Cab Glass Problems

[Nigel Wellings]

Had a friend (& client) ring me today because the front windscreen on his Fendt 720 had fallen out for the third time in 5 years of ownership. Seems to do it when the temperatures are extreme i.e hot today with cold aircon in cab, last time was in cold winter with warm air con in cab). He had main dealer replace and no doubt there will be a not insubstantial invoice that we will probably get Insurers to pay. Couple of years ago another client had a replacement windscreen on a newish Case (probably one of the larger Pumas) and cost was £2500! I cant remember whether the dealer had to split the tractor or take the cab off, one or the other.
20 years or more ago when windscreens, doors, back windows etc were flat glass you did not have to go to the Dealer and could use an independent site glass firm who would cut glass to size and not charge a fortune. Now it seems all tractor manufacturers have curved glass of differing sizes in every cab, they realise the cost is often paid by Insurers and so charge a fortune for it.
Is there anybody independent out there that makes and fits glass to fit most makes of modern tractor at reasonable cost?
Any ideas how to avoid the problem my friend has had on the 720 screen. Are different types of adhesive used? Some being better then others.
Any ideas/thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[MrNoo]

Pilkingtons will make you any screen you want, classic division, they'll charge you £2-3k to make the mould/form but screens after were actually cheap as chips, eg. porsche 917 screen laminated 6mm was £250 each, am sure a tractor screen being bigger but less complex wouldnt be too expensive but maybe not the right way to go for a one off. But saying that you could get a laminated screen (the can even put the heating elements in it too)

 

[bobk]

Had a friend (& client) ring me today because the front windscreen on his Fendt 720 had fallen out for the third time in 5 years of ownership. Seems to do it when the temperatures are extreme i.e hot today with cold aircon in cab, last time was in cold winter with warm air con in cab). He had main dealer replace and no doubt there will be a not insubstantial invoice that we will probably get Insurers to pay. Couple of years ago another client had a replacement windscreen on a newish Case (probably one of the larger Pumas) and cost was £2500! I cant remember whether the dealer had to split the tractor or take the cab off, one or the other.
20 years or more ago when windscreens, doors, back windows etc were flat glass you did not have to go to the Dealer and could use an independent site glass firm who would cut glass to size and not charge a fortune. Now it seems all tractor manufacturers have curved glass of differing sizes in every cab, they realise the cost is often paid by Insurers and so charge a fortune for it.
Is there anybody independent out there that makes and fits glass to fit most makes of modern tractor at reasonable cost?
Any ideas how to avoid the problem my friend has had on the 720 screen. Are different types of adhesive used? Some being better then others.
Any ideas/thoughts would be appreciated.

I broke back window on my tractor , NFU got Autoglass to quote £750 , I replaced ad fitted the glass myself £48 . NFU wouldn't payout ..... bye bye . w4ankers

 

[box]

On the 720, it can only really be an issue with the adhesive that's been used or poor preparation of the metalwork. Either that, or the cab structure is so flimsy that it's flexing or vibrating too much - I wouldn't imagine that's the case though, not on a beloved Fendt.

You don't have any photos by any chance do you? There might be some clues showing what's going wrong, whether the adhesive has come away from the glass or the metal frame.

Out of curiosity, did the dealer replace the glass the first two times?

 

[Nigel Wellings]

On the 720, it can only really be an issue with the adhesive that's been used or poor preparation of the metalwork. Either that, or the cab structure is so flimsy that it's flexing or vibrating too much - I wouldn't imagine that's the case though, not on a beloved Fendt.

You don't have any photos by any chance do you? There might be some clues showing what's going wrong, whether the adhesive has come away from the glass or the metal frame.

Out of curiosity, did the dealer replace the glass the first two times?

Yes, Dealer replaced glass all 3 times. No photos I am afraid. Must admit I had a suspicion that there must be too much flexing going on somewhere. Know plenty of other 720's and 724's that have done high hours though without any such similar problem

 

[Steevo]

Yes, Dealer replaced glass all 3 times. No photos I am afraid. Must admit I had a suspicion that there must be too much flexing going on somewhere. Know plenty of other 720's and 724's that have done high hours though without any such similar problem

I’m surprised they didn’t get Autoglass or Auto Windscreens to fit. They’d probably buy the glass off the dealer but I’d think would be better qualified to fit it.

Their “Specials” team did my combine last year and I’m very happy with the job done.

 

[box]

Yes, Dealer replaced glass all 3 times.

I think I've found your problem. Mechanics aren't glaziers.