Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn!

   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn! #1  

Carl_NH

Elite Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2002
Messages
3,235
Location
Coastal NH
Tractor
01 Kubota B21TLB, 2010 Ferris 52" ZTR, Cub Cadet 1811, Gravely Super8
Friend of mine had this for sale - picked up Saturday took a trial run about and everything works great!

Spent today cleaning up grease and oil off the transmission area and geting to know this machine and doing some cleanup. Its a 1972 model, got all the manuals and repair / maintenance records since 1980 and a nice box of spare parts, three new blades, the red blade tool. Also had the head and valves done in 2002 so runs very good.

Got the chains in a bag, and the sickle bar -that's what I really wanted due to the rocks, ledge and briars here.

I look forward to getting out in the bush and brush with this machine. Any suggestions and tips and suggestions as to maintenance and operation is most appreciated.

Carl
 

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   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn! #2  
Nice looking machine! Hard to believe the condition it is in. They are a beast for mowing brush. Not much on side hills though. They want to go front first down a hill. The one I had came with a rotary plow. I was forever impressed by the Gravely rotary plow.
 
   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn!
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Yes, in the limited time I have spent with this two wheeled beast - it defintinely decides where to take you!

As to condition, i knew the owner and his propensity to documentation and repair but did clean the hood and wheels, added a stop for the hood and some other minor updates and repairs.

I will work it out next weekend but more for testing as its getting towards winter now, so it will wait to spring for more excersize - I do want to get a sulky eventually.

Thanks

Carl
 
   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn! #4  
I wouldn't fault this 1972 Gravely. This is one of the nicest one's that I have seen in a long time.
 
   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn!
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Well, thank you, that's pretty much why I bought it - I have been admiring it in his barn for a few years and commented that one day I would like one like that.

His diligence and records of all repairs original manuals (and box of spares) was a big plus I didnt expect.

Carl
 
   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn! #6  
I have owned Gravely's for decades. I am a Gravely person. I presently own a 16-G. They show Gravely's at tractor shows in our area. Gravely's do have a following here. Your L8 would catch an eye or two at a show. For sure mine.
 
   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn!
  • Thread Starter
#7  
I have a question - I got the wheel weights/extenders too I think for adding dual wheels - the fellow I bought it from said they were weights.

I am debating finding another set of wheels and making it a dually and maybe doing tractor treads - any thoughts in this - benefits/drawbacks?
 
   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn! #8  
Nice looking machine! I picked up one for a winter restore project. It's all intact for the most part. For now my Commercial 8 being transitioned from lawn work to snow removal. One thing that I noticed is that- according to the manual- the mulching attachment on your mower is on the front. It should be in the rear. The guard that is on the front is actually the normal rear guard with a smaller one on the front. You can download most all manuals on the internet. If you can't find them I can link you to them. Enjoy your tractor
 
   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn!
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Thanks JSF,

I have the bush hog 30" mower with the optional chain guard on the front, not the mulching mower setup. You are right tho the mulching setup attaches / discharges to the rear.

I got the sickle bar tuned up now, new knives, adjusted the fingers so they are all even - I used spacers under the finger against bar to level them to the blade. The skid shoes on the bar are worn thin so they are heading to a welder for some hardfacing tomorrow as new ones arent available. Wish I had a welder but thats for another day.

I have all the original manuals from the previous owner and have downloaded other various datasheets on this machine.

Thanks again,

Carl
 
   / Gravely L8 Super Convertible in my barn! #10  
Thanks JSF,

I have the bush hog 30" mower with the optional chain guard on the front, not the mulching mower setup. You are right tho the mulching setup attaches / discharges to the rear.

I got the sickle bar tuned up now, new knives, adjusted the fingers so they are all even - I used spacers under the finger against bar to level them to the blade. The skid shoes on the bar are worn thin so they are heading to a welder for some hardfacing tomorrow as new ones arent available. Wish I had a welder but thats for another day.

I have all the original manuals from the previous owner and have downloaded other various datasheets on this machine.

Thanks again,

Carl

Sorry, guess I couldn't really tell by the picture. The sickle attachment would be nice. Lots of brush could use clearing here and I suspect that that would be attachment of choice. I'll going to keep my eyes open for one locally.
 
 
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