[sgt.porter]

Update (almost 2 years later):
Lots of long story short- I got worse, grandpa died, couldn't do anything to cubs on my own, abandoned all gardening and mowing for a couple years (paid to get my 7 acres mowed).
Now- My condition is improving, I'm bound and determined to have a garden this year.
2 weeks ago, my brother came over and helped me go through with the original plan of stripping down the 680 and using it to make the 1450 into a working tractor. I should have taken pics of the process but didn't think about it.
Engine was about all that we used from the 680. Exhaust was shot, drive shaft bearing was shot (didn't know that till I saw it!) We did swap engine mounts because the 680's looked better. Almost switched mounting rails because the 680's looks to be better built and reinforced, but didn't want to get it all together and have to lift the engine again.
Air cleaner, exhaust and tins from 1450 reused.
My brother dropped the boat anchor (accidentally) breaking the governor and dipstick tube. Oh well.
I had an idea and switched the wiring so the PTO switch turns on the headlights and the headlight switch runs the PTO and rear lights (makes more sense to me!)
Installed engine, ran and tested for an hour, checked all bolts.
Installed grill, hood, side panels, more running around, everything went smooth.
Installed tiller, got it out in the pasture and had at it. Works great, even when bogged down! :-)

I did have trouble with steering and traction. Steering over plowed ground was next to impossible, and after the first pass with the tiller rear end was slipping in the dirt and taking me wherever it felt like. I never had those problems with the tiller on the 109. Ordered myself a set of Carlisle Tru Power 23x8.50-12's for my old winter tire rims. Already have the valve and liquid to fill them. Thinking about taking my front tires down to 3-4lbs pressure and see if that helps the steering until I can afford something better.

Got 2 good size garden plots tilled up and ready. I used to do 8, but 2 is all I want to try and tackle getting back into it.
For now, I'm just glad to be out and doing something with my cubs, even if it's on a (14)1250.
Got a little helper too! My 2 year old has fallen in love with "I'm driving tractors!" In the garden, I keep my hands on the controls, but when the PTO isn't running I sit back with my hands on my knees and let him take me around the property showing me all the boulders and trees, and he even drives through the trails in our woods without hitting anything. Got a future homesteader on my hands! :-)