So an update on the RedHead...I got the top of the tranny opened up and looked it over, I couldn’t see any visible signs of damage to the shifting mechanism but the gears are pretty heavily worn. I think I just need to pony up and buy myself some new gears.
I have several objectives in building this plow mule:
—clearance
—gear drive
—adjustability with Cat O
—power
—speed
—assisted lift
Here is how I am going about it. Some would say, “Just put a Cat O on your 1772 and call it good!” Definitely tempting,
but I really am a fan of plowing with a GD.
So, I have been in the hunt for the right set of rear tires for a couple of years now. I have never liked the options in the GT market for size but I also haven’t cared for the options in the ATV/UTV market for style until now. These tires were sourced by a Wheel Horse buddy of mine. They are ATV tires that are 27x7.50-12. They have a really heavy lug, almost like an implement tire.
Obviously, they were a little too tall to fit under the stock fender pan and so I added 1” of square stock under the mounting locations to give me the needed clearance.
I had an extra Super axle from a cyclops that I had parted a couple of years ago. I decided to use this for my axle because it is about 20# heavier, raises the front by 2”, and will handle all the abuse that I throw at it!
I was in a rush to get the tractor ready for a local plow day and so I put in some long hours on it.
This didn’t afford me the time of doing everything that I still need to do. However, it was enough incentive to actually get my rear in gear and start to fulfill this dream!
For now the tractor will have manual steering although I could install PS if I ever have the urge.
I picked up this Cat O plow about 5 years ago for a really good deal on thanksgiving weekend. I have never seen another one like it in person although I have found brochures for them online. They appear to be from the mid to late 60’s and are quite rough in appearance compared to the later model Brinly’s.
They look much like they were built by an amateur in his garage rather than in a factory by a segment leader! However, I always like something a little unique.
I found out in a hurry that it was almost impossible to lift the Cat O with manual lift! I had hopes that I could do it but it is just way too much work! So, my first winter project for this machine is to science out my Hydraulic system as we covered on the previous page.
The tractor did a good job of plowing on its maiden voyage considering it is still running the old opposed Briggs and factory clutch setup. I absolutely love the ground clearance and the bite from those tires.
I’ll keep you posted as I continue this build...