1A Tiller going on a 149

[Smokeycub]

Hi guys, I'm attempting to install a 1A tiller on my 149. Sounds straight forward enough but I'm building my own rear lift assembly from the rear rockshaft forward. The stumbling block I'm at currently is the little plate that bolts to the front rockshaft that the lift arm connects to. I've seen plenty of pictures of it but I need the specifics, particularly the spacing of the threaded holes that align with the holes in the front rockshaft. I've tried to measure it but it's in a tough spot to get a good read. Since they are threaded it's pretty critical to get the spacing right. Here's a pic of what I'm talking about.

The little plate with the C and D dimensions.

This little bugger. The want $32 and up for that piece!
I believe they are 3/8" coarse threaded holes. I need the center to center dimension. Thanks in advance!

[Smokeycub]

For those that may need this sizing I though I'd post back. Here's what I made.

Front

I used 3/8 x 1 1/2" flat stock. Ground a cone shape on the back of the rod, welded it in, then ground the back smooth.

Back

I used a divider to measure the centers of the existing holes in the front rockshaft then I traced the them on white paper to confirm. Turns out the spacing is 2 1/8" on centers, threaded the holes to 3/8" - 16. Other than being unable to get my hands in there (a few nicks and scrapes) it fit perfectly.

Here's the rear rockshaft I built.

I used 1 1/2" .250 wall square tubing built to the exact dimensions of the drawing above with a couple exceptions. Instead of using 5/8 rod for the pivot I welded two 5/8 nuts into the square tubing and used bolts with enough shoulder to draw up tight to the rockshaft and still have clearance to allow it to rotate without binding. As an added bonus I don't have to remove a rear wheel to install it. As for the lift pin I used 7/8 cold rolled shaft instead of 1" and used a piece of 1" galvanized pipe for an insert in the tubing. I used my "new to me" antique lathe to drill it out to 7/8" and with a bit of massaging they fit nicely. It was mentioned on another site that the welded up rockshaft may not be up to the job, I guess we'll see about that. For the lift rod between the front and rear rockshaft I also used 3/8 x 1 1/2" flat stock and eyeballed the amount of bend I put in it, then drilled to the dimension on the drawing. I sized the holes inverse of the way it was on the back of the lift rod, making one end bigger than the other so it can't be put in backwards.

Now on to paint and final install. I'll post later with the final results and with the tiller installed.

[Stanton]

Nice fabrication work. I also read on another site about a welded rear lift assembly not holding up.

You'll have to let us know how it works out.

[Cubfriend]

Gussets may help where it is welded together. ... Frank

[Smokeycub]

Thanks Stanton, I'll let you know.

Gussets may help where it is welded together

Good idea - and easy enough to do - thanks for the idea!

[Cubfriend]

You're welcome. Hope it all works out well for you. ...Frank

[BigBill]

It's so nice to ride when tilling. Go shallow on tilling for the first time busting sod. Then go deeper on the second pass.

[Smokeycub]

I thought I'd post an update on this project. For what it's worth - it works great. I hadn't had an opportunity to try it out until last week. No issues of any significance. I'm not sure how high the lift should pickup the tiller but when things are set to dig nice'n deep the tines barely clear the ground, and when in a bit of a dip it'll dig when lifted all the way up. Maybe someone that has a factory setup could let me know how theirs is, that'd be great!

I did add a gusset as Frank suggested and it's holding up so far.

Guess I'll have to get busy and paint the ol' tiller since it works so nice.

[Stanton]

Glad to hear it's working well for you. Thanks for updating your post.