4x4 Cub Cadet idea

[bocephus1991]

It would be neat to do if you were going to use it for an actual tractor,like pushing dirt,snow or garden work. I have seen pics of one built,but if you wanna play in the mud a four wheeler or a 4x4 truck would be better. On a side note I did however run across a group on Fb called Michigan Mud Mowers.That's a new one on me!

[sgirdham]

The idea would be to weld the rear gears and not the front, for turning reasons. I would kindly invite the negative Nancy's to unfollow my thread. I don't want to be a jerk, but I also don't feel that negativity is necessary from your part.

That being said, I have owned several four wheelers, mud trucks, pulling trucks, dirt bikes...and the list goes on. I want to build a mud mower because I want to.

I posted to this forum because I feel that there are many guys here that could advise me on which model of belt drive cub to start looking for.

Other plus's to this project are most peerless differential parts can be found easily and cheap. Guys turn these belt drives into racing mowers all the time. Its not like im going to take a brand new tractor and do this, I am going to take one of the belt drive cheap mowers and make it useful again. This is a small project that I can take on. Thanks for the positive input from a few members. It is appreciated. Like I said, this is not a build thread yet, just gathering ideas. If you have good ideas I would like to hear them.

[IACubCadet]

If you plan on using a Cub Cadet hydro lawn tractor, I would advise staying away from the hydro models due to the very weak hydro pumps in them. I have a 282 that I just use in the yard and the pump is very weak in it...it wouldnt take the demands of a mudder Maybe try a gear drive lawn tractor...

I apologize if this was already mentioned or said.

[john hall]

Not a big fan of the "mud mowers" but I have an idea for the four wheel drive. Could you somehow use a hydrostat off a zero-turn mower for each front wheel? I recently read a magazine article about a four wheel/front wheel assist attachment for farm tractors back in the 60's that was hydraulic driven. Whether it was built for mudding, gardening, or working in snow, it would certainly be neat.

[cubs-n-bxrs]

sqirdham you my friend were the one looking for opinions on this build. Why would you expect to get all positive feedback on something like this. Like it or not I gave my honest opinion without sugar coating anything. It is what it is.

[sgirdham]

I understand that all feedback cannot be positive. Telling me to buy a 4 wheeler is not the type of feedback I am looking for. I apologize if I have offended anyone. My point is, people make custom projects all of the time and I am just as capable as anyone else. I have had 4 wheelers and I want to do something different. No one hates on the guys that are making cub cadet crawlers, they might as well go buy a dozer because that's what it is made for....

[sgirdham]

John Hall, I am familiar with a few projects that people have used zero turn hydro parts and it is certainly a good idea for 4 wheel drive. I do not have much experience with these and I am not sure I could get the wheel speed that I would want. If my original ideas do not pan out I may just build a track driven machine.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by sgirdham

I understand that all feedback cannot be positive. Telling me to buy a 4 wheeler is not the type of feedback I am looking for. I apologize if I have offended anyone. My point is, people make custom projects all of the time and I am just as capable as anyone else. I have had 4 wheelers and I want to do something different. No one hates on the guys that are making cub cadet crawlers, they might as well go buy a dozer because that's what it is made for....

First off, you didn't offend anyone (I don't think). My main issue is, projects like these usually never get past the idea stage. IF they do, they usually fail in the build stages. You end up with a big pile of scrap that no one can use because it is hacked beyond repair. I would hate to see that happen to a cub. You say you plan to use a LT. Well, my bet is it won't ever be heavy enough to work well. You looking at using parts that don't even withstand mowing duties, let alone mud. The entire project seems like a redneck failure. If you can't see the difference in your project and the custom crawler builds, then I really can't help you.

As far as you being as capable as the guys building crawlers and really nice stuff...... well, you didn't see them on the forums asking questions. Just built them and posted pics. Or started a build thread. If you need ideas and advice.........well....... the guys that build that stuff are usually the ones GIVING the advice. What I'm saying is, if your capable, get off your PC and go do it!!

[Cub Cadet 123]

I don't know how useful it would be in the mud, but if I had the talent and skill, I would make an articulated cub cadet with two rear axles. It would put the engine out front and with enough space for a larger engine-perhaps a diesel. I have seen these before, the most recent one was made from two 782 frames and had 4 ag tires all the way around--really neat!! Good luck.

Cub Cadet 123

[MinnesotaCadet]

If I was going to make one I wouldn't ruin any IH Cub Cadet. I would do it with some $20 find on craigslist IMO.