212 which tires

Tim,
I tried the very thing you asking about. I modified my Curtis cab mounts so that I could leave them attached to the frame and still mount the loader brackets. I probably have pictures of the mods to the loader brackets. The other part I discovered I needed to do was to remove the inner "ear" off of each loader bracket socket...the part that accepts the loader masts. I thought that would do it, however, the clearance was so tight between the loader brackets and the outside of the cab, I gave it up because I would have either dented or scratched the cab with the loader bracket sockets. I settled for being able to leave the Curtis cab mounts permanently attached to the frame when switching from winter to summer configuration.

I asked Curtis if they had designed the cab to be used with the loader and they said no. The main reason was the horizontal cross member between the loader masts would prevent the cab being installed at the same time. I had decided I could add a stand-off to the front of each loader mast to allow enough clearance for the cab but when the loader frame socket clearance issue surfaced I didn't pursue any further.

Having said all this, as I recall from reading on this site awhile back, there seem to be two different sets of loader brackets. If I recall correctly, I think the only difference between the two was that the newer version offered more clearance between the loader bracket and the rear tires (more clearance for bar tires and/or turfs with chains). If the newer version also provided 1/4" more clearance between the inside edge of loader socket and the fender pan foot rests, then it might be doable to have the loader and cab co-exist....in my case at least.


Hope this helps....let me know if you want pics of the modified Curtis cab mounts and I'll see if I can dig them up.

Tim

Tim, thanks for the reply. I'm not sure I completely follow your first paragraph - are you saying you gave up on mounting the cab and loader brackets at the same time, so you pull the loader brackets off to put the cab on?

It appears that the fairly beat up cab I have has the cab brackets modified to fit on at the same time as the loader frame, but as you say that doesn't mean that the cab itself will fit.

I'd very much appreciate seeing some pics, of both the modified cab and modified loader brackets. Or really any pics you have would be great. I'm also interested in how the cab mates up with the front of the footboards - wondering if I can modify the cab with some type of bracket to mount directly on the loader frame, or if the cab brackets are needed to prevent their being a gap at the bottom front of the cab.

If you'd prefer sending them rather than adding to WFM's storage tab, my address is in my profile. Thanks!

Tim

TimS,
Yes, exactly. The loader brackets and the Curtis cab brackets co-exist [with some modification of the cab brackets where they attach to the frame] but the loader brackets and cab body do no coexist. Basically, I had to cut and grind a half moon shape on each cab bracket to allow clearance where the loader bracket attaches to the frame. Having done that, I can leave the cab brackets attached to the frame and put the loader brackets on and off as needed.

Due to clearance issues, I have elected to take the loader brackets off when mounting the cab itself. Even by removing the inside ears on the loader bracket sockets, there is negative clearance between the loader bracket sockets and the outside cab glass /surface. I even contemplated adding 1/4" spacers between the front loader brackets and the tractor frame to try to obtain enough clearance but since I know I'd be pushing the loader to advertised capacity and then some, I elected not to potentially jeopardize the structural integrity of the loader bracket design.

I have the cab mounted now....I can take some pics to show you how they line up on my machine. I'll take new pics of the cab bracket modifications if I can't find the originals as well and will email them.

Timf

I have only read that turf tires are best for running in snow/ice as the chain links contact the ground better.............

yea, I thought the same thing. That is sorta splitting hairs. SOme guys keep a set of turf tires mounted on rims with the chain. Ready to mount on the hub come first snow. Pull the bars and mount the slicks. And studs welded to the rim. The weights slip right onto said studs. A couple of nuts and good to go.

I guess.

Furthermore....read that chains don't fit proper on a set of bar tires. I have yet to have a problem.

I like a weight box. I keep it in place year 'round. Has a hitch on the bottom of it. Load her with weight when time comes. Then others still, leave the integral tiller mounted and employ that for weight.................havn't tried that,,,,, yet.