42/54 WF BLade on Cyclops (1864)

[darkminion_17]

I was thinking this but mr hot tip would help.

[jimbob200521]

I almost forgot about this! Been sick this last week and out ran short on project time before that but here's what I've learned.

Originally Posted by SS5150

Does the blade sit square on the ground when it's angled all the way to one side or the other? That would be sweet if it did I could put my blade on my 1861 and the thrower on the 782.

Yes sir, I'm happy to report the blade does sit square on the ground when it's angled either way I still need to get a lift arm fabbed up for the tractor, though. Now, to find a hunk of 3/4 steel

Originally Posted by Rescue11

X3! I'm going to bet when you angle the blade all the way left or right that one corerbtouches and the other doesn't. The secret is... you need the middle "v" shaped frame to be level from front to back on the bottom side. This determines the pitch of the blade.

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

I was thinking this but mr hot tip would help.

I like the idea, but don't THINK it would work. I haven't gotten down and measured things out, but just from memory, I think the axle jam bolts would be in the way of the bar going all the way across, at least it would be close.

On the plus side, I did dismount the blade, straighten the arms out a bit (last winter was rough on the blade), and grind just a smidge off the back of the arms to make them slide in and fit better. Now I'm able to get a large washer and hair pin on the outside and things look square. Overall, it fits much better now. I'll try to snag some pics next time I'm tinkering around in the shop.

[jimbob200521]

Ok gentleman, I finally have some closure on this project. After gathering some parts and spending a couple nights diligently working away on this, I have a (mostly) finished project. After looking locally with little luck, I ordered a piece of 3/4 x 4 x 6 lo-carbon steel from McMaster Carr (great company, btw), I traced out the basics of what I wanted, hooked up the chop saw, and got to work. After working with the chop saw, angle grinder, and a little with the bench grinder, I had a rough (albeit functional) cutout of the elusive lift arm for the Cyclops machines. It's not pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but it works and that's all that matters, for now I then took a piece of rolled steel and cut, shaped, and drilled a lift rod. After a bit of tinkering, I hooked everything up and took it for a test spin. I pushed the burn pile around a bit (after dark, sorry, no pics) and even at full trip of the blade, everything stayed intact. I think I'm about ready for snow!!

There's still a bit of fine tuning to do, such as cleaning up the lift arm, removing the stop on the blade, tossing a quick coat of paint on the lift arm, . BUT, I'm happy to report to the naysayers and those curious, a classic WF blade WILL fit on an 1863/1864. I was able to lift, angle, and everything in between the blade without issue. It sat level when lowered and angled, raised appropriately, stayed on through full blade tilt, etc. This winter will be the real test, but as of right now, I have no qualms about going into this winter with this setup.

Happy Cubbing guys, hope you enjoy!

[Berwil]

Looking good Ryan. We'll make a fabricator out of you yet!

Bill

[Sam Mac]

Now I bet your doing the snow dance so you can try it out.

[J-Mech]

Looks great Ryan!!!

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by Berwil

Looking good Ryan. We'll make a fabricator out of you yet!

Bill

IDK if I'd go that far, I'd need to upgrade a few tools first but in a pinch, I can get the job done

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Now I bet your doing the snow dance so you can try it out.

Careful, you're going to jinx me and we won't get but a couple flurries this winter! I'm loaded for bear and ready to go, so it would only be fitting if we had a mild winter, I suppose

[Sam Mac]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

IDK if I'd go that far, I'd need to upgrade a few tools first but in a pinch, I can get the job done



Careful, you're going to jinx me and we won't get but a couple flurries this winter! I'm loaded for bear and ready to go, so it would only be fitting if we had a mild winter, I suppose

If the Farmers Almanac has it right you may get plenty of practice.

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

If the Farmers Almanac has it right you may get plenty of practice.

Well a guy can hope!

Jeez, I can hardly believe it; it seems like spring/summer JUST started and here we are, forum getting more and more posts about snow blowers, snow throwers, blades, winter prep, etc. As much as I like playing in the snow, I'm still enjoying mowing the grass, dangnabit!!