In planning modifications to my 126, I've become curious about what all the frame holes are for. I hadn't noticed before, but it appears that both frame rails are made from identical flat patterns so that all holes are in both rails even if they're only used in one. I don't know, yet, if all the notches are also mirrored, for example the notch in the right rail for the lift lever. Below are pictures of the rails on a 127 parts tractor with all the holes labeled. I've listed what the holes are used for that I know. I'd like to fill in the rest of the info, as well as whether or not each hole is included on the earlier models because I know some are not. The resulting info might be good for the FAQ. This will cover the narrow frame tractors. Similar info would probably be useful for wide frames, but I'm not the one for that task.
I've used the same numbers for similar holes on both rails, but I've listed holes for both sides independently because I know that both sides didn't serve the same purpose and some may have had no purpose at all.
R1: Wiring harness
R2 & R3: Early mule drive
R4: Frankenstein bolt
R5: Wiring harness
R6:
R7:
R8:
R9, R10, & R12: Hydraulic unit
R11: Wiring harness
R13 & R16: Lift quadrant
R14 & R15: Rockshaft bracket
R17:
R18:
R19 & R20: Sleeve hitch bracket
L1:
L2 & L3: Early mule drive
L4: Frankenstein bolt
L5:
L6:
L7:
L8:
L9:
L10:
L11:
L12:
L13: Brake lock lever
L14 & L15: Rockshaft bracket
L16:
L17:
L18: Transaxle mounting
L19 & L20: Sleeve hitch bracket
I'm most curious about 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, & 17 on both sides. Holes 7 & 8 have weld nuts on some holes on some of my frames, but placement appears inconsistent.
I forgot to label them, but I think it's interesting that the slots for mounting the front end of the small foot rests are still included on these frames to accomodate the 73 model.
Holes 7 and 8 were apparently added with the 1x6, 1x7 tractors. Holes 4, 9, 10, & 12 were not present on my 123.
Please correct any errors and provide any additional information. If you know that certain holes were never used or that they were used for fixuring, I'd consider that valuable info.
Thanks,
Jerry