Any tricks for decreasing the turn radius?
 

This is the one area where the classic cubs cannot compare to newer machines. It's a big one too, for mowing in particular. I have a wide frame, but information for narrow frames would be useful too.

I am thinking of selling my zero turn and putting the money into building a nice mowing machine.

I think there is an adjustment where you can make the tractor turn much sharper to the left or right, but not both... I think. I remember reading some a while back about it. There's also a steering upgrade. I know this is pretty vague... I deal with tree mazes too.

Here you go! Super Steer upgrade. Several have done it and all have been happy from the posts I've read. You could use the search for super steer on the forums and find other peoples post on the topic as well.


http://cubfaq.com/supersteer.html

check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dyVKN883MA

That's perfect, thanks

Great vid, Nick!

The limited turning radius has always been a :bash2: with me and the Cubs. Definitely going to look into that mod!

Also have heard that heim joints help a bit. Read about another mod that swapped out the WF axle for a Cyclops model that is supposed to allow a tighter radius. Would like to try both.


:American Flag 1:

Bill,

Thank you for clarifying! I always thought the Super Steer was the thrust bearing "kit" installed on the column. I did not realize the cambered Cyclops axle was not effective in any way.

The super steer (cyclops axle swap ) is very effective. I have done it.

My bad, Bill!

I only saw the youtube vid, and did not see Duke's link when I mentioned the axle swap. Sure would like to try that mod someday.

Thanks!

Does anyone have a more detailed how-to for the super steer upgrade? That thing over at the cub faq is very high-level. I didn't even know we were talking about trailer hubs and wheels until someone here mentioned it.

I'm not finding anything in my searches.

I read somewhere that someone decreased the turning radius by using the stock parts. If I recall, I think they redrilled the hole where the steering drag link attaches to the front spindle....moved the mounting hole in the spindle mount closer to the center of the spindle itself. I don't remember how much difference it made in turning radius, but I think it also increased steering effort. I would not recommend doing it this way, just throwing it out there.

Dave, I think the link you looked at was the upgrade to the front axle for using a front end loader, I don't think you have to go through all that, just use the front wheels from the axle donor tractor, they use 1" spindles, not the 3/4" ones found on wide frames.

OK, so it's more about just a front axle swap then, I guess...

I think that mod you're talking about, westofb, was the one linked to earlier in this thread:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dyVKN883MA

[QUOTE=CC1650Dave;82389]OK, so it's more about just a front axle swap then, I [QUOTE]

Yep, you get the front axle, spindles, wheels, and tie rod from a Cyclopes tractor, swap in entire assembly.....will decrease the turning radius of the WF tractor.

I had read the posted link some time back, I am thinking they cut off the front wheel axles from the spindles and welded on tapered axles to put hubs on the front if the tractor, and 4 bolt wheels. I am sure they done this to increase the load carrying capability on the cub that was going to be equipped with a FEL.

One other thing that comes to mind about the Cyclopes axle swap was that it raises the front of the tractor higher than it was originally, at least I think I remember that being the case. I don't know how much it raises it, but I was thinking about it throwing the mower deck out of wack, perhaps there is enough adjustment in the deck itself that this becomes a non issue. I haven't done the swap or seen it done, just a concern that came to mind when I read about those doing it.

[QUOTE=westofb;82513][QUOTE=CC1650Dave;82389]OK, so it's more about just a front axle swap then, I


This will depend on what model cyclopes the front axle is from. Their are 2 different styles. One will raise the front around 2 inches and the other will not raise it.

Ok which one will not raise the front?:bigthink:

jbollis can answer this better, but apparently from the serial number of the tractor, you can tell if it's a "high center" axle or not. Here is his post from another thread:

The axle from an 1860 or 1862 don't raise the front. I know because I have used them both on a 149. I don't know what other models are the same as the 1862 but you can go to CC's website and find the part # for an 1862 axle and see what all models have the same part #.

I cant find it now ,but awhile back (maybe 2 years) someone had compiled a list from the part numbers. It could be done again,I don't have the time though.

Just go to parts tree and look at the part numbers for the front axles on the cyclopes. I can't remember all the model numbers anymore.

1440
1535
1541
1641
1860
1861
1862
1863
1864

I think there is another 16--.
The 1440 and 1863 should have the same part numbers (719-3100). Any model with the same will raise it and any model with a different will not.

the 1860 has a part number of 759-3549 and the 1862 is 719-3100. These are two different axles. The one from the 1862 was a high center, guaranteed. Are you sure of the models those axles came from ? Also I am seeing on parts tree there are two different shapes to the pivot bolt area. All the 719-3100's are the same as well as all the 759-3549's being the same.

The 1860 and 1862 front axle are the same, both with part # 759-3549. The only difference in them would be the steering arm. The 1860 has one hole in it and the 1862 has two holes, one closer in for the power steering. The tractors are identical except for the PS and hydraulic lift.
Ok, I just looked again and the part # changes on the 1862. Ser# 821,060 - 836,000 is 719-3100. Ser# 800,000 - 821,059 is part# 719-3549. I don't know what the difference is in them. What I do know is I bought a complete 1862 and a complete 1860 and both axles are identical with the exception of the steering arm.

Then I would say the production time is the difference. The later ones have the high center axle.:bigthink: