2016 Project help needed - a narrower cub

[Lurker Carl]

Protective clothing versus narrowing a tractor and reconfiguring the controls. Long sleeve shirts are quick, easy and cheap by comparison. Shop around for suitable equipment so better solutions are known when finances permit.

[tractordad]

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.

Great idea Rob. Don McComb suggested the same type of idea. I would probably buy a set of junk fenders and work off of them to try that out.

[Boss Hog]

The distance between rows when planted would have been my first consideration

[Jim Becker]

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.

Great idea Rob. Don McComb suggested the same type of idea. I would probably buy a set of junk fenders and work off of them to try that out.

The guards don't have to be solid sheet metal panels. Some pipe or medal conduit properly placed and shaped can be very effective.

[Rob in NH]

sometype of a steel mesh was used on the kubota. you want it so the tires can't grab the branch's .

[smallfarm]

I work around 50 acres of evergreens and any more deciduous trees. Got tired of the exhaust catching branches and rocketing them back at me. The guy who did this before me had the answer. he wore a motorcycle helmet. I had THE answer, I moved the exhaust.

What about a c22 mower? Easy to cut shorter. Easy to mount branch lifting bars. (probably less of a concern with Christmas trees than ornamentals) I don't know about your spacing in the rows, but if you can cut under the tree (close to the trunk), most of the stuff between the trees gets cut. Where I work, one of the big problems is weed trees in the rows--mowing while young slows that down a lot. We use a lot of chemicals in-row and mow the grass strips twice a year

[tractordad]

I purchased the farm with a little over 20,000 trees. Most are 5' and up planted at 6'6" spacing. That leaves about enough spacing for an average person to walk between the mature trees. I planted trees this spring @ 7' apart and plan to do the same this spring. The 2 cubs have the C-2 rotary mowers under them. One also has a fast hitch which carries a 50 gallon sprayer so I can spray the same time as I mow. I have a set of turf tires which I think will help. I think the rod shield will be my first option. I hate to butcher up the fenders so if someone close by hopefully has a set of rough fenders they want to sell, kindly let me know. The rods makes sense but I'd rather sheet metal. I just think fabricating the sheet metal may be a major challange. Also, getting on and off the tractors with the shields in place will be an issue in itself. http://photos.cubfest.com/displayimage.php?pos=-38826

[Don McCombs]

I was thinking something made of rods that mount in a fixed position to the front cultivator mount holes in the bolster. Could be made of square tubing and rebar, which should be fairly inexpensive.

[Jim Becker]

I was thinking something made of rods that mount in a fixed position to the front cultivator mount holes in the bolster. Could be made of square tubing and rebar, which should be fairly inexpensive.

Rebar has ribs that could do their own damage. Otherwise, I think Don has a good suggestion. You could also attach at the axle clamps like has been done with some of the grill guards if you want to shield the front wheels.

[tractordad]

I was thinking something made of rods that mount in a fixed position to the front cultivator mount holes in the bolster. Could be made of square tubing and rebar, which should be fairly inexpensive.

That sounds like a good idea also. I think Jim makes sense about not using rebar and going with smooth stock. I was also thinking of a motorcycle fender for the front wheels. Attaching it will be a challenge.

[Jim Becker]

. . . motorcycle fender for the front wheels . . .

Keep in mind that while in a row of trees, the amount the wheels will need to be turned is minimal. If the wheels turn beyond the guards when turning at the ends, it doesn't matter.

[tractordad]

. . . motorcycle fender for the front wheels . . .

Keep in mind that while in a row of trees, the amount the wheels will need to be turned is minimal. If the wheels turn beyond the guards when turning at the ends, it doesn't matter.

I was planning to have the guards tie in with the steering but that could be an option. Thanks

[Matt Kirsch]

It's been done. Here's one example:

http://www.farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewto ... =1&t=75242

[tractordad]

Thank you Matt. I think my biggest challange will be relocating the brake rods.

[SONNY]

Could you RE_MAKE brake rods to go around the tires and still hook up?---I set one of my wheels in a bit too far and the tire does rub a little on it, But I only use it to pull water tanker around the gardens and I never got time to re-make the rods so they will stay away from the tires!

Also what about one of the fence line string trimmers? any possibilities there?---I am just thinking out loud here, I know /understand the money thing too!---That's why I make most of my garden equipment!

Wonder just HOW skinny that would get it?--HMMMMMM---- might have to measure one of mine and try to visualize this idea! LOL!!! You might would need to re-make brake pedals of some sort too!---if you did you could lay the original ones up in case you ever need to return tractor to regular width!thanks; sonny