1911tex
Sustaining Member
Kenneth: I went by our Kubota dealer to inquire about a quote for a bid on a tractor for our airport...while there I asked parts fella about the D850 engine in the old B1550 tractor (same as my M25, 5421)..had they heard about the ear on the crankcase cover breaking off? This was a long time Kubota parts specialist who pulled that question up on the Kubota parts computer and made a phone call. Lo and behold there was a previous Kubota directive which required an alternator bracket "upgrade" replacing the original bracket. I inquired if there was a reason for this "upgrade"...he said one word..."Harmonics". The upgrade was for several Kubota engines.Hey, no problem.
It's not the alternator bracket that causes the problem resulting in the mod. It's the aluminum ear on the crankcase cover. The ear is what anchors one of the alternator brackets. When that ear cracks off, it takes a chunk of the crankcase cover with it, rendering the engine inoperable. Also, it's been said that new crankcase covers are no longer available.
The part number for the Upgraded bracket is 15451-64420 alternator bracket; the cost with expedited shipping $44 and change. Took 3 days.
NOTE IMPORTANT: This bracket mounts in "REVERSE" of the original one and conforms to the shape of the alternator. The new bracket is also a little thicker than the old. He also suggested GATES BELT #7405.
Below are photos of the new reversed bracket and belt on my M25. The belt is a tight fit and needed only 1/3" bracket adjustment for the proper tension. The belt ran very smooth, vibration free.