GTS5000 Mods

Yea I built it, used 2x2 tube and angle. My original plans where to incorporate shear pins to break in case tines got stuck which accounts for its overly built size but my initial testing showed shear pins werent necessary as I could not go fast enough to really break anything.

I forgot to add my lessons learned section.
1. I used a remote control winch from HF, unfortunately the remote has an inherrent relay latching time which does not allow for infinite adjustment, ie the sleeve hitch rotates in ~10 deg increments. I attentuated this somewhat by adding a pulley but Im wiring in a regular toggle switch to activate the relays for infinite adjustability.
2. At Tractor Supply I noticed they had a "Quadivator" which had the "S" shaped sring loaded tines, these tines are also available from King Kutter thru Northern Tool. There a bit pricey would make for an easy fabrication job since they bolt right ont 2x2 sqr tubing, and of course they inlcude the spring capablility.

Nice work! I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that these tractors can do ground engaging work. I mow my lawn and feel the frame flex and I dunno, I am just spoiled since it's been many year since I had a tractor this size!

You did a great job on the fab work! Sure wish I had metal fab skills (and equipment) if you can bend and weld steel, you can just about make anything!

Brett-JD3320 said:

Nice work! I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that these tractors can do ground engaging work. I mow my lawn and feel the frame flex and I dunno, I am just spoiled since it's been many year since I had a tractor this size!

You did a great job on the fab work! Sure wish I had metal fab skills (and equipment) if you can bend and weld steel, you can just about make anything!

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Thanks, I can feel the frame flex on mine also, it seems to be getting worse. Its more of a torsional twist so I dont think itll hurt anything. I figure I can keep reinforcing the tractor and one day Ill end up with tank assuming the trans holds up.

Craftsman if your listening, switch to a welded super strong frame, and put at least 30" tall knarly tires on. That would make all the difference in the world IMO.

that is an awesome looking setup, wish i had the skills/tools to build something like that!

as far as Craftsman building somehting stronger, they don't want to do it. the new "Professional Series" is their top of the line stuff and even it stays in teh box store consumer price range. keep in mind that box stores don't want to service your stuff, they want to sell you a replacement every few years, this is called planned obselesence.

if your machine is as stout as my older Craftsman, then the tranny should hold up fine.

badbascom said:

Thanks, I can feel the frame flex on mine also, it seems to be getting worse. Its more of a torsional twist so I dont think itll hurt anything.

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As it is, the frame has to flex. The mods I made in this post significantly reduced the flex in my DGS6500.: http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=78516

Increasing the front axle travel and the front bolt I added are really worth doing. The rear bolts are for reinforcement of the poor welds.

davidg said:

that is an awesome looking setup, wish i had the skills/tools to build something like that!

as far as Craftsman building somehting stronger, they don't want to do it. the new "Professional Series" is their top of the line stuff and even it stays in teh box store consumer price range. keep in mind that box stores don't want to service your stuff, they want to sell you a replacement every few years, this is called planned obselesence.

if your machine is as stout as my older Craftsman, then the tranny should hold up fine.

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FYI:

The "Professional Series" PGT9000 is a GTS5000 with a yellow seat, yellow bumper, yellow steering wheel, hood scoop and a yellow deck. The only difference I have heard was the deck on the professional series is a slightly thicker gauge (and we're talking very slightly so it's not likely to hold up any better).

The transmission and the engine are fine, the weak point is the same weak point on all consumer yard tractors (even the one's denoted as "Garden") the frames and other sheet metal. If you want a serious tractor, the kind you can hand down to different generations, they still make them but they don't come from a box store and they start in the $6000.00 range.



Sock,

I will be checking your thread out in a moment. Flex is fine, I understand on a vehicle without suspension, your only means of absorption are the tires and the frame. But the thickness of frame on these machines is laughable.. I guess you can't make it out of 1/4" thick steel, that would cost too much and would put it up in the big tractor price range.

I seriously think the mower deck on my old JD 425 was only 200lbs lighter than my whole GTS5000 weighs in at!

Glenn M said:

Jason Is that a Nova in the background?

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Yeppers its my 63 Nova, its a 10.5" tire racer. Since My wife and I moved to San Antonio and bought new house I havent had the money to get her going again. I was in the middle of painting it when we decided to move. Ohwell, in another year or so hoepfully Illl be finanicially recovered.

*Sigh* I miss my old cars from time to time! I had a 71 Dodge Demon with a 72 440 block punched 60 over, Mopar 502 purple stick, 10.5:1 static, big valves, weiand track ram, holley 1050 3barrel (off a Motion Phase 3 454) -10 fuel system, 8" tubs, narrowed 8.75 with 3.92's and a spool, TF727 with a Cheetah reverse manual VB, TCI 10" 3500 stall, Centerline auto drags, 15x10 out back with MT N-50-15's, 15x 7.5's up front, Pinion snubber, super stock leafs yadda yadda.... That was a fun car! One of the few that's ever scared me

I do have two Hemi's in the stable (new Hemi's)