Questions / Input Wanted on Potential Hydro Tractor Project

[dtallon 320]

The paint is barely dry on my 854, but I'm already thinking about my next project.  I got a Lawn Ranger last winter to be "my son's tractor", but have found it's easier for him to drive my Deere 140 hystat.  So, that, combined with seeing an 875 at a tractor show a few weeks ago has gotten me thinking more about a 'Horse hystat project.  

 

I was thinking I would like a short-frame tractor so I could share attachments (grader and snow plow) with my 854, and so it would take up less storage space (always at a premium).  So that had me thinking about the 875/6 or 1075.  Ideally, I would also like it to have running boards instead of the little footrests that the 854 & Lawn Ranger have.  It looks like running boards might prevent access to the parking brake on the 875/1075.  Can those models be updated to a later parking brake?  Are there any other complications to adding the running boards that aren't obvious, other than maybe having to drill some mounting holes?  Any models that might be better running board donors than others?  Am I better off just giving up a couple more inches and looking for a 74/75 B100?  

 

Any input, thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Dave

[546cowboy 301]

Personally I have always been partial to hydro's as they are the best mowing tractors. No hassles with making a complete stop to go from forward to back and no need to use the brake. That also makes them ideal for the whole family to use without the fear of a busted trans.

 

As far as running boards on a short frame, I think if you added another piece of bar stock to the frame ( for stability ) and cut down just about any stock running board to fit it would work. If you don't have the tools or fabricating skills a good welding shop could make some short running boards easily. Those short little foot rests are kind of a pain for me, let alone a short legged kid. I have never had one of those earlier models with the foot shaped rests that look a little longer but that could be a way to go.

Edited August 8, 2013 by 546cowboy

[Hodge71 664]

I personally like hydro tractors too....Even though I have fallen in love with my new C-160 8 Speed. I agree with Lynn's idea of firming up things with some bar stock or maybe angle and cutting a set down to fit your needs. Its a shame you don't have more room. The full-size C series isn't that much bigger than the others and having that hydro handle close-by sure makes them easy to run. My son loves tearing around on my Dads '73 12 auto. He drives it much better than my 416

Edited August 8, 2013 by hodge71

[Callen 64]

Footrests from an early 70's hydro should fit on the 875 as long as you get the cross over piece that bolts onto the back of the dash tower under the seat pan. You may have to drill some holes and trim some around the pedal. You may need the newer seat pan too. I think it is wider.

[Hammerhead 817]

Yeh that will be a cool project for sure either way you go! Here is a pic of one my buddy and I built for a 92 year old man who wanted to drive it around at tractor shows. It turned out pretty awesome and fun to drive! It didn't take that much work but some custom fabrication here and there. How's zat Chester! Lol! KJ

[Tankman 3,518]

I personally like hydro tractors too....Even though I have fallen in love with my new C-160 8 Speed. I agree with Lynn's idea of firming up things with some bar stock or maybe angle and cutting a set down to fit your needs. Its a shame you don't have more room. The full-size C series isn't that much bigger than the others and having that hydro handle close-by sure makes them easy to run. My son loves tearing around on my Dads '73 12 auto. He drives it much better than my 416

Love my '73 "No Name" 12hp Automatic. Great Stallion! Easy mowin', very easy!

 

Grandsons love the automatic too!

 

This is one of a few hydros I've owned. The others were not Horses, junque they were.

 

After a couple dozen Horses, I stumbled on this '90 520-8, great Horse! Guess I like the swept axle and the Onan "Harley" sound. Or perhaps, I just like Horses!

 

Edited August 9, 2013 by Tankman

[dtallon 320]

Thanks for sharing the thoughts guys, and the custom Lawn Ranger pics too.  The "hydro-Ranger" idea like that one did cross my mind, and I wouldn't say I've totally ruled it out.  Depends on what I end up finding I guess.  

 

I've been studying the parts books more.  It looks like if I were to start with a short-frame hydro, I might need to swap the wider '68+ fenders to fit right with the running boards.  I also thought about adding headlights, which it sounds like would be easier to do by using the hood from the Commando 8 I parted out.  It seems kind of silly to swap that much sheet metal, but then again, I've seen some projects on here that required alot more work than that.  I'll just have to see what turns up.  

 

Dave