stabilizer bars

Martin of Manhattan

New member

Equipment
L2501
Sep 23, 2022
4
0
1
Manhattan, KS
This is my first Kubota tractor. Current tractors include 1957 Ford Model 600, have it for 31 years, and International 756D. On my trusty Ford, I have solid stabilizer bars. I don't like the OEM stabilizers, there is too much 'play' or 'slack'. Has anyone made a set of solid stabilizer bars? I have made a light weight set of 'trial' bars that work when raising the lift arms. I just want to know if anyone else has tried this before I fabricate some out of 5/16" plate steel. I already have the material, so it's not i have to purchase anything.
 

AKguy09

Active member

Equipment
LX3310/ Cab 1950 F- Cub
Nov 22, 2017
101
46
28
ellicott, colorado
I would say you are making a solution looking for a problem.
Please explain why you would need solid stabilizer bars? If there is a legitimate reason, I'm sure thousands of tractors would thank you.
 

hodge

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
John Deere 790 John Deere 310 backhoe Bobcat 743
Nov 19, 2010
2,849
367
83
Love, VA
This is my first Kubota tractor. Current tractors include 1957 Ford Model 600, have it for 31 years, and International 756D. On my trusty Ford, I have solid stabilizer bars. I don't like the OEM stabilizers, there is too much 'play' or 'slack'. Has anyone made a set of solid stabilizer bars? I have made a light weight set of 'trial' bars that work when raising the lift arms. I just want to know if anyone else has tried this before I fabricate some out of 5/16" plate steel. I already have the material, so it's not i have to purchase anything.
Back in 1957, there weren't the wide variety of implements like we have today. A fixed stabilizer bar is fine if your implement frames don't vary in width. It may work fine with what you have, or you may have to have a couple different sets, allowing for different implement widths.
A good set of telescoping stabilizers will only permit about an inch of side to side play- a set of fixed bars won't be any different. They will not create a net zero side to side movement situation.
 

Sammy3700

Active member

Equipment
L3800HST,524Loader,BH77,Landplane,Disk,Mowers and more
Feb 20, 2012
426
34
28
Red Springs, NC
If I can figure out how to post pictures I would love to share what I did. Ridged stabilizers and Pat’s weld on hitches.
 

Sammy3700

Active member

Equipment
L3800HST,524Loader,BH77,Landplane,Disk,Mowers and more
Feb 20, 2012
426
34
28
Red Springs, NC
Ok trial run. Hope these come through so all can see. I have this set up on both my tractors and several on customers tractor
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Sammy3700

Active member

Equipment
L3800HST,524Loader,BH77,Landplane,Disk,Mowers and more
Feb 20, 2012
426
34
28
Red Springs, NC
Maybe one of the administrators will delete the multiple pictures. This is my first time posting picture.
As others stated equipment hitch width varies so you may have to adjust on each piece that is not quick hitch ready once you get them right you will love the setup.
 

hodge

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
John Deere 790 John Deere 310 backhoe Bobcat 743
Nov 19, 2010
2,849
367
83
Love, VA
I don't see the advantage. Adjustable stabilizers are superior, because they offer options. Straight bars work, but they can flex and bend under side load. The weakness that I see is using a bolt as a side stud on the axle mount. If the flat bar had a U-shaped bracket that would capture the vertical plate, it would be stronger. But, as it is, the strength of the bar system is restricted to those bolts being able to resist distortion forces. Again, it works, but it isn't a distinct advantage. It's just another way.
 
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Martin of Manhattan

New member

Equipment
L2501
Sep 23, 2022
4
0
1
Manhattan, KS
I would say you are making a solution looking for a problem.
Please explain why you would need solid stabilizer bars? If there is a legitimate reason, I'm sure thousands of tractors would thank you.
We purchased this tractor used, 2017 with only 178 hours on it. The inside of the rear tires were 'chewed up', I thought since the owner had others using this unit for work, they were just jumping the curb and causing the damage. When I got to our place and attached our rotary cutter and tried it out, I heard the strangest sound, it was the lift arms moving back and forth and scraping the tires. I tightened the adjustable stabilizer linkage as tight as it would go, it would still swing more than I thought it should. And if it moves that much, eventually it will cause damage and or break. also, I noticed that the original turn buckles were slightly bent.
I have been using the solid stabilizer bars for just over 31 years on my Ford tractor (it was designed with them) with all the same implements and they work fine, very minimal lateral movement.
 

Martin of Manhattan

New member

Equipment
L2501
Sep 23, 2022
4
0
1
Manhattan, KS
Helo there,
Where did you get the quick hitch attachments that fit on the end of you lift arm? I can really see the utility in them.