Stormin

About time you got around to a build thread, Alan. I was begining to wonder if it was going to happen.

Most likely one he hasn't told Pam about. That's why it's so far from her.

Don't look Ethel!

All finished and ready to test. Took that in the morning and was going to see what it was like this afternoon after I'd done an oil change. Unfortunately I got a call from the farm and had to go and drive a big tractor.

That makes three I know of Iain?

No engine number, Iain? That my give a clue.

Stripped it down this morning and got it all painted. Put it all back together tonight and a problem rear it's head. The cutter was sticking. So off came the bar and I removed the blade. Soon saw the problem. Paint had got onto the slide. A clean off with emery clothe and back together I could pull the blade back and forth easily. Back on the machine and it ran fine. I gave it some oil and left it running for 15 minutes. Couldn't resist the temptation and tried some paper through it. Cut it without problem. Maybe get to try it on some grass tomorrow.

All the Best, Mark. Wishing you a good one.

There's no PTO on the other side.

This morning I sorted out the belt tensioner. I cut the end off the tensioner where the bearing had fitted. Turned a sleeve to fit the I.D. of the insert that goes in the pulley bearing. Then put it all together. I refitted the tensioner to tractor, same way as before and gave it a try. Now the flat of the belt was running in the V of the pulley. Not really an Ideal thing, plus the belt flapped a bit. So a bit of thinking and trying different positions, here is what I ended up with. Seems to work fine and as soon as I can I'll give it a trial.

I agree, Chris, but I couldn't find a pulley small enough. Those I could find would foul the brake pedal. But all is not lost. I hope! I remembered about an hour ago, that there was a box of Husqvarna bits tucked away under the far bench that I'd overlooked. Found a smaller diameter pulley in there that may do the job. I'll have to modify the tensioner shaft, but I've an idea how. I do have another bearing, Doug, but the end of the shaft was turned down from metric to accommodate the bearing that is imperial. Bit awkward to turn down now.

Got the belts this morning and fitted the PTO to mule one. A little longer than I'd wanted, but the closest I could get. So now it was time to make a belt tensioner. I'd had a bit of a think and a root round. I would have liked a small pulley, but I'd nothing about. I did find a nice new bearing. What it was for is any bodies guess. Might do I thought, so before long I had this knocked up. And it ended up here. Not ideal I know and a bit of a rethink will be thought. Another problem occurred when I gave it a try. The belt came off the tensioner. I think the bottom pulley may be a tad out of line.

I knew you'd have to say that and I didn't forget. I didn't take any. No point yet.

That's more your size. Take the deck off, one or two little mods and you'd have a mini dragster.

Today I made a bush up to take the place of the lifting handle for the cutter bar. I'll maybe make a handle at a later date. I wanted to work out belt lengths, mule pulley positions, adjustment etc. I found a belt in my belt collection that fitted mule drive to cutter bar gearbox nicely. Fitted nicely is a bit of an understatement. Bit of a pain the rigmarole fitting it. But it went on. I'll be getting one slightly shorter as the one on leaves little for adjustment. For the drive from PTO to mule drive shaft, I found one of those emergency universal fan belts. Cut down a bit that fitted and gives me an idea of belt required. I've to yet workout a tensioner for that. With belts fitted, pulleys lined up and taper locks tightened, I tried turning everything by hand. Was a bit stiff at first then freed up. Most likely because the bar hadn't moved for some time. So the moment of truth had arrived. Will it work? Started up the tractor and running on just above idle slowly engaged the PTO. Bar was flat on the floor BTW. Happy to say, actually very happy, all went well and fine. As soon as I get new belts I'll give it a try on the overgrown bridleway up past my home. If all goes well, it'll be to remove for painting the mule drive. I just hope it will go up the ramps onto the trailer ok. It's definitely not something you can or want to remove in a hurry.

Ride On's. Page 8. C-120 refurb.

Is it the elongated air filter with one corner rounded off? I got one for the 5hp B&S on my Billy Goat. See my thread on it. Is it the same? I've the invoice in the workshop.

Nowt' wrong with a black chassis, Jon. Have you seen my C-121? The Black Horse? If you think it's all right black, that's all that matters. Anyway, red and black go well together.