Cub Cadet Recovery Mower Build

[Chris]

I haven't finished the Toro or even begun work on the Wizard, and I'm [slowly] starting another build....

I'm not sure how I'm going to approach this. These Cub Cadets are really stout straight from the factory. All the wheels are bolted to the spindles, and the front axle is actually cast iron - that's a first for me! Since I'm going to be running tandem axles, I have to think of a good way to do this. Currently they both have peerless 900 transaxles in them. I'm thinking about pulling the transaxle out of the other one and running dual transaxles, hooked to each other with a chain. I could easily adapt the shifting linkage to shift them both at the same time. The biggest problem with this is that I'm not sure how I would power the front wheels (since I want it to be 6x6). the dual transaxles would be the easiest & cheapest way, but that leaves me with the problem of not knowing how I'm going to power the front wheels. Maybe I'll build two recovery mowers, one with dual live axles int he rear, and one with dual transaxles in the rear? Hmmm, I don't know.

Anyways, here's some pics:

After I brought it home, I washed it up a bit, got it running and went and cut my grass!




The hood on this thing seems VERY long, I'm too use to the Toro!


Parked it next to my poor Wizard for a photo-op.



Pulled the deck off and started tinkering with it.



Kohler 12.5 OHV. I want to pull it for something bigger (a twin of some sorts).


The Peerless 900, this thing has a serious grease leakage problem, it whines REAL loud under power. I can't wait to tear into it and see how bad the inside is.


The pulley far off to the right is the stock pulley, the one in the middle was the 3.5" pulley that came off the Toro, and the one to the left is a random one I had kicking around.

[MOWchanic]

Well looks like you might have a good project chris!
Keep Us updated!

Tyler

[Chris]

Well, it seems that I'm going to be using this thing in the 2nd Annual BYB Jamboree since I couldn't find another mower just yet. I've gotten some (but not much) work done on it so far.

[MOWchanic]

Looking good! Keep it up!

[Chris]

Well here's a little update.

I've been using this thing to putt around my parent's yard, running back and fourth across the field from my grandmother's house to my parent's house. It's quicker than walking, but barely.

I need to get some better pictures of this thing, but for now this is what I have... I got bored and tried to take this thing down the snowmobile trial (even though it's stock, so I don't know what I was thinking). It worked good in the snow running about 5 PSI in the rear tires, but then I blew a bead and had to tow it out with my truck.

I've since ordered some Kenda Bear Claws with what's left over from my tax return (naturally, most of it went into my truck and bills). The mower currently has 18x10-8's on there, and the bear claws are 22x12-8's. My golf cart has 22" tires on it so I checked for clearance, and they'll fit perfect - no lift needed.

I've been looking at it over the past few days to see what modifications it's going to need to get the tandem drive axles, bed & tow boom on the rear; and how I'm going to power the front wheels, make fenders - etc. I should really get the Toro finished and start working on the Wizard - but for now this will do 

[creed]

You should make a tutorial on how to make your rear end/front end a 4 lug hub. I can't find any information any where.

[Chris]

The rear on this one is stock, no 4-lug pattern.

All you have to do is order a 4x4 pattern hubs for whatever size shaft your install it on, it's simple as pie
http://acmemowersports.com/3_4_rear_hub_1.html

[STEELMAN]

Hey chris just a heads up don't trust that beefy cast front axle I have snapped 2 in half if you have the ability to fab one out of 2x3 or so tube 1/8 wall or better it will outlast any cast axle

[Chris]

Don't worry, that front axle is going to go when I get the chance.

[Chris]

Oh wow, I never updated this thread with the pics after the tires?

This mower has been dead for over 6 months though. The 820 rear end exploded catastrophically. It's been sitting at my friend's house ever since - I haven't had the time or place to work on it.

[mrchic]

Chris sorry to hear about your troubles with the Cub. I have a real Cub made by International Harvester, but I don't think it would do good offroad. They make good pullers though. I love that flat almost military green you did, looks tough. Maybe you will inspire me to work on my Craftsman II, it would look cool with some atv tires on it. I will get some pics posted soon. How these do with out any suspension? I know on my Cub when I hit a bump in the sidewalk plowing snow it really gives me a jolt.

[Chris]

mine didn't seem to do too bad, but I only had about 3 minutes to play with it

[mrchic]

I meant just a mowchine in general. How is the ride offroad with no suspension? Does your toro have any suspension?

[creed]

Looks awesome with those tires on it.

[Chris]

I meant just a mowchine in general. How is the ride offroad with no suspension? Does your toro have any suspension?

Ohhhh I see what your saying.

My Toro had no suspension and the ride wasn't too bad. The Wizard was a bit scary because I never welded up the front axle. That was my BYB mowchine