A fresh one.... 881

[Tom in Mo.]

Alls well that ends well. Thanks for the helpful and detailed reports. Are those steel toed sneakers?

 

[pomester]

Needs some TLC and maybe more....

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I thought I might post an update. This machine has been on the shop floor for about 5 months. I've been busy elsewhere although every once in a while I would spend some time/money on the project. I declare it 'semi-finished'. Certainly not a restoration, maybe a 'renovation' or 'resurrection'. A few incidentals need work - the fuel gauge does not work, lights need 12v bulbs, needs rear lights, I'd like to have a front bumper for it, etc. It really should have the rear tires loaded for safety and utility.

Anyway, it's out and I've been using it for light duty, pulling a wagon, and will soon hook it up to a pull behind mower which will give it a workout.
Transmission works well, a tiny bit jerkier than my 981, but I rebuilt the clutch packs on that one. The clutch packs use 'Belleville' style springs to smooth the transition between gears, I'd bet that those springs are pretty flat in this machine. I doubt it'll ever be a big enough deal for me to do the rear split and disassembly necessary to rectify.

Originally a gold demonstrator, I painted pieces I worked on gold (except the transmission). PS pump got new filter and sealing o-ring, new PS cylinder (fits and works, not exactly like the original), sandblasted the battery tray, purchased and installed a remote hydraulic valve. Valves adjusted, distributor removed and fully serviced, new spark plugs, engine timed. Starts easily.

New 3-point lift arms, purchased an original drawbar, heated and straightened out the drawbar bracket, sandblasted and painted. Found a toolbox to replace the missing original. New seat, the original Rest-O-Ride was dead, seized and flat on the hydraulic cover. I put it in the pile with 3 others removed from other tractors, maybe someday I'll restore one.

New exhaust, and probably most controversially, removed the half-azzed alternator install and had the original generator rewound to 12v. Rewired the machine, new USA solenoid, 'park' safety switch is working again and both the dash lights work as original. Carburetor rebuild and new float (original was partially collapsed).

Lots of fussing with details, tho the machine looked/looks pretty good (I've done no cosmetics), it had led a hard life, outside a lot, and endured a lot of 'farmerizing'.

Most of $2000 in parts (including a $569 radiator recore, that somewhat surprised me, I had another one done 4 years ago for $350 and thought that was high.

Anyway, I probably saved it from becoming a parts tractor. The engine seems real happy and I do like that 10 speed transmission. I have some tilling to do either in autumn or early spring, going slow enough is not a problem. It has a new lease on life and I enjoyed straightening it out.