redbeard22 123 #1 Posted April 21, 2017 Hey everyone, i tried the search option and didnt find anything but i was wondering if anybody has any info on stretching the frame of a wheel horse or any pictures of one that has been done. I read something online about stretching to a 56 inch wheel base. Is this a popular modification? Has anyone out there done this and have any pics? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
farmer 1,075 #2 Posted April 21, 2017 Hi Redbeard22, Here are some pictures from a project l'm doing at the moment.. This is for a rear wheel steer loading shovel, I lengthened the frame 440mm, but, as you can see from the last pic, it is bolted to a heavy subframe. Just be mindful that unless you strengthen the frame, it could be vulnerable depending on what you use it for. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 56,164 #3 Posted April 21, 2017 Haven't done it myself (yet) but it has been done. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redbeard22 123 #4 Posted April 21, 2017 Wow nice pics. I wasnt thinking of going that extreme maybe just like 6 to 8 inches or so to give the tractor a little bit larger of a look. Maybe like a sub-sub compact size if you know what i mean. In between a standard garden tractor and say a cub lowboy or something like that. Stretch the frame and hood a bit, add a 2 cylinder engine, and sone how make the stance a little wider too. Is there a front axle from one specific model that is wider then all the others or would that have to be custom made? Im just picturing something like and old tractor my grandfather had the front axle was really wide but i think doing that then the tractor needs to be stretched a bit to get the proportions rite. Anybody agree or am i just being crazy? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,560 #5 Posted April 21, 2017 Red: Looking at Farmer's middle picture brings one thing to mind - frame twist. The cast iron ears on the lower steering support that spans the angles will not tolerate much twist without breaking - seen this on a few round hoods used for plowing. Adding steel cross bracing, like as in ladder rungs, help but may not eliminate the problem. His subframe will help to withstand twist. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 49,486 #6 Posted April 21, 2017 Other side of the tractor that Dick posted. He must have the angles beefed up some how to carry the weight. Even small block 8's aren't exactly feather weight. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redbeard22 123 #7 Posted April 21, 2017 Im starting to get some ideas goin i was thinking instead of cutting the frame and adding pieces in i could cut the original angle iron off of the transmission mounting plate and make new frame rails out of some heavier angle and add in the 3/4 round bar for the foot rests. Then the frame wouldnt have as maby weak spots from adding pieces in. It appears the original frame is 1/4 inch thick angle maybe substitute 3/8 thick angle and stretch a bit? I want to get started on this project soon but im looking to buy a house and move in the next 2 months and then get my new shop set up so i dont know if i will get started on it or not thanks for all the info and suggestions Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
farmer 1,075 #8 Posted April 21, 2017 Different way to reduce any weakness, well at at least it would stagger it? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redbeard22 123 #9 Posted April 21, 2017 I like that idea to anyone know about the front axles if there is one model that is wider the another? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,531 #10 Posted April 21, 2017 (edited) This is stretched out to 48". I cut off the back plate and used two new pieces of 2" angle. I welded them back to the original back plate and then made a new back plate that fit behind the original for more strength. I will add cross braces as needed for floor and steering rack. Edited April 21, 2017 by 19richie66 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WVHillbilly520H 10,374 #11 Posted April 21, 2017 2 hours ago, redbeard22 said: I like that idea to anyone know about the front axles if there is one model that is wider the another? Yep the 520H...its already wider longer and a twin cylinder, Jeff. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redbeard22 123 #12 Posted April 21, 2017 Nice i like the cab. How do they offset the wheels in the back is it just the offset of the wheels, hubs or spacers? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redbeard22 123 #13 Posted April 21, 2017 I guess i should tell everyone why i neef all this info. I have an 8 speed rear with 1 1/8 axles that i would like to use with possibly a 520-8 frame and front axle but with sheet metal off of an older tractor and stretching the hood to make it long enough. I have 2 commando 6 tractors a 655 i believe and i think the other is a 604 i think it is missing alot of stuff. I have pics of most of them on my other post when i saved them from goin to the junk yard. The one commando 6 i purchased years ago had the 8 speed trans in and a locked up kohler engine. I will be posting some of the parts from those teactors in the for sale section maybe do some "horse trading" to get what i need for this project. If i use a 520 frame or stretch one to be the same as a 520 would i be able to use a mower deck from a 520 also? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 56,164 #14 Posted April 21, 2017 5 minutes ago, redbeard22 said: If i use a 520 frame or stretch one to be the same as a 520 would i be able to use a mower deck from a 520 also? I see no reason you couldn't use the mower, it has no idea what the sheet metal looks like. Looking forward to following your project. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redbeard22 123 #15 Posted April 21, 2017 Ok good that will be nice being able to run a larger mower deck. Can anyone out there get me some measurements of the total length of a 520 frame maybe from trans mounting plate to the front thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
littleredrider 409 #16 Posted April 23, 2017 I had a Frankenstein tractor with a 520 frame, 60s front axle, 8-speed rear, rear fenders off a 1045, and everything else was roughly a 1277, but long frame mid 60s style. I had a plow, snow blower, mower deck, all older stuff and went on the 520s frame no problem. Whatever attachment you use, just need the correct parts to use it. Mule drives, mounts, etc. I had a 10 horse diesel in it, and even with change of pulleys to make it faster, it couldn't be slowed down. Had to stand on the front axle to keep from pulling a wheelie while pulling a heavy trailer. Might be able to get some offset wheels to make it wider, but then putting a lot of stress on axle, spindle and bearings.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redbeard22 123 #17 Posted April 23, 2017 Well i was doing some searching online and found a guy thay used a front axle from a john deere 200 series to widen the front end and that axle uses 1 inch spindles just have to make custom tie rods to attach to the steering bracket. I have a john deere 110 that i can pull the axle out of and use cause im already going to use the rear tiresa and wheels off of it and maybe the 10 horse kohler from it too, should be interesting 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #18 Posted April 24, 2017 On 4/21/2017 at 5:25 PM, redbeard22 said: Ok good that will be nice being able to run a larger mower deck. Can anyone out there get me some measurements of the total length of a 520 frame maybe from trans mounting plate to the front thanks 520 frame is the same length as any other long frame. Just a heavier plate were the trans bolts up... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redbeard22 123 #19 Posted April 27, 2017 Ok im thinking about stretching this frame from a comando 6 to fit this hood that i have. Another member posted that they believe this hood is from a raider 10? The frame from the comando 6 is 33 inches from the transaxle mounting plate to the front. I need about 3 to 4 inches to make the frame fit the hood. Would a raider 10 be a mid or long frame and doea anyone have a measurement from one? And where would be the best place to add a piece in to the frame? I was thinking in front of the plates that bolt on the frame for attaching things like the mower deck that way none of that changes and also drive belt length could stay the same. Then it would just have a little extra room in front of the engine and of course extend the steering shaft that runs to the front. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
