[Ktcr78]

I've been reading posts from this site for a while and have learned a lot. I am planning to tryout garden tractor pulling this summer so any info I can learn from you guys would be helpful. I started with a 1970 JD70 my dad formerly used to mow at his cottage when he upgraded to a newer mower this one sat for a couple of years, then I decided to put it back into use. After cleaning the carb, new plug ect. on the vh70 I had it running pretty good then no spark, new points & cond. still none. I found a used Honda gxv 270 motor and decided to repower. After some more reading I dove in and so far I am happy with the results it did involve a fair amount of reworking and resizing of the engine area but I think this motor will be better for pulling and I don't plan on using the pto or deck so all of it was removed. I want to lighten the tractor up so I can move the weight to where I can best use it for pulling. I am following the rules of a local tractor club as I do the mods they allow in stock class. I want to start in a #550 class if I can and add weight for higher classes. any pointers I can get on location of added weight? I have made an adjustable hitch and am workin on wheelie bars now.

 

[woodpecker41]

Ken my only comment is around here a stock class tractor must have a stock engine. By that they mean the manufacturer as came in the tractor. You would be running with the modified tractors around here. Welcome to WFM and you have nice tractor started there. Enjoy it. Roger

 

[Ktcr78]

Thanks Roger, The local club rules for stock allow up to a 2hp engine change. The Honda gxv270 is rated @ 8.5hp so only a 1.5 change from the vh70's 7hp. Only mod allowed to engine is exaust (staight pipe), The tractor has to have been mfg before 1985 (no homemades allowed)
The pulls look like a lot of fun.
Does anyone here pull with a 60 or 70 ?

 

[bob123]

I think someone here pulled with a 60 or 70 with a twin cylinder onan, but I might be wrong, what are the rules on tire size in your club? with we had something like that around here, there is only one pulling place and everybody uses cubs with 14 horse kholers, so my 112 wouldnt stand a chance, so unfortunantly i will have to go over to the dark side and buy a cub

 

[Ktcr78]

Tire size is limited to max size 23x10.50x12, I am using 18x9.50x8. Weight classes are from #550 to #1150 And you get to do 3 classes with the same tractor. They have a weight transfer sled and a dead weight sled.
Lots of brands of tractors showup including cubs, I believe a Wheel Horse took top honors this past summer.
I have 2 places close by that do the Garden Tractor pulls so I should get a good chance to learn. Here are some pics of progress I am making with the tractor. Wheelie bar and hitch, and a front bumper bar that I plan to be able to add weight to.

 

[Jloch]

Ken, would this qualify for the pulling rules you guys have? It has a twelve horse tricked up Tecumseh motor.

 

[Ktcr78]

Sorry Joe, That one isn't quite in the rules for engine size .... at least not as a stock tractor.
It could be if you downsized the engine to a 9hp.
Yours is one that I have looked at a lot in deciding to do mine tho, And at some point I may go for the larger tires and raised fenders like you did! I sure like the look you got there. I am keeping my eyes open for the hubs like you have. My hitch is adjustable so I could go to a taller tire without having to change that but I have to see what it can do with the smaller tires first.
How did you workout gas tank and battery under the hood? I had to relocate a gas tank where the battery sat, My engine has both pull and elec start so I have just been using the rope.

 

[Jloch]

Ken, thanks for the compliments, Here are some pics. of the engine after I installed it. I did not have to relocate the gas tank nor the battery tray. I just had to enlarge the oil drain hole in the frame very little and redrill the mounting holes in the mounting plate. It was a very easy install. See the attached pics. before I redone the tractor, notice all the room in the front of the spark plug. The engine is pinned up tight against the rear mount upright.

 

[Ktcr78]

Wow Joe, that engine does fit well in there. I had to make a new mounting plate and I welded it in the upper part of the frame rails so my engine sets higher than stock location. Someone else here also used the same Honda engine as I did and had to stretch the front a bit to get it to work, I decided to cut and make space moving the engine back instead. The height of this doesn't allow me to use the stock tank and I had to drill new holes to raise the hood pins up about 3/4" for clearance of the air cleaner It does have room for a smaller tank up top but I haven't found the right one as yet.