Trac-Vac 460

brucepts · #1 08-21-2015, 10:03 PM

Would like to share this project with everyone, I've not found alot of info or pics on the net on this Trac-Vac Model 460 so hopefully this will help or inspire someone else to get a long forgotten project like this finished.

More than a few years ago I picked up a pile of Trac-Vac parts at a yard sale, looked to be a complete 460 setup and some other parts for a pull-behind unit at that time I had no clue what I bought. My plan was always to get it behind another brand of tractor but since swapping to Cubs it's finding it's way on my 1250. Just so happens that one of the deck chutes is the exact one I need for the 44" deck I have! Must have been fate all those years ago that I would end up with a Cub and not go through with my "other" tractor adaption.

One thing I did not get was the vac to tractor adapter so I had to fabricate one, found a few pics for reference and started building something. Set it up to work with my lower 3 point and two holes already in the frame. Makes it easy on and off won't interfere with my upper 3 point arm once I get that installed.

Let me add, my personal preference is to have my attachments on the tractor for easy of maneuvering and backing so making a trailer or hooking to the hitch was out. The Briggs engine is not running but parts are on the way to get it working. The coil is bad and the carb is going to need cleaning/rebuilt. It's also going to need a new exhaust as the one on it now is not up to my liking.

So lets start off with some pics . . .

mudpatrol1 · #2 08-21-2015, 10:19 PM

you need to play the lottery with the luck you had with the deck chute,looks good so far.

brucepts · #3 08-22-2015, 08:08 AM

Thanks!

The pile of parts I bought had a total of 4 chutes of various designs, the nicest of them was the one for the Cub deck.

One drawback to the tractor mounted design is on/off tractor mobility, I do not plan on leaving this mounted to the tractor all the time and will only be using it for leaf duty in the Fall or other times of the year as needed so I'm going to have to rig up some temp wheels to install so I can move this in and out of my shed and install it. I'm not getting any younger so I'm trying to get things setup for my "later years" as I have ZERO plans on buying any of the new tractors that are out. I'm loving my Cub wide frames after swapping from Bolens I had the past 30 yrs! I have to admit I do miss the foot pedal hydro control though which the Bolens had and that might be a future project to add to my 149 loader project.

I am thinking I can make a set of boggy wheels that would hook to the left side of the Trac-Vac frame and a handle that will go under the engine side and lift up and pivot on the wheels lifting the unit off the tractor mounted frame, from there just wheel it around. Humm, thinking about it now I have a few old front tires that could be used? Gonna have a look at that today.

mudpatrol1 · #4 08-22-2015, 10:11 AM

what about using a 4 wheel dolly???? i have used the heavy duty ones from harbor freight to keep my 8 foot snow plow blade on so i know they are strong. youtube is a great place to get insperation

olds45512 · #5 08-22-2015, 11:01 AM

Another option would be to use an ATV jack.

brucepts · #6 08-26-2015, 09:36 PM

Couple of "almost finished" pics. Picked up some hose today, changed out the coil the other day on the pony motor and got it running, put it all back together and went out and mowed the yard to give it a try.

Works great, I shortened the hose after I was done. I used the old bracket for the exhaust and plan on making a nicer looking one sometime. Added on a second smaller muffler that was just sitting around, I'm surprised how quiet it ended up being.

I temp mounted the chute using a piece of angle to hold it fast. Contacted Trac-Vac and they got a local dealer in touch with me about the chute/deck holder, was planning on making something if it was costly but it looks like it's going to be less than $20, I did not order it yet though. He just sent me an email.

Now that it's all together I can start thinking more about how to get it off and on and in/out of my shed. I mulled over some of the ideas already spoken here, thanks!

johns cubs · #7 08-26-2015, 11:07 PM

It definately looks like it could be a bear to move around without some help-wheels. I think thats awesome!

Terry C · #8 08-26-2015, 11:14 PM

That thing is cool looking, makes that QL look way bigger. Kind of intimidating coming at you...

brucepts · #9 08-27-2015, 09:40 PM

What is surprising is how easy it is to steer the 1250 with the extra weight on the back. It balances out the tractor.

I'm thinking when removing I would add two wheels on the left side of the container frame temp attached and something like a trailer dolly hitch hookup under the engine area. I'll have to find the balance point. I have to move it in grass so I would need some fairly large tires, think front tires, little castors would not cut it.

Lifting the "trailer dolly" would pivot the unit up off the hitch onto the rear tires and roll it into my shed. Sounds easy(?) and I can see it working in my brain just need to make it work!

litlmikeyl · #10 08-27-2015, 11:45 PM

Seen a picture of a little "forklift" a gentleman built with casters on it a while ago. Used a normal trailer jack to lift the forks vertically and it kinda looks like the newer lawn tractor lifts you see at Home Depot, Lowes or Sears. It won't lift terribly high and more than likely be purpose built though it'd be convenient and handy.