620 replies to this topic

[hdg4400]

Trav1s:

 

Don't know how you look on the outside, but you must look pretty good on the inside. Happy Early Father's Day! 

 

Harlan

[lyall]

Travis 

the 120 looks great

looks like you have a lot of fun working on it

[Trav1s]

Photo op with the new seat.  I just mowed the lawn and parked it before going in the garage.  

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Edited by Trav1s, September 08, 2014 - 04:39 PM.

[REdington]

You did a awesome job on your 120, Travis.

 I joined just because of this thread you did on your 120. There's just not very many around anymore.

I too have a 120 that I hope to start restoring next spring when I get my '74 140 H3 done (if I ever get it done). I will keep my 120 like new for a show piece to have around. I also have a early 140 H1 ( I'm sure it is a '68 as the ID tag is gone) that I use for mowing duty. I bought a new complete replacement deck 10 years ago and just started using it 3 years ago. I originally wanted to keep it new for the 120, but all 4 of my other decks needs a lot of work and haven't taken the time to restore any of them yet.

 

Rodney

[Trav1s]

Hey Rodney,

 

Thanks for the kind words. Progress was slow for me but the end result was worth it to me. All of my mods are reversible with a few turns of the wrench and some time - I did them that way intentionally because 120s are not too common.  This 120 is also responsible for me hunting down a 312 that needs TLC.  

After a year of pretty regular use my favorite additions/upgrades are:

• Upgraded ball joints/new center link/rebuilt steering box and thrust bearing
• Electronic ignition (no points!!!!)
• Kohler/Carter 26 carb to replace the Walbro that was on it
• Hapco seat is nice too

Let me know if you have any questions and welcome to GTTalk! 

Edited by Trav1s, September 23, 2014 - 05:52 PM.

[REdington]

 Travis, 

 Thanks for the welcome. Your 120 is just outstanding and I cannot believe you used spray cans to paint it.

 I've read your 312 thread and it will be no doubt a great tractor also.

 These 120's hard to beat for a all around garden tractor, just a little shy on HP for some duty's and the small front spindles limits the weight on the front axle.

As I do the H3, I'm doing all the mods you have done plus add thrust bearing between the spindles and axle. I will restore the 120 as it was when it left the Deere plant. I know the value of it isn't anywhere near what a 140 H3 is, but it'll be nice to just have one.

 

 

Rodney

[Trav1s]

Just wanted to give a quick update on the 120 - It seems that I have a charging problem.  It has been starting slower and the gauge in the dash has been showing discharge the past couple times out.  I put the 120 to work in the back yard without problem the shut it off in front of the house. It would not start so I need to do some troubleshooting.  Not sure what the problem is.

[Trav1s]

Wow... I guess I forgot about the charging problem.  I charged the battery this spring and put it to work without a problem until tonight.  I was almost done mowing the back yard and it lost power, backfired two times (blue flame as cool), and came to a stop.  Grabbed the charger and got it going with hopes to finish the back yard.  Did the same thing again so I charged the battery and drove it to the garage.  I guess I need to check connectors and do some troubleshooting by following the service manual.

 

 

Other than that this machine has been tough as nails and reliable.  Gotta love it!

[Trav1s]

Grabbed the svc manual and checked the AC voltage going into the regulator and it is showing right at 30voltz AC. Not sure if the 32 volt fuse on the regulator is good and where to get one.  Also wondering if I should just replace the piece and be done with it.

[Trav1s]

Not looking good back here

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[KennyP]

Not good at all! I have one similar that they hooked the AC into the DC connector!

[Trav1s]

Bolens 1000 is getting me a new 15 AMP Kohler piece and I ordered a new ammeter from Hapcoparts to go with the new regulator and hood bolts.  Gotta give this one some lovins

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Edited by Trav1s, June 06, 2015 - 09:03 AM.

[Trav1s]

Hapcoparts shipment arrived. The 120 lost two hood bolts this spring - guess there's a whole lotta shakin' goin' on.    Voltage regulator should be here by Friday.

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Edited by Trav1s, June 10, 2015 - 11:59 AM.

[Trav1s]

Installed and looks great. It seems the gauge that was in it was a faded 15 amp version.

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[Trav1s]

I got the hood back in place again.  I hope those star washers keep the nuts in place.  I am thinking some loc-tite might be appropriate.