Can I lengthen a YM1500 wheelbase?

[jdmar]

I have a 1500 and want to move the front axle forward if possible. I have 2WD so that part helps make it easier. I would move them about 6 or 8 inches forward so I can fit a finish mower that I already own.

Does anyone know if this would overstress the point where the front axle support rails bolt to the side on the engine? I would hate to have a longer wheelbase just until I hit my first bump and crack the bottom off my engine. I am no engine mechanic but I think engines don't work so well if you break them in half.

If helpful I could send a picture of what I plan to do.

Thanks ahead of time for your help

Peter

 

[Tractors4u]

Are you wanting to mount the mower under the tractor? If so, how are the blades driven? I have seen a few belly mowers that were powered from the rear PTO, is that what you have? As for moving the axle forward, I guess anything is possible, but it will not be as simple as removing a few bolts and moving the axle forward and replacing the bolts though. I don't see any reason that it would overstress the axle.

 

[mark777]

I agree with Brent. Modifications moving axle forward would be fairly straight forward, including lengthening steering linkage (from pitman arm). I don't see any additional stress on the frame rails.

Drive assembly from PTO to mower may be a different story.

Good luck, Mark

 

[jdmar]

I have a rear PTO driven setup that also needs to be adapted to my tractor. A belt then runs forward to the mower. The 3pt hitch then raises and lowers the mower.

The front axle pivots on a bolt that is supported between two plates welded between the side rails. The side rails then bolt to each side of the engine. I planned to leave the forward plate in position and then remount the rear plate to a position about 6-8inches forward of the other. I may also just lengthen the side rails if I can do it and maintain strength. The steering linkage will also need lengthening.

It is not an overall small project since more than just the axle needs adjusting. But I think the final setup would serve me very well. Maybe I should just get a larger Yanny!!?!

It is nice to hear that so far no-one thinks I will rip the bottom of the engine off. Thanks for all the help

Peter

 

[mark777]

Peter,

In the past I only thought about lengthening the wheelbase on a 1401D because of bump steer problems associated with a tiller and no front end weight. Adding the weight compensates for the front end being lite but multiplies the bump steer on uneven ground and hard surfaces. Even at slow speeds the problem is more shock than bounce with the added weight.

My 1601D and 1610D does the same thing with a 48" box blade or 48" rear mower (less front weight).

I really like your idea. Extending the (my) driveline and steering is no problem at all. Nor is the center fwd axle support and stops. Yanmars' pivot designed front axle negates any frame flex in relation to the mounting points on the side of the engine block. And "Dargo" has designed the front grill guard if additional front end weight is needed.

For me, your idea has evolved from interesting to very practical, and I hope you do it....as I may try this when time allows.

Mark

 

[Mith]

i got sent this link by gbirky web page for something to do with front mount mowers
its shows a yanmar with front axle moved forward (4WD though) also on the sight is stuff to do with mid mowers on yanmar
mith

 

[jdmar]

Thanks for all the help. I didn't want to start the process if the axle move would not be possible. I appreciate all the support and advice.
I will start by modifying the PTO drive for my tractor and the last step will actually be the axle move. I plan to change to PTO drive assemble so I can keep a hitch point on the back. This will allow me to hook up and pull the gang mowers and quickle detach them and trim with the MMM. I hope this all works and I will take pics when I get going.
Right now I am in the middle of our "refinish the basement" project." Then I will try to get the hitch process going.

Happy New year to all.
Peter

 

[Mith]

keep us posted with pics
sounds like an interesting project and i sure would like to her how it works out
mith

 

[California]

I read somewhere of a line of specialized mowers that are based on a Yanmar tractor chassis plus a custom MMM. To accomodate a larger mower they have the front axle moved forward like you are considering.

I thought it used a tractor about the size of yours and bore the brand name of the US mower company, not Yanmar.

Perhaps someone else can recall the details.

I think this illustrates that extending the wheelbase is a reasonable thing to do.