Mowing Belly Mower on a YM1110D

[gbirky]

I'm in the process of putting a 48" JD mower deck (from an LT or LX 185 I'm told) under my YM1110D. The deck fit, but the front tires were going to rub the deck, so I decided to move the front axle forward 5". Attached is a photo of the deck with the tractor in the background.

By the way, I have added this information to my web page.

 

[gbirky]

Here's a photo of the deck under the tractor with the axle in the original position.

 

[gbirky]

Here's a photo of the deck under the tractor after I mounted the axle forward 5" from the original position.

 

[gbirky]

The last one (for now) is a close-up shot of the axle mounting. I used existing holes in the side rails of the front bumper. I also had to lengthen the driveshaft, driveshaft cover (which you can see in the third picture), and the steering linkage (which I didn't show here).

Now on to making the mounts for the deck. Then, the drive system from the rear pto.

 

[mark777]

Excellent,

I have been wanting to try this on one of my little tractors. I remember you talking about doing a (the) conversion a while ago...turned out very nice. Did you remake the FWD support or is it original with new hardware and repainted?

Nice job.

Mark

 

[gbirky]

The original mount is a sort of upside-down "U" shaped piece welded between the rails of the front bumper. I didn't cut it out or in any way modify the rails or the mount. I just moved the axle in front of the front part of the mount and fabricated a mount to go in front of the axle. So the axle pivot pin goes through my new bracket, through the axle, and then through the front part of the original bracket. This moves the axle forward exactly 5". I did cut the steering linkage, front driveshaft, and driveshaft cover to lengthen them. I had pieces welded in each of these three pieces to make them longer.

I attached a photo of the lengthened steering linkage to this post.

 

[Jagmandave]

Well done, I've been thinking about doing this to my 1602D, to get more clearance for the FEL mounts. Nothing hits right now, but it seems like having the axle forward would help in stability too. Can you tell any difference in the way it drives?

 

[Normmm]

What did you do about the front drive shaft and the stearing linkage.

 

[jdmar]

FANTASTIC!
I want to do the same to my 1500...I just have to find the time for "that project!" I have 2WD so mine shouldn't be as involved as your job. Yours looks fantastic...gives me hopeful inspiration that I can do a simpler version and end up OK. Thanks for the great photos.
Peter

 

[gbirky]

I lengthened the driveshaft, driveshaft cover, and steering linkage. Here's a photo of the driveshaft cover.

 

[gbirky]

Here's a photo of the lengthened steering linkage. I'm embarrased to say that I haven't even started the tractor since making these modifications. I have no idea how this will effect the steering except that I know I won't be able to turn as tightly.

 

[Donman]

Did you do a before and after test of the turning radius? Just curious what difference 5" makes.

 

[Cord]

Looks good. I'm certain that you will be much happier with a mid mounted mower than a front mounted. You made the right decision.

 

[gbirky]

No, I didn't do a "before" test of turning radius. I did finally get the tractor out of the garage last night. My 7 year old son wanted to drive it, so I started it up and took it out. I didn't measure the turning radius, but it does seem very different from the driver seat than it did before. The 4x4 works quite well, and I didn't notice any rubbing noises from the front driveshaft. I could probably calculate the turning radii (before and after) by making some measurements.

Now on to the deck mounting brackets!