2016 Project help needed - a narrower cub

[tractordad]

With 2015 just about over, it's time to look forward to work to be done in 2016. My wife and I mowed over 85 acres of Christmas trees this year twice to control the grass growth. The second mowing included spraying herbicide while mowing to keep the grass and weeds in check. Our biggest issue was lower branch breakage on the larger, lower branches. I plan to cut down a frong axle 6" to narrow it up. I need some ideas as to how to narrow up the rear tires. I need to loose 3-4" on each side and clearing the brake rods is an issue. I may look for a lowboy to keep the center of gravity as low as possible. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Don McCombs]

Sounds to me like it would be easier to make up some shields that would function like an orchard tractor. They wouldn't have to be quite as elaborate as the ones pictured.

[1541]

Vineyard Cub?

http://www.farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=75242

[tst]

you can remove the extension housing on the right side between the trans and final drive, use a left hand axle shaft and bolt it direct to the transmission, that will make the rear end skinny

[Bill Hudson]

My limited experience with Christmas tree farms, they were anything but level. The narrower the wheel tread the greater the potential for tipping over, increasing the "pucker factor."

Bill

[Eugene]

85 acres to mow, twice a year. I would be looking for something other than a Cub. A newer tractor having more horsepower, lower to the ground, and shorter in length.

[tractordad]

Vineyard Cub?

http://www.farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=75242

That would work well. I would need to modify the mule drive for the 42" mower, other than that it's finding one or two.

[tractordad]

My limited experience with Christmas tree farms, they were anything but level. The narrower the wheel tread the greater the potential for tipping over, increasing the "pucker factor."

Bill

I do agree and one does need to be careful.

[tractordad]

Sounds to me like it would be easier to make up some shields that would function like an orchard tractor. They wouldn't have to be quite as elaborate as the ones pictured.

Don, I am considering something with that in mind. Biggest issue is getting on and off.

[tractordad]

you can remove the extension housing on the right side between the trans and final drive, use a left hand axle shaft and bolt it direct to the transmission, that will make the rear end skinny

Tim,

I'm thinking that there would be an issue with the brake pedals

[tractordad]

85 acres to mow, twice a year. I would be looking for something other than a Cub. A newer tractor having more horsepower, lower to the ground, and shorter in length.

I'm trying to keep expenses down for a few years. Bled some cash putting down the deposit on the property and other needed equipment. Tried a small lawn tractor but the spruce trees tear your arms up being that low to the ground.

[Eugene]

http://www.washburncompany.com/fencerunner1.htm

How about something along this line?

[tractordad]

http://www.washburncompany.com/fencerunner1.htm

How about something along this line?

Has potential. I have emailed for the video.
Thanks

[Eugene]

http://www.washburncompany.com/fencerunner1.htm How about something along this line?

Has potential. I have emailed for the video.

There are a number of manufacturers of similar machines, designed to mow under fences, trees, grape vines, etc..

Most are off set to the right, some by a couple of feet.

[Rob in NH]

My son works at a tree farm , they use a narrow kubota and was also getting beat up by the trees. He made some guards so he wouldn't damage the trees, has worked out well for him.