In Sad Shape

[Cub-Bud]

Here are a couple of pics of the Model 412 Bush Hog mower they came from under my wife's '53 FCUB Jenny. I had thought about selling it for parts on this forum or on Ebay, but have changed my mind and decided to give it a chance at another life. However, a deep dip into my pocketbook may change my mind. I am open to opinions and ideas on how to go about renewing/refurbishing it. My local dealer checked with Bush Hog about the obvious replacement part; none available. I will add that the only thing it really needs is a new deck, two new skids, blades and belt, and maybe two new idlers.

[Don McCombs]

Bud,

Are the rest of the parts available? Looks like you should be able to get a new deck fabbed.

[ljw]

Cub-bud, What about shearing a plate that would lay on top of the rotted out one. The mower spindle could be removed, the new plate stitch welded in place. Wouldn't look that bad. Are the left and right sections in good condition? I was thinking about refurbing this one. I think it's a Woods. At least one replaced spindle is the Woods color.

[gitractorman]

That looks like a pretty rare piece for the Cubs. If the bearings and other real mechanical parts seem to be in decent working order, I would have to try stripping it down to the bare deck and seeing if someone would fab up a new one. It does not look like it would be very difficult to do, and anyone with a small welding/sheetmetal shop could probably fab up a new one in less than a day.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Bud, if I folowed your description correctly, all you have that is useable is the serial tag.

[Fordlords]

I didn't want to sound cocky as I'm new here, and I'm kind of nit-picky, but my thoughts were about the same as John- I just don't think I would spend time working on a piece of machinery where the builder tag could be it's best remaining aspect, regardless how rare it might be-- OK, you can tell me to kiss off now

-Fordlords-

[Carm]

Bud,
I am all in favor of resurrecting old and rare equipment, however this one looks pretty far gone. That being said, I think if you disassemble it and just pick at it then you out of pocket expense will be spread out over time and easier to take. And you may find some good parts in the mean time.

[Rudi]

CB:

You know how rare stuff like that is for guys like me. Even having a skelton to work from is better than nothing at all.

I would probably strip it down, see what all is needed aside from the new deck. Save the tag.... Having the deck itself fabbed new, well that seems pretty simple. Looking at the Bush Hog my father-in-law has, it is pretty basic stuff...

Take your time... I have a few projects that may take a few years to do.. but even though they are in pretty sorry shape (Jethro being a good example), it may be worth doing. You have made some magic.. who knows, maybe magic can be made again.....

Ponder.. that don'ty cost anything...

[jostev]

I agree with Rudi, I would try and see how hard it would be to rebuild, I have to do teh same with my cub cadet deck, granted it's a lot smaller, i'ts still the same principle, I think....

Johnny

['Country' Elliott]

Hey Cub-Bud...The Mowers are ALWAYS LAST on MY LIST for restorations. HOWEVER, havin' said that...I took about 4 months to work on my IH Model 22 4 1/2 foot sicklebar mower for my "Carol Elizabeth" Cub. It took a LOT of work...BUT, the END RESULT was WELL WORTH IT!

I believe you'll "Strike It Rich" and come across the Bush Hog parts you need (in time). If the sides of your deck can support it...I would cut out a large piece of flat stock (for the TOP) and weld it OVER the old top piece...grind it down, and re-mount it under the frame rails. You'll come across the runners and spindles and blades a LOT easier than the deck!

[George Willer]

CB,

I would take a different approach... cut the old metal away and weld new in its' place. I have a strong dislike for rust sandwiches. Maybe that's why my projects take so long?