Thoughts on a diesel in an Original?
 

I have my '61 Original's K-161 running and, as soon as I get some front wheels on it, the machine driving. I have been tossing around the idea of a diesel GT for a while now, and am really getting "into" this original... I'm 16, so I have to start thinking about my future, and I know I can't have 2 big garden tractors and one little one sitting around once I graduate and go off to get my degrees... I really want a reliable machine that will last me a long time, so I'm thinking that I will do a complete mechanical restore and repaint this summer and dropping THIS engine into it. I want a machine that will be a reliable mower, and I plan to only have a small suburban home in the future so I figure this would be a nice machine once I get it going good. I have heard very good things about these engines, and they supposedly have very good fuel-economy. Please let me know what you think. I know the purists will want my head, but for what I intend I think it will make a nice machine when done.
:Thanks:

It's your tractor and you can put in any powerplant you'd like. The only problem I see with using an Original is the drive belt. Other CC's use the driveshaft and would be alittle more reliable in my opinion. The diesel's you are looking at are only 6 horse, so it might not be an issue. If you decide to go this route, don't forget to start a thread so we can watch the progress. :beerchug:

That's why I want to go with the 6hp and not the 10hp. Also, an Original has an easier platform to adapt a new engine into.
:bigthink:

I'll be sure to start a thread if I go through with it. Wouldn't want to keep you guys in the dark!

I think it would make a nice repower. Only issue I see is making an adapter for the belt drive. You will need to remove the pull start and come up with something.

I have an extra cup I want to try and modify to work with the engine's flywheel/crank shaft. If not, I can figure something out. But yes, they pull start will have to go... I don't think I would want to try and pull-start it anyways.
:Unknown:

If you do it, I'm looking forward to your thread! :beerchug:

Diesel's are great!! Fuel efficient, long life, etc..........., BUT, there is no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to HP.

Diesel's are torquey, but, this 12HP would not power a PTO operated 3 point hitch 48" Woods mower, it did OK with the 42" belly mower (belt driven).

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_0004.jpg

A 12HP Cub Cadet with a 44" mower would mow circles around it.

I would be looking at 10HP, minimum!! :bigthink:

Now, if your only interest is ground engaging attachments, plow, blade, or pull a trailer, the 6HP will probably be fine.

Spinnin' those mower blades takes some UMPH!! :bigeyes:

Please know that I'm not trying to dump on your plans.

You say "reliable" and "for a long time"... Have you done the research on this brand of engine, life expectancy, replacement parts availability in 40 years?

All of us here know that the value of the Original Cub Cadets (especially a 1961) have done nothing but gone up in the last few years and I suspect than in another 40 years all of the remaining Originals will be in the hands of collectors, not only will the average person not be able to find an Original for sale, the price of one (if you could find it) will be astronomical.

In 40 years a younger fellow, like yourself who has an original, 1961 Cub Cadet Original, could virtually be setting on a gold mine.

Getting back to "reliable" and "for a long time" and "Thinking about my future", A rebuilt 7hp Kohler engine (with a little preventative maintenance) is probably one of the most reliable and economical engines that has ever been manufactured.

Who says that you can't have a nice little shed in your suburban back yard that is jamb packed with really great little antique garden tractors???

Your diesel transplant idea really is pretty cool... But I believe that you would be better served by doing that to one of the less popular models of Cub Cadet.

Once again, not beating up on you... Just something you might want to consider.

I was thinking about that, but those 2cylinder ones usually run between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm, and dont have much in the form of a flywheel. This one operates at the same speed as the original Kohler (3,600) and is only rated one horsepower less, but also has the torque of a 10-12 hp. For as often as I mow my grass, I believe it should be enough motor. A friend of mine has the 10hp model in a Sears Suburban and uses it as a brush mower, cutting grasses almost 3' high. He says he has never had issues with power.

I really appreciate your view on this matter. I would really like to have two Originals... One for mowing, and one for ground engagment, both being in good condition. The Original I have is a wreck and I am slowly peicing it together, but this is where functionality outweighs origionality, and collectibility. I would love to have a restored, all-original Original but its just not in the cards for this machine, in the shape it is in. Thanks.