Hello everyone. I'm glad I found this forum because I had previously not found a site dedicated to off roaders like me. I would definitely say I'm no expert. I'd say I'm one, maybe two clicks above hack status. LOL I'm learning and having a blast doing it.
History:
I'm fairly new to this "sport". I've been tinkering around since this past summer when I moved from the burbs to a place with 2000 acres of forest behind my house. So far, I've mapped over 9 miles of trails!
I currently have 2 working tractors, a 1983 White and a 2003 MTD yard machines. I also have 2 parts tractors (both MTD) and a toro wheel horse which is my next project...
Here's the low down on the working machines:
1983 White (the one in the background of the picture): Stock 1994 Briggs 24 series L-head (I still have the original '83 motor but I'm going to rebuild it) Locked Peerless 800 series 5 speed (locked with extra spider gears). Reduced drive pulley from 10" to 4". Custom drive-line, all electrical rewired, new starter, larger steering wheel, reinforced frame, entirely new front end (from parts tractor) reinforced front end, locked pivot bar, reinforced steering tie rod, steering lock, all new bushings and bearings, hood and grille from an old Agaway, working super bright headlights, reinforced hood and front grille, custom brush guard (not installed yet), custom exhaust. Removed all self tapping screws and replaced them with 5/16 bolts, nuts and washers. Flat black paint job. Still lots of work to be done.
2003 MTD YardMachines (foreground of picture): Stock 17.5 briggs ohv. Stock front end (for now). Stock steering (for now) I converted it from a vari-drive to a 5 speed manual (Dana/Foote/Spicer 4360-105). Locked the differential (welded), reduced drive pulley from 10" to 4, changed to gear oil, strengthened the frame, built a clutch and drive-line. It is still without the front grill and hood (haven't gotten around to it). It's been painted flat black. Removed all self tapping screws and replaced them with 5/16 bolts, nuts and washers. More mods to come..
A few videos:
I look forward to sharing ideas and concepts with everyone!
MM