The factory grill guard on many compact tractors is mostly worthless (IMO) when moving brush (or anything that might poke a hole in the radiator). I don't have a welder and got tired of chasing people around trying to get someone to weld me an expanded metal insert for the grill guard. I found Broken Anvil Metalworks and they did a fantastic job. This thing is heavy duty steel and will take a lot of abuse. I feel a lot better about moving brush with the grapple now that the insert is installed. Broken Anvil was fast with the fabrication, had great communication, shipped quickly (and it was packaged like fine china), and their price was very reasonable. For those who need to upgrade their factory grill guard, I would recommend this company (I have no affiliation with them whatsoever). I know they do inserts for Kubota and Kioti models; not sure about other models however they can probably work with you. Broken Anvil Metalworks LLC | Facebook Canadian border VT, this is what I was talking about yesterday (installed the insert this morning). Factory grill guard is wide open (it's more of a push bar). I didn't even have the grill guard on when I was loading/unloading those Norway maples yesterday (it has to be removed to run the front mounted snow blower and I had not reinstalled it yet since I was waiting for the insert to come in). Problem is now solved.
Thanks Master Sargent! One thing I like about you kioti; ok well besides cab heat A/C xtra hydraulic front snowblower (it’s a long list). It looks like your push bar is quick release also
LOL. Part of my reasoning is that the tractor and implements are still cheaper than a third future ex-wife. As for the quick release, you are correct. The upper portion pivots out of the way for access to the engine compartment.
They make quick release third wives? Nice addition! I wouldn't have done the same thing, and put something more substantial on. Being open like that, is an invitation for a stick to poke your fins.
It looks nice. I have my bolts tightened up so the guard just doesn't drop when you release it and hit something. There were a few guys on other sites that had them loose and they hit the hydraulics when they pulled the release.
I didn't snug the bolts for the pivot section down tight, however it takes some effort to drop the top part when the pins are pulled. I haven't had any issues with it yet (with close to 110 hours on the tractor) but will keep an eye on the brush guard now that you mentioned others have had issues.
Thanks. I think it will be more than enough for what I use the tractor for. I don't move brush piles that often, but wanted the extra protection for when I do.
Remember to clean it! I brush hog a lot and dandelion fluff clogs my screen quick! I got temperatures gauge not idiot light which comes on when you warp a head!
