Converting JD 165 Lawn tractor into a Garden Tractor

[johnd15370]

I'd like to upgrade my 165 Hydro by bolting in components from other tractors. The 12 horse Kawasaki FB460V is very strong and reliable but the Eaton Hydro is going bad. I want to replace it with a heavy duty setup using compatible parts. What JD Garden tractors can closely match with what I have? I'd definitely need a heavier axle with 5-bolt hubs.
The other option would be to use my engine as a replacement in a Garden Tractor; however I'd prefer to go with the first idea since I've already got the 165 looking good.
Any one out there that has already had experience successfully doing an upgrade like this? I'm a decent shade tree mechanic on older vehicles, but I'm new at working on Garden Tractors.

 

[swick1]

I think your frame will need to be reinforced and the spindles, front axle, and steering box could use attention. I'd look into repowering an older tractor but many of them use horizontal shaft engines. I think it's a tall order to really make it a garden tractor. However a lawn mower with a nice transmission is possible. If the axle position changes it won't make a nice cut because the deck won't be level.

 

[johnd15370]

Thanks for the input Swick1. The problem I'm having is finding an affordable JD Garden Tractor near here. I've been looking for one for quite a while but they always are up North in snow country. It appears that the 100, 200, and 300 series just aren't being sold around without being out of my price range. I saw a beautiful 318 recently but $2600 was way out of my budget!
I suppose it's my Appalachian roots that have me wanting to build my own equipment from other peoples cast off's. I grew up on the Mason Dixon Line near Morgantown but moved to Texas 30 years ago.
Thanks again,
John

 

[swick1]

You just need to come back to wv. I just sold a heavy deere 110 to a guy from Huntington for $750 after buying it in morgantown 3 years earlier for the same price.

 

[BHD]

Surplus Center

Surplus center has some transaxles

 

[Xfaxman]

I'd like to upgrade my 165 Hydro by bolting in components from other tractors. The 12 horse Kawasaki FB460V is very strong and reliable but the Eaton Hydro is going bad. I want to replace it with a heavy duty setup using compatible parts. What JD Garden tractors can closely match with what I have? I'd definitely need a heavier axle with 5-bolt hubs.
The other option would be to use my engine as a replacement in a Garden Tractor; however I'd prefer to go with the first idea since I've already got the 165 looking good.
Any one out there that has already had experience successfully doing an upgrade like this? I'm a decent shade tree mechanic on older vehicles, but I'm new at working on Garden Tractors.

What is your intended use for the 165?

Will you need it for mowing?

 

[johnd15370]

Yes, it is my main mowing machine. I have a Sears Suburban Super 12 that handles the heavy work; but since the Hydro went out on the JD I figured on attempting the upgrade. I've gathered the main parts that I hope to use; but haven't begun the tear down and rebuild. Hopefully I'll squeeze in some shop time next week, in between the "must do's" on the honey do list. (Gotta keep the Misses happy!)

 

[johnd15370]

Update: Another option that I am contemplating is to buy a JD 260 without the engine. Will my Kaw FB460V be a bolt in for the Kaw FC540V that it originally had? The difference in HP shouldn't be a problem for me considering my lack of hills to climb. Will the 2-blade 38" deck from my 165 be usable?
Boy! I sure wish someone had Parts Compatibility Charts! That would be a huge help. Of course JD would prefer I just spend the money on their latest models which I'd have to take to them for any service or repairs due to the electronics. NO THANK YOU! I'll stick with the old stuff that has survived all these decades without plastic or foreign made parts to break or wear out prematurely. I'm no longer forced to work under the shade trees since I've finally gotten a big shop building with a fair amount of equipment...after 40+ years of waiting! Now if I still had my 1968 Olds 442 big block muscle...I could die happy!

 

[jenkinsph]

John,
I like to read about projects others are working on and enjoy hands on work as much as anyone. Just make sure that the time and money spent will be fruitful for you. I have learned to carefully pick my battles. You might enjoy building up a 442 or a new home improvement with a better return on your time spent.

 

[johnd15370]

How I wish I still had my Pristine 442! Divorce ended that love affair in the 80's. One of the big reasons I am tackling the JD project is due to so much time being spent rebuilding my houses. It's been an ongoing thing since the late 80's: four houses including an 1892 Victorian, all while working long hours to make a living. I bought properties in bad shape, rebuilt the, and flipped them. Now I'm working on my final home on a beautiful small spread. It's my retirement home and will be the last to redo since I'm burnt out and over the hill. The tractors are a working hobby I've waited since the 60's to do. Time just wasn't available before now. As to the costs: that"s not an issue. Even if I spend as much as a new GT would cost; which I won't; the personal satisfaction at turning junk into usable all-American-Made iron is totally Priceless!