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'74 Columbia

21K views 280 replies 30 participants last post by  Lance Skene 
#1 ·
I killed this one once already a couple years back but just replaced the engine recently so now Im in the process of going over the rest of it so it can go back into service. Yesterday that involved pulling out the transaxle... it still works but the detent effect that keeps it in 3rd-4th is very weak so it can occasionally pop out of gear, keyways on the axle shafts are getting worn, and it leaks a bit past the axle shafts, so its been well used. I have a complete 960 plus a second 960 in pieces I can rob parts from(Thx Tyson)... havent really decided on which one will be the donor, maybe both. Once the Columbia is finished I'll see if there's enough good parts left for another tractor... but I kind of doubt there will be.

first pic - first test drive after the engine went in
second pic - how I left it last night
 

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#2 ·
That is quite the subframe for your front plow or blower. Hope the trans goes in well.
 
#3 ·
I didnt like that OEM blade setup so I reworked it a little. Should be a thread here on that somewhere but it was a few years back now. It works quite well, one of my better modifications;)
 

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#4 ·
I had a similar type front mount for the plow. It was hydraulic lift with a chain like that used on truck plows, so it floats. It worked well and I could pile snow almost 5ft because the tractor would ride up the bank as the blade pushed snow up. Your electric lift is a nice setup.
 
#6 ·
Yep, that's what it looked like. Surprised my doubting friends when I showed them what these GTs can do when set up right.
 
#7 ·
I believe ya. LOL That pic with the JD is actually a small pile from last year, we didnt get alot of snow last year, in 2013 we had a huge storm and I had piles over 6' using the Columbia.

Havent taken the Columbia transaxle apart yet but I think I will have to go that route, I brought the complete parts tractor in and lifted it up to look at the axles/hubs... they dont look promising, hubs are rusted on to the axles which already look like they have been beaten on by somebody. So... looking thru the loose parts from the other 960(that trans was dismantled before I got it) I have what might be a usable differential with axles. keyways are not perfect but they are a whole lot better than what just came off the Columbia, if needed I'll add shims to tighten up the keystock.
 

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#16 ·
I brought the complete parts tractor in and lifted it up to look at the axles/hubs... they dont look promising, hubs are rusted on to the axles which already look like they have been beaten on by somebody. So... looking thru the loose parts from the other 960(that trans was dismantled before I got it) I have what might be a usable differential with axles. keyways are not perfect but they are a whole lot better than what just came off the Columbia, if needed I'll add shims to tighten up the keystock.
Hey, I recognize that elevated tractor! Don't think it was me that banged on the axles, probably the same person who pulled apart the transaxle (among other things) on the other machine. I DID have a heck of a time getting the weights off the rims on that complete machine, sorry that's the two bits of that machine I wanted to keep (although the generator and voltage regulator would probably have been a direct swap into my Deere's, so if I come up short of either of those maybe I'll make a road trip to YOUR place sometime! You're a bit closer to an IKEA than we are anyway! :) ).
 
#8 ·
Inside of the Columbia transaxle has some rounded gears so Im gonna swap out the whole unit with one from a JD110, same Peerless trans but I'll need to swap over a few external parts. Added bonus is that the JD axles and hubs are splined instead of just having the keystock and slot.
 

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#9 ·
The 5 bolt hub is better too. Better selection of rims and tires.
 
#11 ·
Yes, looking at several pictures on the web, all series with manual transmissions seem to have 5 bolt hubs.
 
#14 ·
You have a large welding table. Nice for this type of dirty project.
 
#17 ·
Ive given up on all three of the MTD transaxles... they all have some good parts but the keyways are a common weak point. Most of the damage is probably caused by running chains, a single piece of keystock is not enough to withstand the constant beating that chains apply.

Was there a spare str/gen in that yellow crate?? If so it will still be there. I might have others aswell but not sure off hand.
 
#19 ·
I don't think there was, but I honestly can't remember. No worries, I've got a couple of V/Rs, and definitely one generator... I'd only need another generator if I actually went for assembling a fourth round fender... And I think I'd have bigger problems than a generator at that point. Like, having to find a new place to live! :)
 
#23 ·
Havent stopped fpr any new pics but Ive had this tractor out pushing snow several times now... found a bolt or two that I had forgotten to tighten up but otherwise its working better than ever, engine is running nice and has plenty of low rpm power(thanks Tyson), transaxle works fine and shifts properly, splined hubs remain nice and tight. Nice to have it back in use. Happy Happy Happy!!! ;)
 
#24 ·
Couple weeks back in service now and no issues poppin up... been hauling trailers around and moving snow with it some, and odd jobs just trying to use it as much as possible. Snow has been melting so there's only a few inches left around most of the yard. Sure like havin the tractor back tho thats for sure.
 

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#26 ·
I like your drawbar setup.
 
#28 ·
Hi Lance
i see that you enjoy your columbia
i also own one, but mine is 990 same diff i guess, you can take a look at it in my tractor gallery page 29 its yellow (normrickard)
It's been completely overhauled, plus i added a subframe for it from front to back, the blower, blade and bucket are all quick connect,
i can send you more picks if your interested, Norm
you can also reach me by email normrickard@gmail.com
 
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