Rust on a brand new tractor

When I was shopping around to decide which Kubota model to buy some years ago, I went to a number of dealerships just to look; and noticed some tractors sitting outside long enough that plastics had begun to UV fade and paint showing some weather exposure.

When I went to buy, I insisted on seeing the specific tractor on the lot (there were several BX2230s there), chose the tractor and insisted on putting that tractor serial number on the sales contract.

From what I saw this is probably not uncommon for slower moving dealership inventories .... as to remedies, may be some one else has some experience to offer.

I'd contact the dealer and make them make it right. I'm sure that the M62 wasn't cheap. My $0.02 worth

Kubota "might" cover it....and this post will get long, and is worth a read for "any" sort of potential warranty repair.

Rust is one of those issues that could be caused from several things, ranging from-but not limited to-rust under the powder coat, which causes it to de-bond from the base metal, could also be scratches from shipping, dealer storage, dealer transportation, and anytime there's bare steel involved, it'll likely rust. Different parts of the country will show corrosion/rust faster than other parts, and different alloys will rust faster than others. Bare cast iron, freshly machined, will rust almost immediately...within seconds it starts to turn from gray to orange once it's truly "bare". 4340 steel will also rust but it takes a lot longer than, say, 1010 steel does. You get the idea.

Now then...the process of getting warranty coverage. You're going to have to visit your selling dealer and discuss it with them first and foremost. If they say no way, tell them to take pictures, then submit them to Kubota warranty department for pre-approval. If they refuse to do that, you can (1) go to another dealer and make the same request or (2) call Kubota's customer service line, with the details of your dealer visit(s) and their reactions.

Now the question that was asked in the original post was a little vague, especially without a photo. On a grill guard, it shouldn't have much bare metal on it. If it does, either the coating (paint) was applied too thin, or the rust started under the coating, or...the grill guard was used as a tie down point, scratching the coating off causing rust to form. If the latter, that is a dealer's (or owner's) responsibility-depending on who put the chain/straps across it without any sort of protection between the chains and the tractor parts. I have seen them come in on transporters directly from Kubota's warehouses, and the driver states that the chains were put on like that when he got to the truck. Fine, but he IS responsible for his load, and if it's damaged in any way, he's at fault until he can pass the buck back to whoever did it originally. And if that's the case, the dealer who accepted the load should have documented any damage so that dealer could not be held liable for the cost of repair. As it is, Kubota doesn't generally "like" to pay for shipping damages or missing parts, for whatever reasons. Sometimes they'll put it back on the dealer, and if they do, the dealer can handle it a lot of different ways...from telling to go pound sand, or they'll replace the part at their cost....or they'll send you on your way with a can of spray paint. All depends on the dealer and how they want to handle it.

BUT...if you can prove that the rust is UNDER the powder coat, and the coating is peeling off because of it, then Kubota "should" pick up the tab on it. Still has to go through the pre-approval process which takes time, and requires pictures. So be aware of that. That's how warranty works. A defect has to be proven to the manufacturer--and this goes for any warranty claim, period, non dependent on what type or brand. If a defect can't be proven, then they won't help.

Friend of mine had his new BX delivered and he noticed a small scratch on the rear fender pan, nothing I would have worried about but he did so he called the dealer and they picked it back up and had the whole rear fender unit painted. No problem at all good service I really think we are lucky to have this dealer close by.

Looks like serious rust to me. I'd remove the paint, sandblast it , prime it and then a good paint job. Just guessing but looks to me like a poor paint job to begin with.

I agree with what ghec said, location has a lot to do with it.

Sitting outside at the dealership for however long. They should make it right though.

I,m kinda surprised your dealer didn,t remove the guard and have it sand blasted and re-painted on his own, before you even got to see it in that condition. It wouldn,t have cost a hundred dollars, and would have been great PR. He could of taken before and after pics. I think that would of went a long ways in showing what kind of dealer they truly are.

ghec369 said:

I sent dealer pic n his response was simply that he missed it when he looked the tractor over. Dealership is about 900 miles from me. Therefore, will have to deal with it n just sand n repaint it. Bolts throughout are also rusted. However, don't think that will be a big deal. I already put some rust remover throughout n don't think I will have a problem.

However, they should address it somehow but I won't hold my breath. Hopefully no other surprises.

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Where was this dealer in Louisiana? I’m curious because the comment about location is intriguing. I live in Louisiana (and no I’m not offended about the comment) and have purchased cars, trucks and work vehicles in Louisiana and several different states and the only way I can tell the difference is if it comes from up north in the snow. They’re always rusted when they come from the north. I can’t imagine any vehicle sitting out on a lot in the weather for 2 years and not show rust. Looks like a shoddy paint job more than anything.


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Your dealership is 900 miles away? Whoa! Sure makes it difficult to resolve any issues. In your case, I'd say handling that little problem on your own is the most cost-effective solution. Look at the bright side, too--it probably won't rust any more in West Texas.

The additional pics are looking really bad, especially the first photo.. I would be highly PO'd for a company to attempt to deliver a new product to me in this condition.

Things that might be really difficult to remedy thorough legal channels are sometimes more effectively dealt with through broader public disclosure of just what has happened here. e.g. Is Kubota delivering new product in this condition consistent with their values and public image, especially when viewed in the broader light of day ?

If your local TV news has trouble shooter types that investigate consumer issues, calling them to come out and look at your "new" tractor and resulting publicity might lead to a more amendable solution.

Who's to know the tractor hasn't had flood damage?

I would go to your nearest Kubota dealer and find out from them who at Kubota Corp. do I need to contact to get help with this problem. This would let that dealer know of the problem and since they will not step in, go up the ladder.

I would have an arsenal of pictures and correspondence with the selling dealer saying they won't provide a can of spray paint and make sure every contact I made saw them.

The dealer who sold the tractor may have given you a good deal money wise, but you should have been made aware of the "less than new condition".

I think I'd be PO'd enough to tell Kubota to come up with a solution that suits me or I would contact the local TV stations who look for, and enjoy, doing report of situations where consumers are taken advantage of. (I would only do this if Kubota Corp. refuses to help).

All companies have a line item in their budget for advertising. The publicity of problems left unsolved, like this, negates all the positive they try to do. Remind them of this. It may help to motive them.

Point 1 is that the tractor works - it meets "substantial performance." Rust and cosmetic issues will not be considered by a Texas court, at least what your pictures show.

Point 2, let's say that you go to war over a can of spray paint. Assuming that you buy your parts by mail, and have a good diesel tractor mechanic; what about warranty work? If you go to war over a can of paint, there will never be room in the dealer shop for you as a customer. Why would a dealer put up with that? Something to consider.

The o-rings are there as paint masks, they are not functional.

The top of the fuel level sender looks like that on most machines.

You can purchase decals from Coleman or Messicks by internet order and replace the ones which you think need replacing.

In 50 hours you will be replacing a bunch of filters and doing other scheduled maintenance work. There is a fair amount of upkeep work required. You've bought an ag tractor, not a tiara.