DIY Home built compact tractor

Bedlam · Apr 12, 2007

Yes I anxiously await some more progress pics. This is a very interesting project.
Al

GT2 · Apr 12, 2007

Bedlam said:
Yes I anxiously await some more progress pics. This is a very interesting project.
Al

I havent had much time to work on the tractor, with better weather here I've been doing honey doos and other chores around the house.

I've kind of been held up waiting for my custom built steel wheels. I need them so I can mount up the tires and then set the height of the rear axle so that the tractor will be level.

Did some work on the rear axle.
I drilled and taped some spring perch, then welded a nut on the inside for more bolt engagement.

I decided to beef up the tube whare the mounting perch will go.
I slit a piece of left over axle tube in half and spread it a little so it would fit over the axle.

Patches welded up, perch's sitting there.

varmint · Apr 13, 2007

Don't know if anybody has mentioned this before, but your fotos are great: this looks like a good example of a tech repair manual, with clear images of whatever they're writing about! Nice.

KYErik · Apr 13, 2007

That rear differential is quite atypical (besides you narrowing it). It looks like the front "input shaft" cover unbolts instead of the rear cover.

I just wonder how a person was supposed to "set up" a new set of diff. gears (since they would need to check the clearances between the ring and pinion gears and shim the input shaft accordingly) when they couldn't ever see how well the gears were meshing?

Just curious on how this could be done on one of these types of axles.

frwinks · Apr 13, 2007

KYErik said:
That rear differential is quite atypical (besides you narrowing it). It looks like the front "input shaft" cover unbolts instead of the rear cover.

I just wonder how a person was supposed to "set up" a new set of diff. gears (since they would need to check the clearances between the ring and pinion gears and shim the input shaft accordingly) when they couldn't ever see how well the gears were meshing?

Just curious on how this could be done on one of these types of axles.

you set up the gears on a bench, instead of working on them while on the truck

this is a great thread...What are your plans for this unit? Tire size, weight, what kind of work are you planning on throwing at it?
I used my sammi to move some rocks last summer, but this is taking it to the next level

KYErik · Apr 14, 2007

Thanks for the explanation- it makes perfect sense- the carrier and ring gear are bolted to that front plate and it all comes out together.

I am a little embarrassed that I had to ask...

GT2 · Apr 15, 2007

frwinks said:
you set up the gears on a bench, instead of working on them while on the truck
this is a great thread...What are your plans for this unit? Tire size, weight, what kind of work are you planning on throwing at it?
I used my sammi to move some rocks last summer, but this is taking it to the next level

24" front, 31" rear. Weight unknone.
My plan is to get it together with a hitch and see how it works pulling things around. You know, see how the speed and traction works out.
If everything seems good then I'll add a FEL, then a back hoe.
My uses at this time are just general moving dirt around and some stump/ root pulling.

KubotainNH · Apr 15, 2007

Bummer, I just got to the last post. :-( This was very enjoyable to read through, now we have to patiently wait. It will be fun to watch it progress.

slowzuki · Apr 16, 2007

You may wish to upgrade the birfields in the front axle with some rings sold by most of the aftermarket shops. When the axle is steered they are the weak link. With the rigns, it moves the weak point inward. When steered straight (or with birfrings) the inner splines or the ring and pinion are the most common failure.

There are also upgraded axle shafts and birfs available with stronger components but they are expensive.

Apologies for taking the thread off-topic earlier.

frwinks · Apr 16, 2007

GT2, take slowzuki's advice and get the birf rings (Trail Tough Products - Suzuki Stuff!) I've seen the birfs pop just under unmodified sammis. I'm assuming you'll be welding the center sections?? This will put even more strain on the lil' birfs.
Keep up the solid work...and keep the pics flowing