Crazy Idea..

[sgtsampay 117]

Hello all. I was thinking. Since I would love to have a Wheel Horse or other garden tractor that is built strong but has the large 15in wheels and a large motor. Basicly, an older version of a sub-compact utility tractor.

So, my idea is to either take a normal wheel frame and extend it so its the same lenght as a C-195/520 frame or to take a frame from a 520 and put the larger rear wheels on, put an 8speed tranny in, make the seat taller than a normal tractor due to the larger wheels and then put a large V-twin gas or diesel (I would like diesel).

Then make sure it would still be able to use the attachments for my current tractor.

Now, my question is what would be easier? Fine a frame from a 520 or make a standard frame longer? Thanks.

[Horse Fanatic 51]

These are pictures of 15" wheels with 27" tall tires on a 520. The fender is raised to make it work.

[smoreau 658]

Sounds like you need a d series tractor for parts as they have a heaver rear axle, 520 forward swept axle for the front and with all that power from a Wiesel engine, hydro steering would be nice. just some thoughts.

[sgtsampay 117]

very nice picture of your 520 with those large tires. How did you raise the seat pan? I also have some large 25in tires for my tractor but i can't figure out how to raise the seat pan. Unless I'm missing something real simple.

Smoreau= Hmm, I though the 8 speed 8pinion tranny could take the abuse though...

Now if this idea seems to be more expenisve than to find a good deal on say, a nice little Kubota or older Bolens with a cat 1 3pt, then I will go for one of those instead. I don;t need one of these larger tractors right now but I would like to start my search or build for when the time is right. Thanks for the help guys. I can't wait to see what the others have to say.

[Horse Fanatic 51]

make spacers out of whatever, you can even stack fender washers.

[MrTrimmier 12]

Would a Harley motor work??

[DaleJ 0]

The early 70's GT14's had 15 inch rear wheels and 27 inch tires

[VinsRJ 723]

Would a Harley motor work??

You can make anything work ....and lets be honest an Evo is just a v-twin Briggs :thumbs2:

[kpinnc 14,688]

Sure a Harley would work, but you'll have to convert from chain to belt drive, or visa-versa.

And that's asking quite a bit of the 5/8-inch input shaft on the 8-speed...

And Bobby you are correct, an 8-speed (8-pinion, with 1.125 axles) is gonna be the strongest transmission option you'll have. The D-series Sundstrand has larger differential bearings and longer axles, but is otherwise no different than a standard B/C-series hydro. Given the additional length of the axles, it may not even be AS strong as a standard hydro. The longer D-series axles have been known to break under heavy loads.

A D250 tranny is not even compatible with a standard WH frame. Major modifications down that road.

[CasualObserver 3,411]

Or... as long as you're not in a hurry....you could just start looking for a 520-8. They did make them, but they're few and far between.

[sgtsampay 117]

Casual: Yeah i knew they did make some 520-8 but that the trouble. I have never seen one and I'm guessing i never well. Of course that a great option though, if i see one as I'm in no hurry whats so ever. :thumbs2:

[littleredrider 409]

I'm probly gonna build a 520-8 with the parts that I have kicking around. Only this will have the 10 horse diesel, and if it will fit without too much BS, tins off a 1277.

You could always make a set of fenders like the old round hoods or farm tractor.

[546cowboy 302]

There were supposedly 225 520-8's made. I had one earlier this year and sold it. Sometimes you just run across one out of the blue. I really couldn't believe I found one close to me. It was on Craigslist at a great price and was 20 mles away.

As far as spacers for the tall tires, I did that on my C-175 to get clearence for the 26x12x12 ags. I used two pieces of 1 1/2" square tubing for spacers all the way across the frame and longer bolts to hold the seat and pan down.