modification of manual lift lever/rockshaft for hydraulics

[Sadcub]

I have pieced together everything I need to add hydraulics to my cub except for the rear rockshaft assembly. I currently have the manual lift lever and as suggested by some I may be able to cut the handle off and use what I have with the hydraulics. I really do not like the idea of messing up a part that may be usable to someone else. It appears the lift lever is welded already right where I would be cutting it off. Both my cubs are this way. I am trying to figure if this is how there were made, or if they both have been broken and repaired. if they came that way, I would feel better about cutting it off knowing it could be re-welded. Thank you for any input.

[Don McCombs]

Here's some photos of one in original condition...

http://www.tmtractor.com/tm-tractor/gdr/handrrs_001.htm

[MiCarl]

I think the manual lift lever is similar in value to what a rock shaft and rod run. Consider buying what you need and selling the manual lever.

[radioguy41]

Check the market in your area before deciding to try and sell the manual lever. How many people who would actually want a manual lift don't already have one? I don't think anybody's much interested in converting from hydraulic to manual so if they have hydraulic they're keeping it and if they're manual they already have a stick, with possibly very rare exception. I'd be surprised if there's a market for it. On the plus side of keeping it is the helper spring. Having that helper spring makes a difference when I have a substantial load on the rear carrier. Converting is simple to do, remove the "C" bracket, cut the handle off at the base, and it's good to go. You don't even have to remove it from the tractor to do it. Just my $.02, YMMV.

Click on image for a larger view.

[inairam]

The larger PTO pulleys will not clear the manual base of the manual life. IF you stick with the manual lift you will have to notch it

[tmays]

Personally, I would not convert the manual lift. I’ve found they are pretty easy to sell, but of course location plays a role. Cub express helps them sell. And the hydraulic rockshafts are easy to find

[KETCHAM]

George Willer used a cub to cultivate with....front cultivator used hyds.....rear was hand lift......This way you could get into the field with out drooping the rear tines early.....I often thought of doing this but didn't...I like my manuel lifts....got rid of the hyds....seem something was always going wrong or leaks...no problems with the hand lift

[tmays]

George Willer used a cub to cultivate with....front cultivator used hyds.....rear was hand lift......This way you could get into the field with out drooping the rear tines early.....I often thought of doing this but didn't...I like my manuel lifts....got rid of the hyds....seem something was always going wrong or leaks...no problems with the hand lift

I’ve done the manual/hydraulic combination. And I thought about using that tractor solely for cultivating. But finally decided to keep only two cubs, a fast hitch and one without. So the handlift had to go. I do have a ‘47 that I’m considering putting the hand lift on and using it with belly mounted blade. Always thought that would be a good combination for doing dirt work, never tried it

[Jim Becker]

I did the manual/hydraulic for a couple years in a relatively small garden area. One gotcha to be careful of is the manual lever can hit the Touch-Control quadrant at the forward end of its range. The lever is spring loaded towards the quadrant. If you let it loose, it can bend the quadrant. Since the hand grip is the part of the lever that contacts the quadrant, if you run it fully forward you can get pinched (with the force of the spring controlling the pinch. After a couple years, I found an easier way to control the rear section. I didn't bother putting it on the tractor.

[KETCHAM]

Plowing snow....the blade "floats" better...gravel...stuff like that...On the front....better control I think.....mid blade might be the same way

[tmays]

After a couple years, I found an easier way to control the rear section. I didn't bother putting it on the tractor.

Cant believe y’all let Jim drop this little nugget and haven’t questioned him yet. Y’all slipping!

[Jim Becker]

After a couple years, I found an easier way to control the rear section. I didn't bother putting it on the tractor.

Cant believe y’all let Jim drop this little nugget and haven’t questioned him yet. Y’all slipping!

The tricky part is remembering to take the drawbar off when the plants get a little bigger.