I can provide the next chapter for those who want more than just 2 cents.
I find it sad when a member of the forum feels free to disparage the opinion and efforts of others (post #13 this thread). When I arrived on this scene needing help and guidance, I could not have had a more helpful, warm response. I hope we can continue in that vein with the odd hiccup. Wolfman's contribution and tireless efforts to help everyone has to be mentioned when talking about how individuals are received here. Recently, he quietly and thoroughly made me realize that the wiring diagram from a B1700 WSM was wrong in the area of the stop solenoid and my advice to the owner with a problem was wrong. He could have just sarcastically told me I was full of it and did not know anything acquired by getting ones hands dirty but he did not and I greatly appreciate that
Kubota did reply to my email I sent directly to them and did not just click reply.
They were contacted by RAD who I emailed on behalf of a frustrated Kubota owner who was getting no satisfaction with his dealer.
My only ax to grind is enjoying helping people resolve technical problems.
I am very happy with my larger M7040 bought new in 2012. I am impressed with the product Kubota produces. Where they have fallen short, is to put their color on a product which was not up to the normal uses an owner requires. In the 1980's era of McKee snow blowers, Kubota painted them orange. These blower have stood the test of time and still run flawlessly. If you have not seen one with its bevel gears designed to run unlubricated and in the open, you should. Amazing metallurgy. Try that on the bevel gearbox.
My 90" inverted blower, bought new in 2006, has never broken a shear bolt and I live on a farm and blow long hiking trails throughout my and my brothers farms totaling 200 acres. Owners of front mounted blowers made by RAD cannot believe that is how life blowing snow should be.
To comment on owners putting the wrong shear bolts in, please take a minute to look carefully at the package and extra shear bolts a Kubota owner in Ottawa was provided when he bought a new front blower just before X-mas 2016.
The Kubota labelled package that came with this new blower specifically states use Grade 2 bolts only on the fan shear bolt. Now look at the head of the 2 shorter bolts his Kubota dealer gave him as spares. He was given Grade 5 by his dealer.
If anyone does not accept that what I am claiming is Grade 5 I can post the email from the owner who was very upset his dealer provided the non recommended bolts once I suggested he physically check them.
Look at the long bolts in the second photo. The ones with the groves cut in the shank of the bolt. The shear bolts for the two auger halves.
Kubota dealers are offering a smorgasbord of alternatives. Two shallow grooves, two deep grooves, one groove. They dont know what will work and send the customer off to do field testing. Each of these alternatives are being offered are for the same blower to the same owner.
I look forward to hopefully getting a through knowledgeable reply from Kubota Canada.
Another member on another forum, emailed RAD too, thinking as the manufacturer, they would be anxious to help an owner of their product.
Although he lives in and sent his email to RAD from the USA, Rad had Kubota Canada deal with it first and now his " FILE" is being forwarded to Kubota.com. His expectations on the amount of support he will receive are now much moderated.
Dave M7040
