Replacing bent FEL mounting bracket on BX2360

[BillK01]

So as I had previously mentioned - we bought a new home recently and the owner sold me his BX2360 with 54" deck, Snow Blower and FEL.

He neglected to disclose to me (found out from neighbor) that he had tipped it over on it's side a few years ago with the FEL mounted. I never really noticed but the right hand bracket (the big orange one that's mounted to the frame) is slightly bent outwards.

I can still attach and remove the FEL with no issues - but I'm a bit OCD about keeping my stuff nice and would like to possibly replace it. I called my local Kubota dealer this morning and he's telling me $174 for a new one - but really wouldn't commit to how complicated of a job it is to replace. I'm pretty handy and it looks to me like it's simply a few bolts holding it to the main tractor frame.

Can anyone confirm that this is an easy swap and if the $174 for the bracket is a reasonable price? Or should I just leave the bent one on there and keep using it (even though it'll drive me crazy now that I know it's there)? Everything seems to work fine with the FEL otherwise.

Thanks.

 

[coachgeo]

Post a pic please. "Big Orange One" is not quiet a good enough description.

 

[BillK01]

It is number 060 (part #7J619-55030) in the Parts Diagram below....

 

[BillK01]

Here's a pic of the bent mounting bracket...

 

[scdeerslayer]

Can't see your pics but if the loader detaches and reattaches normally, then the loader itself it probably also bent, and may not attach easily to the new bracket.

 

[D2Cat]

From the parts list picture it looks like there are 6 bolts holding it in place. It's up to you, it's your money, it's your mind that keeps you focused on it!!

But I'd leave it as it is. just use the machine.

 

[BillK01]

Stopped by the Kubota dealer he originally bought it from today and verified that he did indeed tip it over last May and filed an insurance claim under the Kubota insurance plan they sell, had the dealer go over it and repair it (not sure why it's still bent, but oh well). He also had a full service completed on it last June as well.

According to their records it was fixed and operates normally. Guess I'll let it go for now.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[BillK01]

Well the plot thickens with the FEL.

Was out nosing around with the unit this evening and one of the mounting pins is a slightly smaller diameter than the other one. I'm assuming this is because with the bracket bent as it is, the original size pin won't fit in the right side so he got one that's a bit smaller.

Not sure what to do now.

 

[Ryansweatt2004]

If yoou have access to a cutting torch id heat up the bracket and bend it back into place and replace the pin with the right size.

 

[85Hokie]

Well the plot thickens with the FEL.

Was out nosing around with the unit this evening and one of the mounting pins is a slightly smaller diameter than the other one. I'm assuming this is because with the bracket bent as it is, the original size pin won't fit in the right side so he got one that's a bit smaller.

Not sure what to do now.

Bill,

looking at the picture again - it seems to be bent from the frame to the pin hole. Like a soft turning L - so the "bent" part is below the frame?

could a very long cheater bar in the hole and 8 feet or better could provide enough torque to turn in back? Go by see if you can find a long bar and see if at all it will move at all.

I do not think heat would be the best answer - I would buy new if coming to that !

 

[BillK01]

I do have a couple long iron bars that could work. My fear is if I bend it back or replace it that the loader arms are tweaked too and it won't line back up once the bracket is straight.

Pretty bummed about it right now and not sure what the best thing to do is. Or just leave it alone since it technically works, even with mismatched pins and a tweaked bracket.

 

[rkidd]

I would do as Hokie said. I would try to straighten it so the right size pin fits in it. If that doesnt work I would replace it and put the correct size pin in it for sure.

 

[D2Cat]

Replace it and put your focus on something else. You've already indicated you're personality needs it to be right, until it's new it won't be right.

 

[BillK01]

Just a quick update. I replaced the bracket and everything lines up nicely and the proper pin is back where it should be.

 

[Amf232]

Thanks for the update. Good t hear resolutions to problems.

 

[D2Cat]

Bill, good you got it fixed, but it isn't right if the Kubota dealer did the work and turned it in on ins. and didn't do what you did to make it correct when the previous owner had it!

 

[BillK01]

Bill, good you got it fixed, but it isn't right if the Kubota dealer did the work and turned it in on ins. and didn't do what you did to make it correct when the previous owner had it!

I thought about that and asked them about it. The dealer showed me the work order from last year showing what they did when I picked up the new bracket. I suspect the doofus ended up bending the new bracket again somehow after it had been fixed and may have been too embarrassed to submit another claim, so he cobbled together a home made fix with the smaller pin to save face.

 

[D2Cat]

Good, at least you know you're working with a stand up guy at the dealership!