kj4kicks 154 #1 Posted March 7, 2008 For this tractor (the '75 C-160) a home-made handle will be ok. Function is more important than form. I made this from a hydrostat shifter cross shaft (the one between the frame rails) and bent the hooks from an old hood latch rod. Welded the upper one at the handle so the whole thing didn't move up & down. The bottom pivot is held in place with the roller retainer clips from the same hood rod. A PTO rubber handle will fit it perfectly. Works pretty good, and is actually easier to reach than the original setup, which was forward swept. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,882 #2 Posted March 8, 2008 That looks pretty good, just need a rubber at the top and be all set :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,652 #3 Posted March 8, 2008 Function is more important than form. Eldon, I personally like the form too! I want to do something different on my Bronco as well. That handle is in a dangerous place! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,178 #4 Posted March 8, 2008 Looks great Eldon. With a little paint it'll look better than the factory lever. Mike... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catman81056 3 #5 Posted March 8, 2008 Looks like a genuine aftermarket upgrade . You might make a few more and take them to the Show. I'm sure they'll catch the eye of others seeking a replacement. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,610 #6 Posted March 8, 2008 Nice job, Eldon. Will look good with a little paint and a rubber grip on it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 13 #7 Posted March 8, 2008 Nice looking handle Eldon. Could just be me but it might look good with a shifter ball on top. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,652 #8 Posted March 8, 2008 Nice looking handle Eldon. Could just be me but it might look good with a shifter ball on top. I agree! That would look nice! Not that it dosen't already look nice, because it makes me want to make mine up just like it! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,882 #9 Posted March 8, 2008 Maybe a tiny 8-ball :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg B. 1 #10 Posted March 8, 2008 Eldon, that's a clever bit of adaptation. Ian and Mith would be proud... Greg B. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kj4kicks 154 #11 Posted March 8, 2008 Thanks guys! Does that mean it's worthy? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #12 Posted March 8, 2008 Guys, I think it is painted. He's been using light gray for the shifters and PTO levers. Eldon, the P/N for the OEM parking brake - belt tensioner release / direction control handle is 6129 and it would slip right down over the end of your new lever. (awesome fab work, by the way! ) The knobs are less than $4 from Toro. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kj4kicks 154 #13 Posted March 8, 2008 Thanks TT. Yes, it was painted gray. But maybe I should make it red? I was thinking about that knob, but then these guys came up with the shifter ball idea. Hmmmm... Maybe I'll make a few up for the show. Only took about an hour to make this one, and the next ones will be much quicker. The R&D work is done. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #14 Posted March 8, 2008 Here's another little "cheat" for you Eldon. Some models of Bolens tractors used a roller chain master link to connect the lever to the spool "shaft". I can't remember what size it was (might be #80 or #100 ) but it was a slick set-up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kj4kicks 154 #15 Posted March 15, 2008 Put the new dash decals on the old '75 today, and the hydro lift handle happened to be in the pic, with it's new booty! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg B. 1 #16 Posted March 15, 2008 That's a nice piece of work there, Eldon. Wish it was mine. Greg B. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
