[oifla]

hello all

after looking around for some time, i finally ran into one of those vaunted 'barn finds' you all seem to trip over all the time (well, not *all* of you but you know what i mean).

got a great deal on a GT6000 and had to bring it home:

a bit rough but supposedly worked when last parked to be stored in the barn. either way definitely worth the $50 i paid for it (actually it and a craftsman push mower that apparently also works). needs a battery and a seat, also will have to hunt down a deck at some point. it does come with an 18hp briggs that looks to be all there

the model number is 917.254410 and my first task is to find a manual.

oh yeah, not sure what i am going to do with this in terms of paint scheme but it will get a new coat this winter... it does have a name though, 'goliath' after the mean truck from the knight rider series of the 1980s. these tractors have always reminded me of that look:

:Tractor2: (wrong color but it captures the idea anyway)

 

[GT_80]

Sweet deal! $50 even if it needs some work is way worth it!

 

[oifla]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

Sweet deal! $50 even if it needs some work is way worth it!

my thoughts exactly

 

[CraftMan]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

Sweet find, I love that model. Quick question, I've seen that tractor called both a gt6000 and a gt18. What's the difference, same engine, and transaxle. I know the later 6000's are different but I'm unclear on the earlier models.

 

[Deck_drive]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

There is nothing different between the 2, same thing.

 

[Slow Crawler]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

Nice find!! and a great deal you got on it. I have the 20hp mogel it is a craftsman III. :thThumbsU:thThumbsU

 

[Dude11]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

Yup,,while you got the lucky streak going,you need to trot right back out there and get a lottery ticket!:biglaugh: Don't mess with "lady luck". Great find and really good price!! Way-t-go!!:trink40:

 

[oifla]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

question on decks for these: i was out at the local junkyard and they had a few tractors of the some design/style with 44 decks but they all had the vertical shaft (mine is horizontal), will those decks work on my tractor?

 

[CraftMan]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

The decks are not interchangeable, the horizontal shaft models used a mule drive on the front and the deck pullies will be different. It may be possible to adapt one to work, not sure.

 

[oifla]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

i think we need to do more 'research' on this because the thickness of the metal on the original decks is pretty skimpy, even some of the newer craftsmans look tougher/thicker. if i find something i may be tempted to try a hybrid (old brackets with a newer deck)

 

[Slow Crawler]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

Like Craftman said I don't think the decks are interchangable, but I could be wrong. I know you have to have the mule drive for it to work.

 

[larrybl]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

Brings back memories, Good luck, I Like the name. Check out HULK II if you have any questions.

:MTF_wel2:

PS It looks like you have the muel drive.

 

[Sergeant]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

hello all

after looking around for some time, i finally ran into one of those vaunted 'barn finds' you all seem to trip over all the time (well, not *all* of you but you know what i mean).

got a great deal on a GT6000 and had to bring it home:

a bit rough but supposedly worked when last parked to be stored in the barn. either way definitely worth the $50 i paid for it (actually it and a craftsman push mower that apparently also works). needs a battery and a seat, also will have to hunt down a deck at some point. it does come with an 18hp briggs that looks to be all there

the model number is 917.254410 and my first task is to find a manual.

oh yeah, not sure what i am going to do with this in terms of paint scheme but it will get a new coat this winter... it does have a name though, 'goliath' after the mean truck from the knight rider series of the 1980s. these tractors have always reminded me of that look:

:Tractor2: (wrong color but it captures the idea anyway)

Always Nice to see one of the Last Loader Capable Designed Craftsman:thThumbsU

 

[oifla]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

decks: larrybl, good eye. mule drive confirmed. i am on the hunt for a deck but so far nothing. will keep looking of course.

 

[oifla]

hitch options GT6000

hitches: in terms of hitches, all i see for these are sleeve hitches. i found one (on this board) with a sleeve hitch powered by electric actuator. are there any options for 3 pt hitches for the GT6000?

 

[oifla]

adding hydraulics

how do people add hydraulics to boxer motors? i can see it being relatively easy to install upfront if the tractor was to become a dedicated loader (without a deck) but it seems a little trickier if one wants to preserve the ability to use a deck.

i ask because (at some future date down the road) i'd like to look into a loader setup. right now i'm evaluating hitch options and while i have nothing against a sleeve hitch i would really like the functionality of a hydraulic 3pt hitch.

 

[Sergeant]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

oifla as far as a Loader Kwik-way Made a Loader Kit for this style of Craftsman It consisted of the Loader, Sub frame, Dual wheel spacers and a 2nd set of rims’ & Tires and depending on the Model the Kit may have Included spindle Upgrades for the front axle and the Loader was Driven By a Belt driven Hydraulic Pump I know back in 92 You could Get one of these Style GT with a deck and a Loader for under $5,000 I think it was about $4,500 Total I had Looked at doing that Back then But Had ended up with a Ingersoll 3016PS instead without a loader:thThumbsU

 

[oifla]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

oifla as far as a Loader Kwik-way Made a Loader Kit for this style of Craftsman It consisted of the Loader, Sub frame, Dual wheel spacers and a 2nd set of rims’ & Tires and depending on the Model the Kit may have Included spindle Upgrades for the front axle and the Loader was Driven By a Belt driven Hydraulic Pump I know back in 92 You could Get one of these Style GT with a deck and a Loader for under $5,000 I think it was about $4,500 Total I had Looked at doing that Back then But Had ended up with a Ingersoll 3016PS instead without a loader:thThumbsU

thanks sergeant. i'll keep an eye out for the kwik-way loader but i'm guessing its a long shot.

i'm currently trying to figure out my plans for goliath, specifically trying to think through the cost/benefit of going with a DIY hydraulic setup or picking up an electric linear actuator for my powered hitch setup. if i can slowly build on the hydraulic towards something that would (some day) be able to install a loader on it, then it is worth thinking about (esp. when compared to the electric which is simpler to install but more of a dead end in that regard).

 

[mcavvie]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

You could also use a electric over hydraulic self contained unit for your hydraulics like this

http://www.princessauto.com/hlr-system/WebPhotos/81/817/8178/8178998.jpg

thanks sergeant. i'll keep an eye out for the kwik-way loader but i'm guessing its a long shot.

i'm currently trying to figure out my plans for goliath, specifically trying to think through the cost/benefit of going with a DIY hydraulic setup or picking up an electric linear actuator for my powered hitch setup. if i can slowly build on the hydraulic towards something that would (some day) be able to install a loader on it, then it is worth thinking about (esp. when compared to the electric which is simpler to install but more of a dead end in that regard).

 

[oifla]

Re: GT6000 (aka goliath)

You could also use a electric over hydraulic self contained unit for your hydraulics like this

http://www.princessauto.com/hlr-system/WebPhotos/81/817/8178/8178998.jpg

that's interesting - pricey - but interesting. thanks for the link.