Mule drive build and #2 tiller for 127
 

Folks,
Some pictures of a new Cub implement project. Found this this #2 tiller along the road and picked it and the gear box up. Although there is some surface rust, it looks to be in good condition. So this gave me the incentive to finally build a mule drive just for running the Cub tiller systems.
Some tiller pics first, will have the mule drive pictures next posts.
Regards,
Chris

Nice score on your tiller, Chris!

Way to go man......

Thanks guys. You never know when something like this will pop up. Should make a good working unit.
Here are some pictures as I attempt to put together a mule drive for a NF tiller set up.
These are as I wire brushed and inspected a mule drive that I had set aside a year ago. It had been through the electrolysis tank but had some surface rust and paint. Also the 1/2 inch rod was well worn and the horseshoe metal brackets had lots of wear at he pivot holes. I decided this needed to be repaired. I cut out the rod and welded and repaired the worn holes.
More pictures to come as the mule drive comes apart is repaired and reassembled.
Regards,
Chris

Here are some more shots of the mule drive build. May help someone? These are the old pulley's and were not free, will replace with the billet pulleys. Picked up some 1/2 inch rod and roll pins from NAPA. New cross rod will not be welded.
Regards,
Chris

Do yourself a favor and incorporate a weight box into the design.

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=23341

Nice pickup on the tiller Chris!
How did I miss that one!:biggrin2::bigthink:

So was it free???

That is an awesome looking #2 tiller; even has the belt guard. Take good care of that one and don't let it get away.

Mike,
Yea I was suprized that you didn't snag this one too:)
No it wasn't free but the price was reasonable for what I got. PO was happy I was happy.
I fell asleep and posted the rest of my pictures on the post about the weight box. What a goof ball I am some days!
Anyway here are the rest of the pictures.
Regards,
Chris

Additional pictures:

some more:

almost there. Some mock up, some paint.

This completes the tiller mule drive to this point. Thanks to several Cub parts suppliers for the pulleys.
A little paint covers a multitude of sins.
Haven't done a tractor fit up yet. Should be OK. Need the large washer and a couple nylock nuts for the adjusters.
New sleeve hitch pin will be coming from Jeff this week.
And the long belt AX-144 from NAPA should arrive about the same time.

Now that I woke up I am going to go look at those weights:)
Hope folks are enjoying the snow we got this morning, in this neck of the woods!
Regards,
Chris

Came out great Chris.

Great job Chris!:beerchug:

The weight box on the front is a good idea- I like that it's somewhere to throw rocks when you find them lodged in the tiller tines. Although....with the front weight, how can one pop wheelies? :bigthink:

I am debating the need for a spring assist with this future tiller set up on a 127. I see you have one, How do you like it for the tiller on the 147? Also did you have to do any work on your clutch to run the tiller?
Regards,
Chris

The tiller I use is my dad's that we/he's used on his 125 (which in your case is a 127 with different fenders) with an IH spring assist, so I've got some experience other than last year using it.
I ran it at the beginning of last year without a spring assist and it sure was an "armstrong" lift. The tiller is extremely heavy in comparison to any other attachment that I've put on a cub. It is doable to lift without a spring assist BUT since I have a manual lift lever I was concerned about the possibility of bending the lever. You could probably get away without one if you have a large garden/plot and don't plan on lifting it much. I've got a small garden and have to lift it often. Fast forward to June: I got an IH spring assist at Red Power Round Up and absolutely love it. It's great that it's 98% hidden and is extremely effective. When I hooked up the tiller in the fall to turn the garden back over it made a world of difference.

Clutch work? I'm assuming you meant the PTO clutch? Remove the mower belt and put on the tiller belt and it works just fine.

A hydrostat is good for tilling IMO but you have to keep a steady hand on the hydro lever because the tiller likes to push the tractor forward. Pay attention if you have any rocks cuz large ones like to get stuck and you have to shut off the PTO immediately or you can burn belts, etc. The biggest thing I didn't know is that the lift pin for the tiller that goes on the top of the 3 pt hitch is NOT the same one that is used for a sleeve hitch. IH made a specific lift pin for the tiller and mount. I hope you got that with the tiller box. Check out the manual, and let me know if you have any more questions.

For both a 147 and a 125 we could till effectively at 1/2 throttle.

A spring assist makes it easier to lift the tiller. I have a hydraulic lift for my latest 125 and "fingertip" control is nice :biggrin2:

Lift pin ships tomorrow :beerchug:

Looks awesome, Chris!

Agreed, looks great there Chris.

Great job Chris! Looks factory again! :beerchug:

Nice find Chris , looks to be in great shape the mule drive looks factory again.:beerchug:

Thanks guys. Looking forward to getting this set up for some serious garden tilling, if we ever get spring? Current temps are about 20 degrees with a layer of fresh cold snow.
Anyone out there using a tiller with a electric lift? Was wondering if it handles the weight of the tiller OK? I have a 127 with electric lift but doesn't have the three point (sleeve hitch) on it.
Regards,
Chris

DRGlinski,
"IH made a specific lift pin for the tiller and mount. I hope you got that with the tiller box. Check out the manual, and let me know if you have any more questions."
Thanks for the info on the spring assist. May have to look into that option too.
Hope I have the right pin coming from Jeff:) I Did not know there was a different pin. Will go looking for info.
Regards,
Chris

Got a pic?

Also, I'd still have a spring assist even with an e lift IMO.

Dan,
Thanks for the info. Yea sounds like the spring assist would be a good option on one of these heavy tillers.
Regards,
Chris

You'll be fine Chris

Here's the double drilled lift pin I make

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...7.jpg~original

It will work just fine :beerchug:

Jeff

As long as the threaded end of the chain lift can go through it, which I'm sure if you are manufacturing them and have been for some time, it'll work great.

Oh! that shiny new pin looks nice! When the pin gets here I think I have all the parts now. Might need a couple longer bolts for the rear bracket and a washer for the tension-er on the mule drive.
May be able to get this tiller on a tractor this weekend.
I will try to take some pictures.
Regards,
Chris

Mule drive looks good Chris:beerchug: your a regular Rembrandt.:biggrin2:

On Dad's 125 way back when, Dad replaced the pulley spindle-bolts on the mule drive with one common rod with threaded ends and a pipe spacer sleeve in between the pulleys.
Seemed to help stabilize and keep the pulleys nice and square and inline.
Could really get the belt tight without the pulley hangers wanting to twist.

007,
That's a good idea, will tuck that one away for later.
I did take some of the slop of of the pulley hangers, we will see.
Regards,
Chris

USPS tracking shows it delivered :beerchug:

I've been able to get the correct belt tension with the nut by turning it in about an inch.

Jeff,
Got the new pin! Very nice! Will get some pictures as we get the tiller attached tomorrow.
Hey, make the family some pancakes!
Happy Easter everyone!
Regards,
Chris

Here's a buttermilk pancake recipe I got on another forum from a professional chef.

buttermilk pancake recipe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I got this recipe from chef a few years ago and it's way too good not to share. These are the best pancakes I've ever had

2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs, NOT beaten
1 tablespoon melted butter
1-1/4 cups unbleached flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Stir together the buttermilk, eggs and butter.

Sift together the remaining ingredients.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients and whisk GENTLY until smooth

Cook.



Hope you enjoy chef's buttermilk pancake recipe.

Jeff

Jeff,
Thanks for the recipe for the pancakes!
I made a couple slight mods to your lift pin. I added another through hole for a coter pin 3/4 inches out from the cross holes. This allows the pint to enter the sleeve hitch farther. Down side is that I had to grind off a chamfer on the end going through the sleeve to allow clearance for the pivoting of the pin to clear the case. These small mods allow the tiller to be lifted a little higher.

Also added the spring assist the I got from Cub Crazy. Thanks Mike! That makes it easier for the old man to lift this beast.

Went to the garden and started tilling. grass had taken hold and I had not plowed so this was the first pass. Man I thought it really tilled hard. lots of bouncing not much action. I made about 8 rounds and was down about 2 inches in the soil. the tiller stopped so I drove up to the house to check it out. Seems the belt tightened from the 90 degree drive to the tiller had loosened up. While adjusting that I turned toe tiller on and looked at the blades. THEY WERE ON BACKWARDS!
PO must have put on new blades and the tine assemblies were reversed. Now have them changed around (just swapped sides) but havent tried yet. Should work better.
No wonder my daughters boy friend wasn't to impressed with the tiller for their garden:)

I do have pictures just to busy with this retirement thing to post, its like a full time job!:)
Regards,
Chris

Help! need gear box parts!
 

Done tilling for a day or so. Ruined the vertical shaft and the lower big pulley coming out of the gear box on the tiller 90 degree drive unit. Looks like the set screws for the lower key were not tightened down. I hate when that happens.
Any leads for parts would be appreciated!
Regards,
Chris