[Itali83]

If this is the wrong section, let me know. I just figured I’d make a thread where I can dump some pictures and stories about my 110’s. I’ve been using them almost daily, not needing to but just getting them moving and being somewhat productive. My kids love driving the manual lift one around. I’ve added a block to the brake pedal so they can reach it and actually stop the tractor if need be. I’m enjoying running the one that my Uncle gave me 22 years ago. Mine needs some more work and I want to clean and install the hydro unit on it and I’ll pick away at it as time allows. That’s why I figured I’d make this thread so I’d have one place to put it all in. Hope you guys enjoy.
These pictures are from today, I’m splitting a couple oak trees that I cut down in my yard that needed to come down anyway. I have an antique coal stove that I heat my house with along with an oil boiler. With oil prices through the roof, I figured I might as well burn this this winter too. I burn coal but the stove can burn either with no changes needed to the stove. Just not very efficient at burning wood since it’s not nearly air tight. Goes through wood fast for sure. ANYWAY…. here’s a few pictures.
Ben

 

[Itali83]

Figure I can put a little update here with some pictures. My son and I rebuilt the K181 for the manual lift tractor. It had a warped head and the cylinder looked a little glazed. The oil was showing the slightest sign of metal and I wanted to catch it before a catastrophic failure. I found the big end of the rod to be just the slightest worn so I ended up getting a new rod and piston and rings, complete gasket kit and went to town. I mic’d the cylinder and crank and they were very much in spec. This had a long block at some point so I’m very happy with that. That valves still had good seal and the lash was in spec so I left them alone. I put sand paper on a flat piece of glass and went to town sanding the head flat. Didn’t take much effort or time really. Now I know the head gasket will hold and it’ll be good for a long time. It’s all rebuilt and just waiting on warmer weather to put it back in the tractor along with a few odds and ends for the tractor itself too.
Ben

 

[Itali83]

Also been working on building some integral hitches for both tractors. Can’t find any locally and everyone that has one apparently thinks they’re made from gold. So I’m making my own. Little teaser pic on my progress.
Ben

 

[Kster526]

Wow , they look great. Have to agree on the expensive part. I cannot believe how prices on parts have just skyrocketed for these old girls.
Nice size shop there too. Did you make a jig?
Can always put them on Flea-Bay and make a few dollars.

From what area do you hale ????

 

[Itali83]

The shop you see is where I work. I’ve been puttering on these hitches on my break and lunch. It is a beautiful shop. Radiant heat, 5 ton overhead gantry crane, lift for dump trucks and equipment. Very nice.

I’ve been making jigs for everything with production in mind BUT, it is taking some serious time and don’t think I’d be able to make them and sell them for what they’re worth in time and materials. I’ve got a good 10 hours in between the two and still another couple before they’re ready for paint. I know the next one would be quicker but would honestly be in the $400-500 range by the time everything is said and done. At least I’ll have them for my two tractors haha.

I’m from Southern Maine.

Ben

 

[Itali83]

Almost done. Just need to make the threaded adjusting rod. Figure out what I’m going to use for the knob/handle. I thought I saw some re-pop handles somewhere but forgot. Maybe Hapco? I do need to make the tractor side mount, pullley and bracket for the cable for the hydraulic lift tractor as well.

Ben

 

[Itali83]

Finished product before paint. Need to wait for warmer weather to mount it and double check fit. I made the adjusting handle from two big flat washers and a 5/8” nut for a temporary idea. Maybe I’ll find a better more original knob. If not, I think this will work fine

.

 

[Chaser]

Those look great, good work.

 

[Kster526]

Look great .Well done sir. I like the look of your handles

 

[tsb3]

I agree, they look great! You have skills! Those handles are probably stronger then the factory ones.

 

[Itali83]

Thanks guys. The handles are growing on me more and more. It’s my own spin on it and should work just fine. They were a lot of work but I’m happy with how they turned out. I guess I should actually try them on the tractor before I say how happy I am with them! Haha.

Ben

 

[HD-JD110Fan]

Thanks guys. The handles are growing on me more and more. It’s my own spin on it and should work just fine. They were a lot of work but I’m happy with how they turned out. I guess I should actually try them on the tractor before I say how happy I am with them! Haha.

Ben

Ben, you're doing a fine job on your Kohler K181 rebuild and I'm sure it'll be running like a champ soon. Great Job on the integral hitch fabrication, they're definitely very well made, hefty and heavy duty. I'll bet that many, many years into the future when the tractors are reduced to a pile of rust, rubber fragments, and fiberglass dust; the integral hitches will still be there... 🙂!!!