149 Drive Hub Upgrade Options
 

The original drive hub from my 149 is pretty worn out. Rather than just replacing the hub and going back with the original drive pin design, I'd rather upgrade it to something better. Already aware of the higher quality one piece design drive hubs that are available. While that is an improvement over the original drive hub, I just don't like that design. Looking for other options.

Have already seen the dual rag joint modification and I'm considering it. More research led me to some posts about a using CV joint style coupler from later model tractors. No specific information though. Has anyone done this modification to these model tractors? If so, can you provide pictures and part numbers?


Thanks

Not knowing your abilities, but if you can measure, cut, and weld, I have done this mod to two 149's and it worked out very well.

You would need to acquire a drive shaft from a 2000 or 3000 series Cub. Make sure you get all the coupling pieces, and a hydro fan from a 2000/3000 Cub.
You would also need a coupler made by Jeff in Pa. for the input shaft on the hydro.

The 2000/3000 driveshaft is about 30" long and will have to be shortened. The i.d. of the 2000/3000 driveshaft is 5/8", the old driveshaft o.d. is 5/8" when sanded shiny smooth.
After you cut the new shaft, cut a section of the old shaft and slide it inside. This will align the new shaft and strengthen your weld joint.

The fan is larger in diameter and has to be trimmed down too.

It's all about measuring 100 times and cut & weld once.

Thanks for the info and pictures, Ironman!

Any reason why you went with this style of coupler (plastic drive barrels) over the grease-able CV joint style found in some other models?

How much is that adapter that connects to the hydro unit, roughly?

Did the coupler just bolt right up to the flange on the engine? It looks like it

I guess I went with this style drive shaft because having had a 2000 series Cub I was familiar with the driveshaft and all the components. Not familiar at all with the CV system.

The hub from Jeff was on the first time, I don't remember exactly the cost but it I do recall it was on the pricey side.
But that being said the quality was top notch and used spirol pin and set screws to attach to the hydro input shaft. And I think he threw in the metal plate for the fan.

Now if you don't want to go that route and have the skills or access to a machinist, you can take that worn out hub that you have pictured in your opening post,
weld up the slots, and drill a new hole for a spirol pin. The hub would go on the hydro input shaft backwards and the new driveshaft coupler bolts right to it.
I did this on the second one, it's hard to see in this picture but you get the idea. Not as nice as Jeff's but it works.

Everything bolts up 1/4" x 1 1/4" bolts, four at each end.

If your only problem is the drive end that connects to the engine you can use parts from a 2000 series. The engine coupler and a section of the drive shaft. The 149 shaft is 5/8" OD and it will slip inside of a 2000 series shaft. Cut it to fit and drill a 1/4" hole through both then use a spirol pin to connect them. The pics are from a 149 that I had a few years ago.

Ironman - Based on what you just said, that tells me the input shaft on the hydro unit is 5/8". Would've figured it out eventually but it's good to know.

I have CAD software. There's some online companies where you can send your 2D or 3D drawing and they will machine it. I'll draw up an adapter for the hydro unit and see what some of these companies would charge to make it.

Sam Mac - Thanks for providing another solution to this problem. The rear rag joint on my 149 is fine but I'm planning on upgrading both connections while I have it apart.

5/8" is correct.

If you can live with rag joints here are pics I have collected of other options.

Thanks again, Ironman. When I started looking into replacing the drive hub the first thing I found was the dual rag joint modification. That was my plan initially but wanted to see what other options were out there.

Just bought this yesterday on eBay. Complete drive shaft from a 1541. I really like the greasable and serviceable CV joints. Plan is to modify it for the 149.

Keep us updated with lots of pics.