My new back-up piece

[bigpete]

More like restoration project, but this one is already turning out to be a lot of fun for me and my 12-year-old son.

All the tune up parts are here, and a few restoration parts on order. Saturday is tune-up and clean-up day.

 

[bigpete]

-1979 Gravely 8183-T
-Hydraulic deck lift
-Shaft-driven 50" three-blade deck
-8 speed (4 low, 4 high)
-8 MPH ground speed in high-4th
-18 HP Onan horizontal twin B48M
-Rear engine design; direct drive to transaxle
-Hand F/R clutch
-1,100 pounds GW, approximately

 

[bigpete]

The mufflers are obviously custom, but that Onan is a smooth and powerul engine. The sound is incredible--like a well-tuned Harley

 

[RobS]

With the rear engine the layout is remarkably similar to today's commercial mowers. Nice looking tractor /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[bigpete]

Gravely began building rear-engine riders in the 60's with the first "traditional" looking unit in 1967, I think. They built a surreal looking rider called the "Westchester" before that--1964, perhaps. All of you Gravely afficiandos are welcome to jump in with more clear facts than I have.

The first Gravelys were walk-behind two-wheel tractors built starting back in the early 1900s, and they are still built today. The first models replaced plow horses and looked like a horse-drawn plow with an engine set low between the handle bars. Pretty unique engineering story and design. Ariens bought them in 1982 and discontinued the Pro-G riders this year.

They have been owned by several companies, including Studebaker, who owned them when the 424 rider was introduced in 1967. The rear engine design really puts full power to the ground.

Can't wait to get it up to snuff, find some decals, and have a good professional paint job put on her.

 

[s1120]

Looks good. Looks like you have a fun projet ahead of you.

 

[Molerj]

Hi Pete, As you know Gravelys are very well built & heavy duty garden tractors. Parts are readily available, a little pricey, but what isn't? Not a lot goes wrong, adjust the clutches, forward & reverse. The shaft drive to the deck is nice too. Wheel bearings & lots of grease fittings. Sounds like you will have that tractor looking like new in no time.

 

[oakiemac]

Congradulations! Nothing is better than Gravely. I have been using my old walk behind to blow snow and it is spectacular. Good luck with your project.

Steve /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif