Don't laugh, but here is my latest project...
 

Wrapped up the Snapper restoration last week and ended up picking this up yesterday. It is a early 80's model 4 wheel drive Kubota 3cyl diesel. Plan is to remove the bad sheet metal, clean and paint the frame and then fabricate a new hood and fenders. Then add new tires and a seat etc... Tractor came with a 4ft shredder and a 60in belly mower.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1399221092.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1399221136.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1399221160.jpg

Is that worth the effort?

Since you have a whole lot of sheet metal to fab I am kind of seeing a Mad Max build.

I think so :D

Yeah, it won't look original when completed lol, I just want to be able to use it around the house with a roto-tiller, auger, front end loader and down the road possibly get a back hoe attachment for it.

The belly mower that came with it is in pretty good shape and is a 60" cut, so once I get it up and running will allow me to cut my yard pretty quickly...

I am planning on using square tubing and sheet metal for the hood. I want to try and use some thin plate to possibly construct the fenders. Something like 1/8" plate, but I am not sure how thin they make steel plate. Figure that would be a little sturdier and longer lasting then going back with sheet metal.

Looks like it's missing the muffler, and the exhaust manifold opening is pointing upwards. I hope it hasn't been flooded with water.

I love the targa bar! ;)

I had that same tractor (1986) with hydro and powersteering. Nice unit which I sold for $12k in 2000. The one that replaced it is the same size but more HP, 27 vs 19 which you notice when using a 5' bushhog.

Hope your Tetanus shot is up to date Bill! :)

Great candidate for a Rauh Welt Begriff tractor build, futuresoptions-san!

I'm already interested in purchasing when you're done. Located in Austin, TX so let me know...

4wd diesel, me likey

OK...

You haven't been smoking the crack pipe again have you?

If I'm allowed to ask one question... Why?

I know exactly why: Because he can!
Seriously, I had a Kubota 17 hp with hydrostatic and 4 wd with agricultural tires on it. I was running a four foot snowblower, a tiller, a bush hog, loading manure with the front end loader and hauling around a hay wagon with up to 100 bales of hay with that little beast, but the sheetmetal they use on those things rust like an early Porsche. :rolleyes:

I would give the radiator a serious check out before I went too far, but a well built hood and fenders will solve that little tractor's problems and weight is your friend as far as getting power to the ground.

Your arms will get a good workout at very slow speeds, but you know that.
Keep us posted.
Best
Les

Rat Rod tractors must now be all the rage!! Who knew?