72d

[mjsoldcub]

As i stated in my 169 thread awhile ago, i am beginning the building of a 72 with a kubota z482 for the power plant... i have a 1440 parts machine of which im going to use the front axle from, and am debating doing the whole rear and driveline... im sure some of the purists will be at me like im stupid, but my goal is to build a dedicated mower...one that looks like a 72 with roundy rounds, metal seat and all, but has a foot controlled hydro, newer gt46" deck, supersteer axle and diesel engine...why you ask?? because i like the old tractor but someone hacked it all up to put a briggs motor in it anyways....(i know, dumb)
so, just wanted to see what people thought..also, whats the performance of a small diesel like that, never had one...is a 46" as big as i can go for 13.5hp?? i think ill make a plate with stub shaft off the flywheel made for the pto, and i have a radiator out of goldwing with electric fan that will fit nicely...only thing is i need to make an adapter for the crank pulley..and decide if im gonna keep the clutch or go hydro i guess.....just appreciate any thoughts or ideas before i go.. thanks
mike

[DieselDoctor]

Sounds like an interesting project. Don't worry about the nay-sayers. It's your tractor, do what you like. The only one you need to please is you. As for the project I'm sure you'll have some obstacles to overcome, but that makes the completion even sweeter. Personally I think a water cooled diesel narrow frame is a pretty cool project and would like to see pictures of your ongoing work.

[Yosemite Sam]

Please understand that I am somewhat of a purist, especially when it comes to the older more rare Cubs. However, when one comes across a tractor that has been hacked up or is in such disrepair that it is impractical to put it back together as it originally was, that is a completely different story. I look at it like you are saving something from the scrap yard and turning it into something useful.

Take your time, keep plugging away at it and don't get discouraged. I really hate seeing a project get "pushed around behind the shed" because the owner ran into a snag that he couldn't figure out or lost interest in.

Good Luck.

[sir_lancealot]

I'm pretty sure you can go much larger than 46" with that. My 12HP tractors handle my 48" deck just fine. I haven't tried it on a 10HP yet. As for the trans, I think you'll have to stay gear drive, unless you modify the tunnel. There isn't enough room under the short tunnel to put a hydro unit. If you look at the 123 (first hydro tractor), they raised the height of the tunnel to accommodate and then stuck with that height for the rest of the series after (other than the 7/8 HP models).

[olds45512]

Do what you want but I think it would be better to drop the diesel in the 1440, add hydraulic lift and have a real nice tractor.

[J-Mech]

mjsoldcub:

I went back over and looked through your threads. You do a great job at restorations, but I didn't see any fab or custom builds that you have done..... so I have no idea what "fab" ability you have. Looks like you have a nice shop, and I'm assuming a nice selection of good tools.... That stated, what you propose is a big undertaking. All other issues aside, sir_lancelot nailed the tunnel deal. If you go hydro, you will have issues at the tunnel. If you like the old tractors I'd suggest sticking with gear drive, but it's your build. I'm a purist.... kind of. I love a good custom build where when you look at it, you really wonder if it was made factory that way. If you think you can accomplish that and save what's left of a Cub in the process, then go for it. I just get tired of people doing what the last owner of this 72 did: abandon the project because they couldn't get it to work. So, if you go for it, I say commit to it. Or.... put that diesel in the 1440, which I agree with Tim, is a better idea.

[mjsoldcub]

Thanks guys, exactly what I was looking for...the 1440 is toast..in fact the hydro, frame and front axle are all that there is its out of the question...I have 2 72s one that wAS cut in half (I know, idiots shouldn't be allowed tools) but it did have the round fenders complete with reflectors in perfect condition...weird.... The 72 I will use as the base had the frame cut and widened for an 8hp Briggs...I will make it close to as original as possible.....
Jmech I like you cuz you're a realist...I have done some fab work believe me...you must of missed the trailer I built its OK...I've done custom mods to cubs but you're right mostly in the name of restoration... I have measured and re measured and been ciphering this for some time...I already drilled the spot welds on the tunnel because I was gonna make it come apart anyway for access..the 1440 rear has lift cylinder and all...I'm sure it will require a lot of cutting and welding, which won't be a problem and my ocd won't let me give up a project once started...my truck beat my ass...the Kubota came out of a" California" semi just to run the a/c and accessories so it has low hours and a 60amp alternator...I need to move the oil filter to the other side, and would actually like to keep the existing mounts...believe It or not but it all seems to fit...problem will be gas tank and battery...if I keep it a geardrive I think I have to stretch it 1-1.5". I just recently started thinking well what if I put the 1440 rear and lift in instead??? So as I said, perfect comments guys I do appreciate it...all I have now is the basic crank pulley on the motor and actually have 2 extra gear drive rears...which will be for sale if I don't use them.....so I will post pics as I start...in fact herds one when I got it home....just to see what i was dealing with......and best part; both were given to me...I do have a good shop and equipment, with access to mills and lathes...
Thanks again....I did find a nice 46" gt deck...I would like to do 48" as I now 3 acres, but I have heard that might Be too much for the little diesel....
Mike

[mjsoldcub]

Just FYI the tractor behind it is the 169 I finished this last spring...pic is from last Oct...