Harry and Bill. I wasn’t planning to pick up a project tractor that had already been cleaned up, but after pricing some rusty old tractors that were less than complete, this one came along, complete with creeper gear and electric lift, and the price was right. I’m not sure just how much it was reconditioned mechanically. There is slop in the steering, rattles and squeaks in the clutch and throw-out bearing, etc, but the engine runs like a top. It starts right up, idles slow and steady, no smoke… Anyway, I plan to take the tractor all apart in my basement over the winter, and go through everything, adding a Cat 0 three-point hitch in the process.
I was looking at the installation manual and online photos and literature of the hydraulic lift system available on the 102, 104, 105, 122, 123, 124 and 125 last night, and I also noticed that the mounting holes do seem to be in place on my 126. I couldn’t imagine how difficult that system would be to find, and put in working order. I was toying with the idea of putting a 2GM hydraulic pump somewhere, and controlling a cylinder, in the place of the electric actuator, with a solenoid valve. That would keep the system rather discrete, although it wouldn’t be original.
Anyway, I’m going to move forward rebuilding the electric lift, and see how that works out..