Upgrading a 782 to "super" status?

[MWShaw]

So I have a red 782 that I like. To be honest, for mowing duties, it is a little bit too big. But for snow removal it works very well. I let it get low on oil and broke one of the connecting rods, and I am in the process of fixing that. The end result will hopefully be a solid KT17II with many years of service left in it.

One of the few things I never cared for on my 782 is the steering. The effort seemed high, and the radius was large. My wife has several flower gardens that I mow around, and it can be a challenge sometimes. I decided it was one of those things I would have to live with.

Then my best friend gets a JD318. Power steering, independent rear brakes, front hydro ports, blah blah blah blah.

Now there is no shutting him up, so my quest to upgrade my 782 was re-kindled! And some gas was poured on it!

I see this thread;
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=16068

and get pumped up. I begin to shop around for parts. Next I find this 2072 on CL for $400.00. The seller comes down to $350.00



Looking back at the price breakdown on inspectorudy's build, I think I'm on to something? Buy the 2072 for $350.00, take off any parts I want to use on the 782, then sell the rest.

But now I'm looking past just power steering;

I'm looking at the front hydro ports (782 has the holes in the front frame plate, just have to knock the slugs out!)

I'm looking at independant rear brakes!

See what I'm saying? I'm looking at making a "Super" 782!

I know the first thing you are going to say; "Ditch the 782, and rebuild the 2072." I know, I know that might sound good, but refer back to my opening statements. If the 782 is almost too big, then the 2072 is certainly too big!

Next will be those who say; "Fix them both!"

I have trouble keeping all of the stuff I currently own, indoors, much less adding another tractor.

But more than that this, 2072 is rough, it has sat outside most of it's life (last 10 years anyway), it was sitting next to a house fire, seat cover melted, hood ornament looks like a banana! The PO never had the deck off of it?? I had to show him how to remove it, and he owned it 15 years! It runs and drives, but he said it will bogg down in heavy grass, the 20hp Kohler magnum needs attention. They did some "cobbleling" on it. Mostly the wiring, starting it with a screwdriver, the fuse recepticals are gone from the dash, I'm not sure what all they did there?

So for those reasons and more, the 2072 is a parts machine. My question is, what all can be switched over to the 782? The wheels and tires are larger, the frame is longer, but is the sheetmetal the same? If it is, I could do the bodywork on those pieces, get them painted red and all decaled up, without taking the 782 out of service.

If I use the front axle as part of the PS swap, do I have to use the wheels?

If I use the front axle for the PS swap. do I need to use the rear axle as part of the indepandant brake swap?

Long post I know, but I'm waiting on parts for the motor, and trying to keep my mind off of my dog passing away, so thanks for humoring me!