154 Hydro conversion

[toehead]

I know this has been asked before since I found the threads in search, but I never saw a real answer.
Is it possible to convert a 154 to hydrostatic drive with parts from a cub cadet?

Everything I am reading seems to indicate yes when using a cast-iron unit and some light fabrication.

Talk me out of it

[BigBill]

I think it can be done but the heavier 154 tractor may cause more heat in the hydraulics for the hydro and lifting. My suggestion on the return line to the trans case a hydro cooler may be needed. You can try it without a oil cooler but have a heat gun to keep on eye on the temp. Know the flash point of the hydraulic oil your using.

[Eugene]

Another problem to consider is that the engines on most if not all Cub Cadet's with hydros' operate at 3600 RPMs.

[toehead]

So the tractor would be very slow. I wonder if gearing can be changed to accommodate?

I think having a hydro loader would be much better than the stock transmission. I really beat the heck out of the clutch when using the loader.

[Bill Hudson]

If you're throwing loader operation in the mix, my gut says a CC hydro is not as strong as needed to do the job. Just an observation for someone with limited expertise.

Bill

[Eugene]

Since garden tractors do not have finals you would need to change the differential gear ratio to operate in a farm tractor.

If you do a lot of loader work with your 154, consider purchasing a tractor with a hydraulic transmission or a skid steer.

[toehead]

It may be a bad idea...

I also see the eaton model 11 seems to be about right for the application. 20 HP rated with not much of a derate with lower input RPM.

I think the biggest issue would be overtorque. I think If I used this in combination with my regular transmission (with creeper) I could really do some damage to the internals of the gearbox with a high input torque.