53 Cub project

[Chris53]

Found a Cub with a sicklebar mower on it recently to cut the fields with (11 acres or so). The paint had already been done but like most old tractors, it needed some minor mechanical work (in this case a PTO rebuild, front axle was cracked, etc.). Most of the routine maintenance showed it to be in reasonably good shape. Being here in VT means snow, so I tracked down a plow which had pretty much rusted in one solid piece. Ground off the bolts, repainted everything, and replaced the hardware. Just in time to miss the snow for the year.

Anyhow, I found out how knowledgeable the people on this web site are so I figured to join in.

[T-Mo]

Nice looking tractor. Question, is there a reason why the rear wheel weights are on inside out? I don't think I've seen them installed like this before.

[tst]

the weights are not inside out, they are bolted to the wheel centers so they fit the contour of the centers, the centers can be flipped in or out to change wheel spacing

[T-Mo]

the weights are not inside out, they are bolted to the wheel centers so they fit the contour of the centers, the centers can be flipped in or out to change wheel spacing

Thanks. Learned something new today, yet again.

[Chris53]

That's right; the rear wheels are dished out for a wider track. Plus, the adjustable front axle is set to match. Some of my fields are a little uneven as they slope down to the creek so the additional stability is nice. Still...I had one heart-stopping moment when I almost went over.

[T-Mo]

That's right; the rear wheels are dished out for a wider track. Plus, the adjustable front axle is set to match. Some of my fields are a little uneven as they slope down to the creek so the additional stability is nice. Still...I had one heart-stopping moment when I almost went over.

That wouldn't have been a pleasant experience. Unfortunately I don't think my '47 has the adjustable front axle, but I will try to avoid any slopes when I'm using it. At least, that's the plan.

[Urbish]

That's right; the rear wheels are dished out for a wider track. Plus, the adjustable front axle is set to match. Some of my fields are a little uneven as they slope down to the creek so the additional stability is nice. Still...I had one heart-stopping moment when I almost went over.

That wouldn't have been a pleasant experience. Unfortunately I don't think my '47 has the adjustable front axle, but I will try to avoid any slopes when I'm using it. At least, that's the plan.

If you do have to run a side slope, make sure the right side of the tractor is on the downhill side. The left rear wheel carries 30-40% more weight than the right rear (with an operator on the seat). The rear wheel spacing is more important than the front wheel spacing for stability. The wider the rear wheels are spaced, the less likely you will lift one of them off the ground. The front wheel spacing will only help once the tractor has begun to flip (and may stop you from flipping all the way once the axle hits full pivot).

[Chris53]

Good to know, Urbish. Makes sense about the left/right weight distribution. I generally will only go straight up or down the slope, but this one time I was wrestling the sicklebar around a tree, and, well, it almost got away from me. Probably not nearly as bad as it felt and I was able to steer out of it okay. Be a shame to scratch the paint doing that.