I started collecting pieces/parts for an idea for a homemade tractor some time ago. This past fall I acquired a Cub Cadet 1864. Actually I had part of an 1864. There was no motor, seat, or hood and side panels. But all the hydraulics were complete even the power steering. I decided to use this as the base for a plowing tractor. So far I have parts from 9 different donors. The pictures of the yellow cub are internet pics of what the 1864 should look like. It is really a newer version of my Cub Cadet 782 and has power steering. I decide to put 12" rims on the front using hubs from a John Deere. The hubs had to be shortened to fit the Cub Cadet spindles. A little time spent on the mill solved that problem.

Frankenstein Tractor
#2
ONLINE
Posted March 16, 2021 - 10:52 PM
Wonder if the older 582 782 ect hood and side panels will fit on a Cyclopes?
I have 1 sitting up by the shed that had an fight with a tree and the tree won. Bought it as a non runner for $100 because it had a bad fuel pump and a gunked up carb and no hood,grill or side panels. It runs and moves and mows but she's definitely an ugly duckling. Fenders are very rusty and the seat is destroyed and taped up with Bright Pink Duct tape? but it runs strong.
Kinda hate to part it out since I can hop on it and mow with it as is.
Edited by EricFromPa, March 16, 2021 - 10:53 PM.
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#3
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Posted March 16, 2021 - 10:58 PM
The rear rims are the space saver spares for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I ordered and installed 16" ag type tires and mounted to the tractor along with the taller front tires/rims gives me a extra three inches of ground clearance. In these pictures the seat is not mounted and is there for reference. The seat is from a1948 Farmall Cub I used to own. Also notice the height of the dash tower and steering column. The 18 h.p.Briggs and the Allis Chalmers grill are on there for looks at this point. The A.C. grill was really too big for this tractor.
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#4
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Posted March 16, 2021 - 11:11 PM
Since the dash tower and steering column were going to be too high for the new seat location I started cutting them down.
2 1/2" were cut from the dash tower and about 9" was cut from the steering column. At this point the engine was installed and the seat was nailed down. The rear view shows the battery box and tool box using an army surplus 45 caliber ammo box. I also made an extension cover for the transmission. Looking under the rear fender you can see the 2" spacer installed to bring the inside of the rear tires to the same distance as the front tires. This should help when dropping into the furrow and keeping the tractor straight when plowing.
Edited by CRFarnsworth, March 16, 2021 - 11:14 PM.
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#6
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Posted March 17, 2021 - 04:05 AM
That should make a good plow tractor!
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#7
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Posted March 17, 2021 - 07:14 AM
What is the thinking behind the 12" front tires?
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#8
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Posted March 17, 2021 - 03:44 PM
More ground clearance.
Noel
- Kster526 said thank you
#9
OFFLINE
Posted March 17, 2021 - 08:05 PM
What is the thinking behind the 12" front tires?
I gained 3" of ground clearance. My Cub Cadet 782 would collect a "bale" of crop residue under itself.
It also steers a lot easier even without power steering.
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#12
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Posted March 17, 2021 - 08:45 PM
I have an old Allis Chalmers grill that I wanted to install on this tractor but i didn't like the size of it. I checked with a friend about some hoods he had.
He went to the back corner of his machine shed and pulled out a J.D. hood, then a Wheel Horse hood and a simplicity hood. none of which were close to what I needed. After digging a little deeper he found an old Murray hood. It looked closest to what I needed. When i inquired as to the cost he just chuckled and said nobody restores Murrays and gave it to me. After a few alterations I got it to fit over the engine and dash. I installed a stabilizer brace from the dash to the grill and put in new lights.
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#15
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Posted March 19, 2021 - 11:18 AM
Looks good,
Well done. Amazing how nicely everything came together.
- propane1 said thank you