Cub Cadet 147 Refurb/Mod

[mgwin]

If you like that kind of steering, don't ever get on a zero turn.

 

[Craig Kelley]

Wow! Nice work, you're making lots of progress. Do you ever take a break?

Hey Cubbie! I think I'm about to take a break...

 

[Cubbie]

Hey Craig, still on a break?

 

[Craig Kelley]

Hey Craig, still on a break?

Hey Cubbie! It's slow going, since I retired I've taken on many different projects including this one. I'm making slow progress as I try to fit all my work into 16 hours a day. Here's the latest:

I decided the 7/16"-20 IH CC147 lug bolts were too miniscule. I like something larger, much larger, and I want studs. So here you have it. Big attaching lug bolts (14mm x 1.5 [silly big, I know], re-drilled/tapped axle flange) with spacers that have 12mm x 1.25 studs.

 

[mgonitzke]

That sure is the definition of "solution looking for a problem". Axle will twist off at the splines long before the lug bolts ever become an issue.

Nice machine work on the spacers though!

 

[dschwandt]

I guess $6.40/Qt for hy-tran is not such a bad deal after all, huh?LOL

 

[PACub100]

I started the front-end transformation from the drop-axle spindle to an axle that sticks out of an actual spindle. Here's the original mock-up of a king pin spindle and its mount (sans axle) to the front axle beam:

View attachment 150286 View attachment 150287 View attachment 150288

Welded up (with the "driver's side" steering arm attached, also with new hub on) it looks like this:

View attachment 150290 View attachment 150291

With some steering linkage and wheels in place:

View attachment 150292 View attachment 150293

Anyhow, aside from my welding, I'm liking the new front-end... Here's a better view of the spindle/hub from the front:

View attachment 150294

I dunno man...my gut instinct tells me that the plate steel is not going to hold up. With all that heavy duty spindle and hub, I'd think a modified original design would be the way to go...back down through the cast axle, then out and into your hub.

I do admire the inventive sense of trying something different. I agree with Marty, that thing may be a b*tch to steer...maybe not so much in motion, but at a stop on concrete or pavement?...my 1450 sucks royal buttcheek to turn at a standstill on pavement or concrete.
Although, with the lighter engine it may be easier...

 

[dschwandt]

Basically a wide frame knuckle ***'y is what you have now

 

[Cubbie]

Hey Cubbie! It's slow going, since I retired I've taken on many different projects including this one. I'm making slow progress as I try to fit all my work into 16 hours a day. Here's the latest:

I decided the 7/16"-20 IH CC147 lug bolts were too miniscule. I like something larger, much larger, and I want studs. So here you have it. Big attaching lug bolts (14mm x 1.5 [silly big, I know], re-drilled/tapped axle flange) with spacers that have 12mm x 1.25 studs.

Thanks, Craig. You must have a lot on your plate right now. Your machine work is outstanding. Hope all modifications work just how you want them. Are all projects done in your shop?

 

[Craig Kelley]

Thanks, Craig. You must have a lot on your plate right now. Your machine work is outstanding. Hope all modifications work just how you want them. Are all projects done in your shop?

Cubbie-- I do all my own work in my shop, which is 85 miles away from my garage (which houses the tractor project)! Thanks for the kudos.

Here's what's on my plate: Photography (www.CHKPix.com), Custom Fab work (www.CraigsCustomFab.com), complete website work for multiple organizations, odd-jobs-for-hire (landscaping, tile work, construction). And in my spare time I golf, rock climb, hike, mountain bike, and do my own fun lathe/mill projects.

 

[Cubbie]

Cubbie-- I do all my own work in my shop, which is 85 miles away from my garage (which houses the tractor project)! Thanks for the kudos.

Here's what's on my plate: Photography (www.CHKPix.com), Custom Fab work (www.CraigsCustomFab.com), complete website work for multiple organizations, odd-jobs-for-hire (landscaping, tile work, construction). And in my spare time I golf, rock climb, hike, mountain bike, and do my own fun lathe/mill projects.

You clearly are talented and pretty busy. I don't smoke but find those pipes very interesting. So how did you divide your 16 hours?

 

[Craig Kelley]

Plasma cut a few reliefs to fit the new engine in, all went well:

 

[mgonitzke]

I'd reinforce those similar to the original flares to clear the flywheel. Those square corners will crack otherwise.

 

[-CӞ]

Will it eventually fly, like Doc & Marty’s DeLorean? Wow, quite the restomod you’re building. Kudos!

 

[Cubbie]

I see that the new engine is well fitted. Can you start the engine at that stage?

 

[Craig Kelley]

I see that the new engine is well fitted. Can you start the engine at that stage?

Hey Cubbie!! I could actually start the engine now, just haven't. This project is literally in cold storage until the high desert NM winter is over. Oh, I define winter as anything lower than 60 degrees...

 

[Craig Kelley]

Thought I'd better add a few pics to keep this thread from dying. Painted the wheels, mounted tires, put them on the project... Still in stasis: