kpinnc 10,735 #201 Posted March 18 Also did a redesign of the hydro pedal. Raised the "toe", and shortened the throw considerably. Effectively moved the pivot back slightly. Also no more linkage sticking out underneath the belt guard. Looks like it's too close to the belt guard in the pictures, but it's not. 2 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #202 Posted March 23 (edited) I hadn't posted much on this tractor for a couple years after it was finished. I was actually pretty afraid of the engine build I had done (it started life as a vertical engine, and I bought all the parts to make it horizontal), and I wanted the foot control to be better. So the last few days I finally decided to "knuckle up", and she's now a runner. A darn nice runner if I say so myself! So today, she drove around for the first time. New hour meter recorded 0.4 hours. Foot control works great but is too tight. Easy fix. Engine oil pressure is hard to see, but makes 43 PSI at 3000 RPM. Still a few tiny tweaks to make, but she's all set for work! Edited March 24 by kpinnc 3 8 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,150 #203 Posted March 24 Beautiful mo-chine Sir!! Is there a specific work plan in mind? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #204 Posted March 24 5 hours ago, ebinmaine said: Is there a specific work plan in mind? Not sure. Originally I assumed this would carry the 60SD and the Exmark 48 with ease. The tire combos gave me extra clearance underneath, but both of those decks are bleeping heavy! I'll figure out something. All my tractors work, even if it's light duty. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,150 #205 Posted March 24 43 minutes ago, kpinnc said: Not sure. Originally I assumed this would carry the 60SD and the Exmark 48 with ease. The tire combos gave me extra clearance underneath, but both of those decks are bleeping heavy! What's the Exmark 48? Front or Mid Mount? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #206 Posted March 24 2 hours ago, ebinmaine said: What's the Exmark 48? Front or Mid Mount? Casters are gone. Got a WH adjuster now, but I don't have a pic. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #207 Posted March 25 Had it out again today. The hydro pedal was too tight, so I replaced the bronze bushing and polished the portion of the peg it rides on. Made a big difference. But I still might move it back towards the rear another inch or so. I'm 6 feet tall, and have to stretch to get full forward... 1 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #208 Posted March 26 (edited) Hopefully the third time is the charm. Made up another bracket so the pedal is moved back about 2 inches. Definitely more comfortable, and full range is easier now. I gotta pick up some shorter bolts, but this seems to be finished. Wishing I didn't notch the foot rest so much, because it doesn't make contact. Oh well, good enough... Edited March 26 by kpinnc 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,118 #209 Posted March 26 I still need those front tires🤣🤣 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #210 Posted March 26 4 hours ago, RED-Z06 said: I still need those front tires🤣🤣 I love the look and ride, but must admit they add some definite weight to the steering effort. None of my "520" front ends have reduction steering as with the 1991 and later models. This tractor could benefit from that! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,118 #211 Posted March 26 17 minutes ago, kpinnc said: I love the look and ride, but must admit they add some definite weight to the steering effort. None of my "520" front ends have reduction steering as with the 1991 and later models. This tractor could benefit from that! Tri-Ribs would fix that 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #212 Posted March 26 2 hours ago, RED-Z06 said: Tri-Ribs would fix that Yep. Got the Firestone ones on the Bronco. Even with that cast iron K321 and 115lbs of suitcase weights, the tractor steers like it has power steering. Like an old Jeep! 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Easton Rich 178 #213 Posted March 26 On 3/24/2024 at 6:09 AM, ebinmaine said: Beautiful mo-chine Sir!! Is there a specific work plan in mind? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #214 Posted March 26 Not sure if the 523-H will mow or not. At least not under the tractor. That's an odd thing to me because the actual build was intended for increasing cut height. Now I'm leaning towards making the grader setup on it. Who knows, I'll probably change my mind several times... 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #215 Posted March 28 (edited) Found I had a leaky o-ring on the rear lift cylinder hose, spent a few minutes replacing it. Really I just wanted an excuse to put up another picture of this thing because I like it so much... It's a bleeping beast! Forgive the dumb thumb in the corner. Edited March 28 by kpinnc 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #216 Posted March 28 (edited) Almost ashamed to post this... I completely missed something on this build. Nearly every nut, bolt, and seal has been replaced on this tractor. I always do an OSI (obvious, um stuff inspection) before any project. And I did with this one. I checked the axle spindles, and they were nice and snug. What never occurred to my tiny mind was big tires + 500lbs of tractor will multiply "snug" considerably. This thing had the heaviest steering I've ever seen. So today I fixed it. The thrust bearings in the axle were so gunked up that they were almost unrecognizable. The grease had dried out, so no amount of lube could reach them. And they were worn to the point that the axle rubbed the knuckle on top. So I picked up a new set, cleaned everything and installed them. I picked the two best "old" races and put them in the bottom as .030 shims. Gap created is just large enough to have no contact now. Pumped full of grease and installed top caps. It steers so much better! Doesn't feel heavy at all now. I may still add reduction steering. Not sure yet. Of course I feel like a dummy for missing something like that, but fixed is fixed! Edited March 28 by kpinnc 1 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,735 #217 Posted March 28 Added my own tweak on the park brake. Modified a thumb throttle lever from an ATV... Pressed in a steel bushing for a little more strength. Works great. Brake is set in the pic, hence the nose up position. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
