Convert a tall Cub to a Lo-boy?

[Virgin Andy]

What would it take? New fenders? New front axle with shorter spindles? What about the rear axle? I thought it would be fun to make the conversion. It would be like 2 tractors in one.
Thanks, Andy Cox

[beaconlight]

There is something different in the rear drives. I don't remember just what but if you pull the masintainance manual from Rudis server you will see it points it out there.

Bill

[Virgin Andy]

Where is this Rudis server? Do you have a link?
Thanks, Andy

[SundaySailor]

http://www.cleancomputes.com/Cub/index.html for Rudi's server manuals

See if that will come out. BTW, if I remember right, the final drives are turned 90 degrees to the front. Right Bigdog and Jim(s) and George and John? Also, the front spindles are shorter on the Lo-Boy (not the numbered series) as opposed to the standard cub.

Rick

[Bigdog]

There is a difference where the brake rod exits the final casting because they are turned 90 degrees. You would need new final drives. This, as George Willer would say, is an excellent reason to buy another cub.

[Lurker Carl]

Trying to convert a Cub to a LoBoy is reinventing the wheel. IH already did that 50 years ago. You'll have to alter or obtain far more components than you realize. It's cheaper to just buy a LoBoy.

Besides, you can't have too many Cubs.

[George Willer]

In addition to the other parts required to make the brakes work and the fenders and drawbar fit, the finals would have to be machined differently.

It should be self evident that rotating a final with the normal hole spacing can only fit if rotated 180 degrees. Rotated 90 degrees won't find any bolt holes.

Having said that... the fact that it can't be done easily may be reason enough to do it. However, I think it would be a good plan to just buy another Cub. I did.

[Virgin Andy]

All very good points. I will take the advice and consider a Lo-boy. Great conversation piece I think.
Andy

[Matt Kirsch]

This very thought has crossed my mind.

So far, I've determined that you need the following major parts:
1. Rear final drive housings.
2. Front spindle/drop-tube assemblies.

tmtractor.com has pictures of these parts so you can compare the differences.

I don't know why, but the tie rods on a lo-boy cross over in the middle. From the way I look at it, the regular tie rods should work okay. Maybe it's a clearance issue with the tractor being 8" lower or something.

[beaconlight]

Makes me nuts with the one tie rod sitting in the rain and all the dust.
Bill

[mac351]

The tractor you have is history and I would not change it. Someone wanted it as it is and why change it any way.

mac

crounsem@aol.com

[George Willer]

I don't know why, but the tie rods on a lo-boy cross over in the middle. From the way I look at it, the regular tie rods should work okay. Maybe it's a clearance issue with the tractor being 8" lower or something.

Matt,

Not all lo-boys are set up that way. It's because of the geometry difference caused by the shorter wheel base. You're right... they'll work either way, except that if they aren't crossed the tires will scuff in a tight turn.