520-8 clone build

[Handy Don 12,103]

You really have to decide how much it means to you to not have scratches & chips!

[OldWorkHorse 3,044]

10 hours ago, Handy Don said:

You really have to decide how much it means to you to not have scratches & chips!

Haha it don't bother me to badly. But I'd like to reassemble it before it starts to chip and scratch 

[kpinnc 11,866]

On 11/24/2023 at 8:56 AM, cleat said:

I bought some Krylon.

 

That farm implement paint by Krylon is horrible. Runs like crazy, terrible coverage. 

 

I was so happy to find IH red, but quickly realized it just does not compare to even the no name dollar store stuff.

[cleat 5,771]

Masking papers removed.

I will let this paint dry for a while before continuing on with the assembly of this machine.

 

[cleat 5,771]

Engine plate installed.

 

 

Engine sat into place then bolted down.

 

Steering wheel is just temporarily installed with a bolt to make moving tractor around easier.

 

I now need to figure out belt length as I am leaving the hydro pulley on the engine.

 

I believe B80 is the hydro belt length so I will likely need a B81 or B82.

 

[cleat 5,771]

Installed upper belt bracket / brake.

 

[cleat 5,771]

Wire harness complete and ready to install.

 

[c-series don 8,650]

@cleat I was wondering if you ever considered installing an electric lift instead of the manual lift for this build? I never understood why the 520-8’s didn’t come that way? 

[cleat 5,771]

I have plenty of Hydro machines with power lift.

Part of the reason for building this 8 speed one was to have a manual lift that I can set the down height for the mid mount blade.

 

This machine won't get used a lot so my arm won't get too tired I don't think.

 

[Pullstart 62,732]

[ebinmaine 67,179]

21 minutes ago, cleat said:

This machine won't get used a lot so my arm won't get too tired I don't think

You'll be good. 

That grader isn't super heavy 

[c-series don 8,650]

I certainly hope that you’re not going to put a mid-mount grader blade on that beautiful tractor that’s not painted to match. 🤣 I’m sorry, you probably have already reconditioned one, painted and lubed up ready to go!! 😂 Just busting chops! Your work is always nothing less than impressive 👍🏻Keep it up! 

[cleat 5,771]

Installed clutch idler pulley, safety switch, and belt.

Took many trips to the store exchanging belts until I found the one that fit best although not perfect.

Ended up with a B83.

 

Installed right side foot rest and lower belt guide.

 

 

 

[cleat 5,771]

11 hours ago, c-series don said:

I certainly hope that you’re not going to put a mid-mount grader blade on that beautiful tractor that’s not painted to match. 🤣 I’m sorry, you probably have already reconditioned one, painted and lubed up ready to go!! 😂 Just busting chops! Your work is always nothing less than impressive 👍🏻Keep it up! 

 

Ha Ha.

I hope this blade looks good enough.

 

It's been used so not quite as nice now but still should work OK.

[c-series don 8,650]

Baahh Ha Ha !!! I knew it!!!! 

[ebinmaine 67,179]

7 hours ago, cleat said:

belts

 

You got the larger engine pulley from the Hydro?

Is that the extra belt length?

 

[cleat 5,771]

11 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

You got the larger engine pulley from the Hydro?

Is that the extra belt length?

 

Yes, I don't have a smaller pulley here so I am going to see how the hydro pulley works.

[ebinmaine 67,179]

Just now, cleat said:

Yes, I don't have a smaller pulley here so I am going to see how the hydro pulley works.

Methinks you'll like it.  

A bit extra top end speed.  

 

[cleat 5,771]

Fuel tank treated with back to black then installed.

 

Fuel line ran but not hooked to fuel pump yet.

 

[cleat 5,771]

Wire harness connectors lubed with silicone grease then harness installed.

 

 

[cleat 5,771]

Plastic dash cover polished and installed.

 

Left foot rest installed.

 

Right foot rest and belt cover installed.

 

Tunnel covers temporarily installed for fitment.

They fit so next is to refinish these.

 

Left side cover installed.

 

Overview as of today.

[cleat 5,771]

Rear hood stand plate and shift cover plate sanded.

 

 

Rear hood stand plate and shift cover plate primed.

 

 

Of course a bug immediately got in the primer even though it's barely above freezing out.

 

[ebinmaine 67,179]

On 11/30/2023 at 10:54 AM, cleat said:

Wire harness 

 

 

 

That green wire over the cross shaft ..

Will there be enough (or any) movement there that could chafe the wire?

 

[lynnmor 7,301]

9 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

That green wire over the cross shaft ..

Will there be enough (or any) movement there that could chafe the wire?

 

I believe that those wires are laying there just waiting for tail lights or a seat switch.

[cleat 5,771]

10 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

That green wire over the cross shaft ..

Will there be enough (or any) movement there that could chafe the wire?

 

That is for the tail lights and will be secured better when the fender is installed.