articulated lawn tractor build question

[jeepcj7]

With the advanced understanding that I need to get my head examined, I would like to build an articulated (steers in the middle) cub cadet tractor using 2 existing tractors - preferably using the 1000 - 1650 series or 70's vintage JD lawn tractors. Has anyone seen a build thread that was posted by some one who has done one of these before. Thanks.

 

[Rocky J]

I have not built one but there is some good Utubes about home built tractors bending in the middle.articulated homebuilt mower - YouTube Looked straight foward build, more time then money. My little loader bends in the middle and I love it for moving snow. I had a old Bolens Estate Keeper I think that bent in the middle, the pivot pin was where the tri pulley was mounted to share a belt with the front , back axle and engine in rear so turning had no effect on belt tension. I am uploading a video to Utube of the loader in tight turns and will add link when it is done.

 

[muddstopper]

I would just look at the Ventrac or Stiener series of tractors for build ideal. Both of these tractors bend in the middle for steering and its a proven design. I actually own both brands.

 

[oldnslo]

Ventrac & Steiner use one HST pump to drive both axles so getting the speed the same to both axles is a little easier than two totally separate transaxles.

I suspect getting all of the engine and transaxle controls linked from front to rear will be the biggest challenge.

 

[Tor Arne]

Ventrac & Steiner use one HST pump to drive both axles so getting the speed the same to both axles is a little easier than two totally separate transaxles.

I suspect getting all of the engine and transaxle controls linked from front to rear will be the biggest challenge.

With some clever plumbing work it should be possible to drive both axles of the same pump

 

[Rocky J]

Some pictures of how case faced two jeep axles at each other then used drive shaft with a sprocket . There is a hydraulic motor with a sprocket driving the chain to the driveshaft.I would not think a mower would have to be this heavy .

 

[woodlandfarms]

Versatile Tractors,Compact Tractors,Trailer Packages,Landscaping,Utility Vehicle Rentals,Mowers-Power Trac

 

[MossRoad]

Yep. Check out the Power Trac's. They are all hydraulic with no driveshafts or chains anywhere. One hydraulic pump that powers 4 hydraulic motors, one at each wheel...

The advantage is no complex linkages, binds, turf scalping when turning, etc.... great for loader work, mowing, snow removal, tiller, post holing, stuff like that.

Disadvantage (in my opinion) is there's only one speed, whereas if you have a hydraulic motor powering a two or three speed gearbox that turns driveshafts to differentials, you can get good gear reduction and real locking differentials, if that's important to you, like jobs that require immense pulling power, stump pulling, dirt plowing, and stuff like that.

I haven't gotten my Power Trac stuck but one time in 15 years by driving it through deep weeds, off a hill onto a hidden log, high centering it, so no wheels were on the ground. Ooops! :laughing:

 

[TractorGuy]

I take it your avatar picture is actually YOU! LOL

 

[MossRoad]

Teddy is bullish on Power Trac!