Thoughts on 1811 winter project.
 

Okay I've been using my "parts tractor" for the past two years. Now I'm thinking of bring it into the garage for some winter maintenance/ up-grades. This will be a learning and practice project for my other 1811.
Things on my list.
Heim joints for the steering.
Remove and service steering gearbox.
Check things out on the front axel.
Replace rag joints.
Pull the motor, remove tins and clean things up.
Remove rear end cover and flush things out.

I don't have any issues with the tractor, other than steering getting sticky in spots. Just want to keep up on things. If anybody has ideas on must do things let me know.

Look for a thread by ccguy

He just did an 1811 and might have some good tips on it.

A list of maintenace items would be good to add to the list

hydro fluid change/flush
hydro adjustment
check brake pad wear
oil
oil filter
plugs
fuel filter

I would add fluid to the tires

Check and repair trunion if needed

Your list of steering items is good

I would only inspect the rag joints and leave them alone unless a problem

While you have the engine out, clean up the starter bendix and lube with graphite. Check the brushes and replace if needed (likely not, but ok to check)

Definitely check for buildup and mice nest under tins and in flywheel area

Others will have a better list, but thats what I can come up with off the top of my head.

I would replace the drive shaft and rag joint with the cv joints and shaft from a Cyclops. That is what we are doing with our 1811 and it is a simple swap without a whole lot of work. If you do look for a shaft with grease zerks on both ends of the shaft to make greasing the cv joints easier. BTW, that is a really nice looking "parts tractor".

And if its apart, you might go around each electrical connection and clean it up and put an anti-oxidant on it.

Electricians have a grease. Or I sometimes use a 'red spray grease' (dont know what its really for, but I spray it on the connectors.

Another coating I like is Boshield. Its a thin layer of spray film to help prevent surface corrosion. It works pretty well.

Always use 'lectric grease.

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/p...-grease-detail

Thanks for the other idea's. Keep them coming.

Very nice parts tractor by the way! Other things check, pack or replace front wheel bearings. Check deck bearings and belts. Look at idler pulley on the deck. Look at your mule drive pulleys. Check out the pto for any obvious problems. Look at the deck pulleys and the blades too. Basically a good once over from top to bottom.

Looked at ccguys build on his 1811, this may turn into a bigger project than I thought.

clay1811/44c:

That's the beauty of it. The challenge of sourcing parts and learning as well as making it perform better, look nicer and be more reliable. You'll be the beneficiary of all of your time and effort -- which you'll be reminded of every time you turn the key. You've got a great machine to start with!

ccguy
1994-1440
1988-1811
#4
42" Blade
44A