narrow front end work horse

[steve k 82]

Here are some pictures of a GT 1100 I am making narrow.   The tractor isn't pretty but it runs well so I figured it as a good candidate.    I still have to get the hood back on and clean up everything then paint it but here are some pictures.   I used a 90*  steering gearbox from a bus.   

[953 nut 51,486]

  I like it! Hope the gear box holds up, not sure what type bearings are in it, the thrust placed on it from the weight of the front of the tractor could shorten the life expectancy, but if you are just driving it at the occasional show it may do alright.

[steve k 82]

Thought about that 953.    It is designed for the shaft between the steering wheel and the steering box on a bus so I imagine it is pretty robust regardless how it is used.    We had to change out a bunch of them one time......they were built with the wrong grease in them and when it got below zero you could not hardly turn the wheel.   

The weight on it is less than 100 pounds as that briggs is much lighter than a kohler.

[steve k 82]

Got the hood back on.   Now to make it look respectable.

[GT14 243]

Nice idea. Are there stops on the rotation.

[steve k 82]

yes GT,   Since I still have the original steering shaft and fan gear the stops are right where they were.

[Dad&Kev 31]

that is really cool. i would love to do one what kind of bus did the box come from

[steve k 82]

Blue Bird,  All American A3

Edited June 18, 2015 by steve k

[Dad&Kev 31]

thanks buddy.  your doing a nice clean job a little paint it will look factory

[Coadster32 793]

Cool job. Nice fabrication.

[Rob R 951]

Got the hood back on.   Now to make it look respectable.

Any possibility you can give us a video of this working and turning at various speeds and topography.... Thanks much

[sharkman 4]

nice Job!  Just wondering if you have tried 6" wheels for the front?  I want to buildi narrow front end and have looked at a lot of pictures of them.  I think (IMHO) the 6" (rim size) just look to be a better ratio than the 4".  

 

[steve k 82]

Shark, all the 6 inch wheels I have are pretty  wide and require new tires.   I used these because I got them for 6-7 bucks each at HF.  

Rob,  I will try to get a vid put up sometime.

[steve k 82]

Got some paint on the tractor lately, it is far from perfect but looks better.   Also new rear tires.   I think it will be my tractor for pulling the roller, trailer, old engines on carts, etc....