Hydro on 128 possible?

[cadetbemo]

I am wondering if anyone has heard of a Hydro unit being fabricated onto a 3 speed trans. In theory it looks like it could be done with the proper mounting.

I know that many will say that it's not needed. Sometimes its fun to just try.

I have a 128 that I'm hoping to make an "articulator" with a diesel. I would like to make something that is unique and I like the idea of having gearing options combined with the convenience of a hydro.

[J-Mech]

I have toyed with this idea a hundred times. The simple answer: No, it just won't work.

I'll explain.

The 3 speed trans on the Cub Cadets utilizes a gear reduction housing at the front of the trans. (Unlike the F-Cubs that used a different top shaft that was coupled direct to the motor, and used a final drive (gear reduction) after the trans and before the wheel.) The 3 speed trans' first through third gears where also gear reduction. Unlike, say, a 3 speed car trans that 3 gear would be a direct drive. Putting the hydro in front of this particular trans would leave you with a slower machine than you had before, with a selection of lower yet gears. Let's just assume for a minute that the 84 tooth reduction gear on the gear drive, could be replaced with the 66 tooth reduction gear from the hydro trans, you would still be geared lower. Plus, reverse would be completely unnecessary, and should be eliminated. Deere, on the 400 used a 2 speed trans after the hydro, but it was a completely different set-up. I admit, I like what you are wanting to do, and I would like to do something similar. But using the 3 speed cub trans, isn't the way to go. My conclusion of what would have to be done, is use either a different hydro, or a different trans. I like your way of thinking though!

[cadetbemo]

Thank you. I was hoping to put the hydro 66 tooth reduction in the 3 speed.

What you say makes sense. A different brand transaxle isn't really an option.
committed to cub cadet on this project

Has removed front gear reduction for direct drive hydro or hyd. drive?

[wishIhada5.9]

I really want hydros on a 128 too. I was thinking more along the lines of how the gear drive NF setup worked...any thoughts?

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by wishIhada5.9

I really want hydros on a 128 too. I was thinking more along the lines of how the gear drive NF setup worked...any thoughts?

What? A 129 is the hydro version of the 128
NF and WF transmissions are the same.

[wishIhada5.9]

I mean hydros as in a hydraulic lift setup or for an angled plow setup. I mentioned about the narrow frames because I know there was an option for a hydro lift package on a gear drive. It was driven off of a pulley right in front of the clutch. I have never seen a gear drive WF with a hydraulic lift....

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by wishIhada5.9

I mean hydros as in a hydraulic lift setup or for an angled plow setup. I mentioned about the narrow frames because I know there was an option for a hydro lift package on a gear drive. It was driven off of a pulley right in front of the clutch. I have never seen a gear drive WF with a hydraulic lift....

They didn't offer a a WF gear drive with hydraulic lift. Only electric. Yes, the belt driven hydraulic lift was available on some gear drive narrow frames. There have been people who modified them to fit other models.

When talking about hydraulic lift, or hydraulic anything, please say "hydraulic".
Hydro, refers to the hydrostatic transmission, not the lift. The lift is hydraulic, the transmission is a hydro. This will avoid future confusion.

[wishIhada5.9]

Are there any pics available of the modified hydraulic units?

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by wishIhada5.9

Are there any pics available of the modified hydraulic units?

This thread may help....... 147 hydraulic lift