New landplane build for L&G and subcompacts

[jenkinsph]

Finally started the new landplane build this afternoon for my x749. Will be posting pics as I go for your viewing.

First thing I wanted to do was build the skids. I had cut out a cardboard template for this and started the layout. The skids are just under 5' long with a full bottom running surface of 4' 2". Used a torch to cut the 2x8x3/16box tubing to size and then attached the flatbar wearstrip 2"x3/8" and rolled it around the ends with a rosebud torch. Welded up the ends and ground it smooth.

Hope this will ride up easily over roots in new lawn areas and should not hold much gravel or dirt. What does everyone think of the ski shape ends?

More to come as time permits.

 

[catdozer]

Finally started the new landplane build this afternoon for my x749. Will be posting pics as I go for your viewing.

Hope this will ride up easily over roots in new lawn areas and should not hold much gravel or dirt. What does everyone think of the ski shape ends?

More to come as time permits.

love it already :thumbsup: i do like that ski shape on the ends, i may use that on mine, can't wait for more pictures!

 

[moored4]

I need to make one but on a biger verison. It will be nice to follow your build. :thumbsup:

 

[Martian]

Subscribed.

I like it already. I'd like one for the new 110, but it'll have to wait for now. Won't be of great use for me until I get ready to plant some grass, and that will be a ways out. I do look forward to seeing this build and hopefully I can copy a larger version some day!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

So far so good. :thumbsup:

 

[jenkinsph]

This afternoon I had a chance to cut the 8' grader blade in to equal length pieces. Also cut the 4x4x3/8 angle, drilled and fitted the blades to them. Decided not to go with the larger 4x4 box tubing, just to big for such a small landplane, instead I am using a 2x2x1/4" box tubing for the main cross rails.

Played with setting the skids further forward and will have the tips about 3 inches from the mowers rear tires.

Here is the mockup so far, plan to fit the hitch clevises before welding it up.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Looking good Steve, if you're not careful you'll have that thing done and painted before the weekend is over.

 

[TCowner]

Steve, I want one just like that for my soon to arrive 1026R sub-compact. John Deere offers through their Frontier brand a 48" land plane but its a pull type rather than three point hitch mounted.

If your not careful you will have some folks begging for you to start producing these for public consumption.

 

[Martian]

Sure is coming along Steve. I know I don't have that craftsmanship.

One thing is sure is it looks HOT there! We are having unseasonably warm weather here, but still jeans and a sweatshirt weather. I think if I lived where you are I'd have a cab for sure:thumbsup:

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks for the nice replies guys, I hope to have enough time to finish this weekend.

TCowner, I was thinking about the 1026R yesterday. Do you know how far the 3PH ends are from the ground in their lowest position? I find that the x749 has a limited travel and I am making adjustments this morning.

Martian, Friday was the first day I didn't have to wear a sweatshirt. The elevation here is about 7,000 ft so cool most of the time. Dry is the problem my lawns are the only ones green in my neighborhood. Makes me wonder about some people though, the people across the street there battle their yard each year without success. Don't want any help either.

 

[jenkinsph]

Little more done today
Cut out the clevis hitch parts and drilled the holes for the pins. Kinda sorta have the IMatch hitch worked out, have to finish the top and straighten one of the horizontal pieces that is out of line.

This is the cordless drill used to drill the holes in the half inch plate, worked well enough and I just wanted to see if it could do it. I used a cnc bit to make a 1/8" pilot hole after center punching. Then proceeded with the holesaw pictured, still in good shape and the battery too.

Will try to finish and paint it tomorrow.

 

[catdozer]

Looks good! Can't wait to see some action pictures of it. I really like your use of the box tubing for the sides!

 

[jenkinsph]

Catdozer,
As long as it is easy to clean the rocks off of was my goal.



Not sure if the x749 can handle the plane and the IMatch both but will soon find out.

Even if it can't handle both I want the landplane to be compatible anyway.
Plan to take it off the truck bed in the morning and get it finished.:thumbsup:

 

[Martian]

Is coming along really nice! I'm sure I won't ever be able to make a copy as nice as yours now. Can't wait to see some action pics as well.

 

[jenkinsph]

Is coming along really nice! I'm sure I won't ever be able to make a copy as nice as yours now. Can't wait to see some action pics as well.

Thanks but I betcha could. I haven't even used my chopsaw, mig or drill press yet but it would have been a lot neater. Really didn't wan't to listen to the chopsaw noise. This has been an exercise in simplicity, trying to get by with as few tools as I can so others may feel they can do it too. My shop is full of materials for the next customers kitchen project. Afraid of sparks so decided to do this outside. So far this is stick welded, using the cutting torch, saw horses and a few simple hand tools.

 

[catdozer]

Thanks but I betcha could. I haven't even used my chopsaw, mig or drill press yet but it would have been a lot neater. Really didn't wan't to listen to the chopsaw noise. This has been an exercise in simplicity, trying to get by with as few tools as I can so others may feel they can do it too. My shop is full of materials for the next customers kitchen project. Afraid of sparks so decided to do this outside. So far this is stick welded, using the cutting torch, saw horses and a few simple hand tools.

Wow that's pretty good. I betcha it can handle it, could always pull it with the 4720 lol

 

[jenkinsph]

Okay just about finished in time for lunch.

Afterwards going to do some trimming and clean up the welds (I am an amateur, that should be obvious) as best I can. I will try it out before painting it today. Will have it powdercoated after I have used it a few weeks.

Here it is mounted to the 820 which can lift it high enough to work on.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Steve, looks great. :thumbsup: One question though, what is the tab for on the outside of the runner on the right side?

 

[catdozer]

Steve, looks great. :thumbsup: One question though, what is the tab for on the outside of the runner on the right side?

You beat me to the question I was going to ask. But looks really good! Whats the name going to be on it?

 

[jenkinsph]

The tab is for attaching the ground lead while welding it is just tacked on.


As for the name I will use it in the business, lots of people including competitors look at my stuff. So I think I will put some Deere stickers on it to confuse them. Have to get some new hood decals for the 820 and will pick out something appropriate.