Shortening the range selector on a 2320

[rshrimp]

Now that I have my grab handle installed, I can get on and off the tractor a bit easier.


I still have a problem with the rage selector being too tall and either hitting me in the butt or I push it out of neutral on the way off. (I get on and off a lot as I use the loader and a chain to move and lift objects)
Anyway, I have decided to shorten it. I looked at removing it to do the job which would make it easy but you have to remove the left rear wheel to get to the roll pin that holds it on so I am going to try this mod while installed.
Here is the plan:
1. Remove the stock shift knob via the 10mm bolt under the cap
2. Cut the rod just below the weld which will remove about 4 inches
3. Use a #6 billard ball (the 6 ball is green) and drill a 11/16 hole in it about 1.5 inches deep (The shaft is 17mm which is just under 11/16)
4. Fill the hole with JB weld and install.

I am waiting on the 6 ball to arrive and will take some pics as I complete this but looking for comments/better ideas/cautions/etc's

So, what do you think?

 

[LiveRoll]

Well..... That could lead to many more issues, fabricating a pool cue holder, but if you have a ROP's it should be easy to mount it there, a place to put the chalk, and place to hang the triangle shaped thing!
LOL It's nice to personalize things and hey, if it works for you go for it!! Personally I think it would look great! and really do love the handle what a novel idea!! functional to. Nothing like thinking outside the box!!

Keep up the cool mods, those are great ideas!

Cheers

Roger

 

[kevin37b]

9 ball , yellow .

 

[bigtiller]

I am thinking of shortening mine about the same length and just round the stub over with a file. I like your idea to dress it up a little. I've never had any luck using BJ Weld on anything, but that was probably because of poor preparation of the surfaces to be mated.

 

[rshrimp]

Well I would not try to fix an engine block or a brake pedal with it but for this application where you are just moving a lever and not jerking on it like you might jerk on the shifter of an old chevy when banging 2nd gear it should be fine. I have found that the trick to JBweld is to make sure you use just a little more "steel" than "hardner" and of course, clean the parts.

The point is that the darn thing is too tall and in the way when getting off and if you bump it into gear while getting off it will shut the tractor down.

 

[mcgill72143]

IF the rod is a solid rod then I would cut it and then thread the end and drill a hole in the ball and thread the ball to just screw it on....I would trust threads and Blue Loctite over JBweld........just another idea for ya.......:thumbsup:

 

[rshrimp]

I took the plunge and cut it off. It's solid rod. Heres a pic.


The issue I have with tapping it, and I agree that would be best, is that the rod is 17mm diameter and I don't have a tap anywhere near that big. 1/2 inch pipe tap is just a speck too big.
I could simply weld a 1/2 inch bolt to the top of it which would also be a good option but I would have to remove it to do that and again, that would require left rear wheel removal, which is not out of the question but it's more than I want to go through for this supossedly small project.
So, the plan is to JBweld it and see where it goes. If it comes off at some point I can always buy a tap and dye or weld on a bolt later. Still waiting on the pool balls from my neighbor. He said he had a whole set in the barn ........ somewhere.
Finished product update to follow .....

 

[chevy]

Why not drill & tap both the gear selector & 1/2" bolt for a 5/16' or 1/4" threads? Then use a stud to screw the 2 together. Maybe even add some Locktite.

 

[roush9799]

I always wondered why they put a shutoff switch on the range selector. My 855 didn't have one. Only time it would shut off is if the deck was engaged. I like the location of the selector on the 20 series for mowing, I normally have to switch between low and high, except like stated, when I have to get off the machine. They need to put a detent in the neutral position so if you bump it slightly it won't go into gear, sort of how the rockshaft lever works when it's in the up position.

 

[rshrimp]

9 Ball it is ... Thanks Kevin! Lots of great ideas for attachment ... Thanks! I decided to just JBweld it on. It does not get that much stress and it does not have to be removed to remove the arm if it's ever needed.
Top View:

Side view: Notice that it does not stick up past the seat or the grab handle now! Still very easy to operate. When I added the JBweld it was a bit difficult to get the air out of the connection but a little persistence and twisting and it finally burped and went all the down. I drilled in 1.5 inches so the ball is over the shaft pretty good.


I had to get a bit creative to get it choked up in the drill press but it drilled easily with a high speed drill bit. 11/16 is the size you need.