Hi folks and greetings from a very wet Ireland, which is in Europe, just off the coast of Great Britain. It's where an awful lot of Americans originated from back in the day! I live on a small plot, some 2 acres,750 feet up the side of a hill. Whilst my house is on the flat.... It was cut into the slope, my land is very sloped, ranging from almost flat to vertical. Having lived here some 20 years, I've always hankered after some form of 'tractor' to move stuff around. Over the years, I've tried all manner of machines, but recently discovered that old ride-on mowers are relatively cheap and plentiful locally. In the past 12 months I've 'restored', (brought back from the dead), an old Westwood s800 12HP, and a Rally 92cm. Both machines now run well, but the centre of gravity is too high to use them around the plot. I also acquired a John Deere LA100 which on first examination looked to be in a fixable condition. It even had a mowing deck which, with a little patience and welding, could be useable. After stripping it down I discovered that the original B&S engine was blown and needed replacing. Eventually, I bought a used Kawasaki FH500V 18HP 500cc lump. (It's stamped with John Deere logos and apparently came from a fairly new machine that had been stripped for parts). I've now stripped the machine back to its chasis and the engine fits perfectly. My intention is to basically place a seat on the chasis above the transaxle, lower the steering wheel and extend the leg room and foot pedal along the side of the engine to just behind the front wheels. I'm 6'3" tall and my legs and feet fit quite comfortable alongside the engine. Obviously, there is a fair bit of bobywork required, but I'm hoping that by the time I've finished I'll have a low level tractor capable of pulling a small tralier around the plot. In addition to the issues mentioned, I am conscious that there are other matters that need considering. For example, a very big problem is braking, but hopefully, with the help and assistance of the good people here, I will overcome these problems and get my project completed. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all, and if people are interested, I will happily share photos of the build as it proceeds... including the mistakes and problems! Cheers
RichieRichOverdrive, ranch king pro 08 and muddybasilisk like this post
> It's where an awful lot of Americans originated from back in the day!
The majority of my family is Irish and my great grand parents on my mother's side came over in stowage. My wife just went on vacation to Scotland and Britain. Ireland and Greenland are on the bucket list.
> old Westwood s800 12HP, and a Rally 92cm
Pictures would be awesome, especially if they are not a model usually found in the USA.
> For example, a very big problem is braking
Always a weak spot on the cheap transaxles, imho. Don't throw away your deck handle levers. I just experimented with using mine as a supplement parking brake and it works!
> my land is very sloped
I have a very short hill that kills my engine if I crawl up it when the gas tank is not filled, because the carb starves for gas, I am thinking about switching to a pulse fuel pump or ATV fuel pump/carb.
2 acres is enough to grow a significant amount of food, especially with a greenhouse. Crops are a good excuse to get out on the riding tractor.
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April 19th 2024, 4:54 am
