crazy idea

[Mickey_Fx]

As of late I've been thinking of the possibility of increasing the wheelbase on my tractor. The WB on the F series to a little too short for my liking. The frame extends fwd enough to permit a movement of about 1 ft without the need for any extension. From a quick look moving the front axle fwd doesn't look all that difficult and I'm thinking the biggest issue would be to extend the drive shaft and shaft-tube. Of course steering linkage would need to be addressed. At the slow speed these things run, I don't see any issues with the need to re-balance the shaft. For sure it would have to be jigged during the lengthening process to make sure the shaft stays straight.

Reason for the thought is steering is a little too quick and extending the WB would help reduce weight transfer with loads on the FEL. A ft extension would reduce weight transfer 33%.

Ever hear of anyone doing this and if so, what kinds of problems did they run into?

 

[kenmac]

I don't know anyone that has done this with a tractor. You might just be the 1 st. best of luck

 

[js5020]

Saw one on the web once that they increased the wb, but it was a 2wd. Think they did it to put a deck under it?

 

[mark777]

Mickey,

Someone on here did it. I believe it was a YM1110D and he moved front axle assembly about a foot forward. (Think it was the same gent who got my rear hubs off my spare 1300D).

He moved the pivot + axle mounts and lengthend the drive shaft and pitman arm. It may have been for the same reason.

 

[Ductape]

I remember the pictures of the one Mark is talking about. It was a smaller YM series tractor. It was a pretty straight forward job, with no real complications that i recall. I say do it !

 

[js5020]

I found it,, you are correct Mark it was a 4wd , hopefully the link works http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/yanmar/16962-gregs-ym1110d.html
Go to his homepage for the details

 

[Ductape]

Thats the one !

 

[js5020]

Here is a link to the 1100. YM1110D

 

[js5020]

I have to admit I'd like to find one of these smaller machines so I could make it into a "super" garden tractor. I have a larger machine and it seems a little big for some things.

 

[mark777]

Thats the one !

Wow! You guys have an excellent memory .

OK Mickey, it's time for you to pioneer an F model extention. Love to see pictures, progress and test drive opinions.

Mark

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Thanks for the replies guys. Looks like I'm not the only one that has had a crazy idea.

From my quick look it looks like I might have an easier time of it than was had on the YM1100. My front pivots mount from the bottom and it looks like the drive shaft is a straight in-line arrangements. From the initial look it appears I might be able to move fwd to point where I can use the current front pivot point as the rear pivot point. Does look like I need to see what if any problems exist with current position of the steering above the front differential.

Hey, Mark, haven't see a post from you in some time, here or on MU. Hope all is well

 

[jimmer2880]

I am planning on doing the same thing in the near future also on my F16D.

Your F24 is very different from mine, but I'm still very interested.

 

[kenmac]

Thanks for the replies guys. Looks like I'm not the only one that has had a crazy idea.

From my quick look it looks like I might have an easier time of it than was had on the YM1100. My front pivots mount from the bottom and it looks like the drive shaft is a straight in-line arrangements. From the initial look it appears I might be able to move fwd to point where I can use the current front pivot point as the rear pivot point. Does look like I need to see what if any problems exist with current position of the steering above the front differential.

Hey, Mark, haven't see a post from you in some time, here or on MU. Hope all is well

Be sure to post pictures of the project. as far as the front drive shaft. There are places ( at least here) that will extend the shaft & balance it. The steering arm shouldn't be too hard to extend

 

[YanmarFever]

Thanks for the replies guys. Looks like I'm not the only one that has had a crazy idea.

From my quick look it looks like I might have an easier time of it than was had on the YM1100. My front pivots mount from the bottom and it looks like the drive shaft is a straight in-line arrangements. From the initial look it appears I might be able to move fwd to point where I can use the current front pivot point as the rear pivot point. Does look like I need to see what if any problems exist with current position of the steering above the front differential.

Hey, Mark, haven't see a post from you in some time, here or on MU. Hope all is well

Mickey, I have an extra FX front frame on the shelf, if you need any extra parts just come over, If can donate something to the project just ask

Ernies Imports

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Hi Ernie,

Sorry I've not said Hi in awhile. That's a mighty nice offer you've made but that's the kind of guy you are.

If I undertake this mod, it will likely come a little later this yr or over the winter. Just too many things I need doing now.

Understand Chris has some sample labels/stickers for you. Said they look better than the sample you sent him. Hope this works out for the both of you.