52 replies to this topic

[olcowhand]

I've got this Yanmar 18hp 3 cylinder diesel engine.  My idea was to put it in my 1855 Massey.  Would still make it an 1855, but an "1855D".  But there are issues.  I will have to build & relocate a fuel tank, then turn battery sideways to make room lengthwise.  It also looks like I'll have to relocate the hydraulic pump to run off the driveshaft end of the motor, as the radiator requires 7" of room up front, eating up the room for a pulley extension off the engine. I want to reverse the rotation of the hydro, which is easy on this Sundstrand 15, just having to flip the charge pump housing, then I think reversing the hydro to pedal linkage.  I want to reverse it so that the engine sits in like a big tractor with fan up front.  Right now my radiator has an electric fan, but I think I'll go with engine driven fan if I ever get to this project.  My Onan runs like new, having only maybe 50 hours max on a rebuild, but it drinks gasoline like there is no tomorrow!  The diesel will sip fuel compared to the Onan.
       If I do this, it will be winter or later.   It was either the Massey or the Allis 720 for this diesel, but being the Massey is my real "farm worker", it only makes sense it goes into it.
  Right now I'm just posting my rambling thoughts on the matter. :D

[wvbuzzmaster]

Allow me to ramble on the idea for you Dan. If you do it you should throw that Onan into the Allis 720 if it needs a motor. And for ideas on how to mount that engine in there so it all fits, what about relocating the battery and fuel tank to the back of the tractor to counterbalance the loader some more. I don't know if there is room though. Worst case you could buy a motorcycle battery to gain space.

[JDBrian]

wvbuzzmaster said:

Allow me to ramble on the idea for you Dan. If you do it you should throw that Onan into the Allis 720 if it needs a motor. And for ideas on how to mount that engine in there so it all fits, what about relocating the battery and fuel tank to the back of the tractor to counterbalance the loader some more. I don't know if there is room though. Worst case you could buy a motorcycle battery to gain space.

Would a motorcycle battery be able to start a diesel? Just a side question. Daniel on the 1655/1855 is the front axle 1" spindles or 3/4". They come for sale here now and then and are on my list for a small loader tractor. Just wondering how strong the front axle is on them.

[olcowhand]

1" axles with heavy duty throughout, and if you want to break anything in the front axle/axle beam area, you're gonna have to run it over with a dozer!  If this comes to a reality, the fuel tank will go below the seat, but I think I'll try to keep the battery up there in front of the dash.
The 720 engine runs great after a re-ring job, so I'd either keep the engine for future needs, or sell it to help pay for the many projects I keep getting into.  A larger motorcycle battery would start it, but their life is short, so I'll stick with an automotive type battery, but get a slim/longer battery.

[wvbuzzmaster]

UH... I don't recall, but I thought there were some rated at least the same as L&G batteries or better. They are somewhat smaller but again, not sure about diesel service now. Like I said before, I was rambling LOL.

[wvbuzzmaster]

I couldnt reply fast enough so adding this: Dan, I did not know of their short life so probably good decision to stick with car battery. Learn new stuff all the time!

[Cvans]

I don't know if the engine your planing on using has de-compression or not but that should be factored in for battery selection. Finding room for the battery always seems to be a problem. The Kablister was the first where it was not. Being able to reverse the Sunstrand is a huge plus for what your planning.  The other thing is getting everything under the hood. Do you have enough height under there?
Sounds like a fun project.

[MAV]

Daniel,
With your talent and abilities you should have no problems with this.  Can't wait to see the finished project.

On a side note there is a guy over on the Weekend Freedom Machine site that put the 16hp Yanmar in a JD 420. It was a pretty intetesting build.  Thought maybe this could give you some ideas on this if you decide to do it. It is in the Restoration Form under Hydrostat Tractors.   Just put your red  lens sunglasses on and maybe it won't be so bad.LOL.

Mark

[olcowhand]

wvbuzzmaster said:

I couldnt reply fast enough so adding this: Dan, I did not know of their short life so probably good decision to stick with car battery. Learn new stuff all the time!

I think the main reason cycle batteries don't get good life is the fact of seasonal usage, and not maintaining the battery in the off season.  I know the same type batteries last years in our Honda 4-Trax ATV, but it's used pretty much every day of the year.  Some do have CCA of 350+, so they would crank this diesel.  But their reserve capacity is usually much lower than a larger automotive battery, even a smaller one.

[olcowhand]

I would love to get into this project right away, but just no time yet.  Corn to be shelled, some winter wheat to drill, several dairy meetings to attend, a plow day I hope to attend, and Mom still in the hospital recovering from hip replacement.  
  I will however get to it, as once I get something into my head, it sticks! LOL

[ducky]

Dan
Correct me if I am wrong.  
Besides turning the charge pump, I have been told that the swash plate will have to be flipped as well because there is a stopper on the plate that limit travel speed in reverse.  If this is not done I understand the tractor will run faster in reverse than forward.
I just never paid attention when I was inside one.

[mjodrey]

I can't wait to see this project. I have the same basic idea for my 1655,only I will most likely use a Kubota diesel.

[JDBrian]

I think that MC batteries are designed to be as light weight as possible for that application. That may be why they have limited lifespan and reserve capacity. In my 2320 the battery is 500CCA but it is a 24HP yanmar.

[coldone]

I call dibs on the ONAN! :D

[Alc]

Not ever having a diesel GT is there that much difference in fuel consumption to warrant the work involved in that swap ? Al