remember if your going to do these style mods take the time to regularly clean out everything that builds up from this... something as simple as build up getting somewere its not ment to gather and a small split wire grounding out or freak accident a fire starts none of this will be covered under warranty...

I intend to fab up a skid plate for my 3550 - there are a couple things that I have bent under there from errant saplings, but nothing that's cost me money yet. I have a piece of 1/8" laying around, I think that will be sufficient for the time being. If I was buying the material I'd go a little heavier.

Not to get off topic too much, but disconnecting the battery before welding is a myth.....and actually makes it more likely that you will fry something since the battery helps hold everything at a constant voltage. Ground close to what you are welding, on the same part you are welding, and call it a day. If you are really concerned about electronics, you can disconnect the electronics themselves - but disconnecting the battery doesn't do anything. I have discussed this at length with several electrical engineers - the battery will prevent voltage spikes, help absorb high frequencies, etc.

Really it doesn't much matter either way if you ground close to your weld location - which is why you will get people that swear that they've never had problems either way. If you are really worried though, the only thing that is truly safe is to disconnect the electronics you are concerned about (ECU, etc). Me, I leave everything hooked up and ground directly to the part I am welding.

 

[Navasot]

Iv been told the same... in a perfect world taking what your welding to off the tractor is ideal..like the loader brackets .. I have one in right now that was welded to and threw the electronics haywire.. battery is still good but not when hooked up and key gets turned on.

 

[oldpilgrim]

The bucket of my tractor makes a real nice welding table. Infinitely adjustable height, it tips so you can get better angles for welding, has sides and a top to keep sparks from flying all over the place and it's real easy to find a good spot to put your ground clamp and clamps to hold your work in place.

This is the second tractor that I've used this way with no bad results.

 

[Oldpath05]

Skid plate was the first thing I made after one trip in the woods. All I did was bend the brake rod when I backed over what I thought was a dead sapling, one look under the tractor was enough to scare me, hoses, piping, and a filter. Next I made a fuel filter guard, that was just waiting for a branch to hit it.

One look under my tractor and I could see it now, hydraulic filter knocked off, hoses tangled around branches, piping bent and the fuel filter busted, stuck in a mud hole mile down the woods, that would be a bad day.

 

[Usmcsrt1]

Well, it took about 5 days and cost a few bucks, but man did they do a great job. It looks like it was installed at the factory. Now I can get into some thick forest and not worry about busting off a hose or filter.

 

[mike69440]

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