cleat 6,779 #1 Posted March 13, 2016 I have been working all winter on and off restoring this blade. It has been upgraded to have 5 positions instead of 3. All pivot points and latches have been returned to like new. All hardware replaced. New decals from Terry. The only thing left is to replace the grip next time I place an order to mowerpartpros.com It will be a shame to scratch the paint but I will be grading the driveway soon. 19 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #2 Posted March 13, 2016 Very nice mid-mount grader! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,358 #3 Posted March 13, 2016 Cleat that an excellent restore/upgrade. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
russellmc301 600 #4 Posted March 13, 2016 well that is a heck of a fine blade there looks like a brand new one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,779 #5 Posted March 14, 2016 I was lucky in that the blade itself is virtually unworn at all. The pivot point and latch were worn a lot. I don't know how that could be unless the blade was replaced at some point. Latch plate was replaced and the pivot point was welded up and redrilled. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #7 Posted March 14, 2016 Indeed a shame to scratch the paint. If I had it I would promise to never use it! Seriously! Really! Maybe I wouldn't... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,520 #8 Posted March 16, 2016 (edited) Great! Does look new unlike my old Allis-Chalmers mid-mount grader. To angle the blade you have to dismount. Hate that! What is the blade width? Edited March 16, 2016 by Tankman 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,779 #9 Posted March 16, 2016 I think it is 50" I have used it before but this year will be the first time with it working properly, and with Matt's foot pedal kit. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,520 #10 Posted March 16, 2016 Thanks cleat. What is (black) on the blade front? Excellent rehab work on your blade! I always use new SS hardware and a pint of Never-Seez lasts forever or so it seems. My '90 520-8 is a great Horse but, getting old, often think, "Geeze, wouldn't a hydro be great". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,779 #11 Posted March 16, 2016 Black is high temp paint. It seems a bit tougher than regular paint so it should last better. I like hydro's for the simple ease of direction and speed changes. With hand control I find it not as good but converted to foot control it is great. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,779 #12 Posted March 18, 2016 Blade installed onto a 520H equipped with Matt's foot pedal kit. Went out and started removing the crown and levelling the driveway. Frost is still in so this will need to be repeated in a few weeks. Poor blade is like new no longer. It was built to be used. It does take a gentle hand on the hydro lift. Too shallow and nothing gets done, too deep and tractor stops high centered, just right and the magic happens. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,442 #13 Posted March 18, 2016 Could you supply the dimensions for the lift link? I bought a used one with no link, and have used a piece of chain for some years. Of course, there is no down force. I have a 520H, the same setup as yours, and believe that the link may need to be a bit longer compared with 300 & 400 series tractors. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,779 #14 Posted March 18, 2016 It would be tough right now but when I remove it, I can give you the full dimensions, offset etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wrightorchid 261 #15 Posted March 18, 2016 Looks like an interesting wagon project behind this horse. Great job on the restoration. No shame in using the blade for its intended purpose. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,779 #16 Posted March 18, 2016 (edited) I have been re-purposing this old wagon frame I got from work. Front end has been raised for ground clearance. Rear has not been done yet. Hinges and brackets are started. I added an offset to the tongue but now that the wagon has been raised 3", I need to take 3" off of that offset to keep it level. I will start a new thread on this once things get rolling better. Thread started here : Edited March 20, 2016 by cleat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,269 #17 Posted March 18, 2016 You would save time by posting pictures of anything that is not in near-perfect shape, Cleat! You sure do some impressive work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bds1984 1,457 #18 Posted June 15, 2016 How thick is the blade Cleat? I'm tossing around the idea of making one out of an old snow plow frame and an old CO2 welding tank. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,779 #19 Posted June 19, 2016 Blade is 1/4" thick. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites