I realize this is probably a stupid question, but do all Gravely attachments fit all Gravely 2 wheelers?

My cousin was about to throw out a sickle mower, tool holder, a badly beat up mower deck, and a rotary plow. All now reside in my barn.

I'm wondering what model to look for that would be the most versatile for plowing, tilling and bush-hog use?

Yes and No

No, the older attachments won't bolt up to the newer tractors with a quick hitch.

Yes, you can take the quick hitch off the newer tractors and it will bolt on.

I like the tractors with the 4 forward and 4 reverse speeds. Without the lower gears it is hard to keep up with them on hilly or difficult terrain. I have had gout for the last 25 years and my ankles remind me on hills and when I walk fast. The 8 HP and older L/C models have a real nice balance with attachments. The extra HP on the 10 12 and 16 HP units makes using bigger decks nice for mowing.

 

Yes and no part is correct. But most Professional series tractors from 1987 till the end have to keep the QH nose on. For those there is a Retrofit Kit that allows one to use the older attachment on the newer tractors. The Pros use a brake in the nose and the clutch is internal.

 

Smart move John - keeping those attachments. As Kyyada explained, yes with a little extra work nearly all the attachments from way back to the latest made - or should i say last made, will fit nearly all the Gravely tractors. That is true to some extent whether the tractor is a walk behind or a rider.

That's one of the reasons for me personally, that I am a fan. In this throw away planned obsolescent world we live in...... I just love that.

Haven't noticed you posting but it looks like you have been around a while. So I'll just add :MTF_wel2: my welcome to MTF.

Oh. And I don't think there is such a thing as a stupid question around here. If you need an answer ask. That's why the place is billed as friendly.

 

I'm wondering what model to look for that would be the most versatile for plowing, tilling and bush-hog use?

In my opinion, an L8 or C8 would be good for you & the attachments you listed. I don't know what part of Arkansas you're in but I just checked CL for Little Rock & didn't find any current listings. You'll find something though & we'll be here to help you any way we can.

 

Thanks all. I have never used a Gravely, but I couldn't see letting these get tossed. Hopefully they're still usable.

 

If they are intact and not rusted into one solid mass...they, with a little work are probably still usable.

Those attachments are pretty darn tough...it takes quite a bit to kill them, 'all dead' (to me, that's the point that it isn't even worth stripping anything off for spare parts).

Why not post some pics...that way folks can see if they'd be worth using.

 

Why not post some pics...that way folks can see if they'd be worth using.

+1 on that. :wwp:

 

I will try to post some pics this coming week. I turned my ankle yesterday, and no more tractors till I can walk right. Thanks again for the input!

 

Ouch!!!!!! But we still want pics.

 

I will "ditto" your thought to keep the old attachments, vs. seeing them migrate to the county landfill or scrap yard. :fing32: We can only wonder how many hundreds - more likely thousands - of older tractors and attachments have already found a resting place there. I rescued one machine from that destined fate, but have read too many other non-success stories. If you decide not to use them, other folks nearby would be glad to take them off your hands.

 

I will "ditto" your thought to keep the old attachments, vs. seeing them migrate to the county landfill or scrap yard. :fing32: We can only wonder how many hundreds - more likely thousands - of older tractors and attachments have already found a resting place there.

Ummm...isn't that 'rusting' place?

 

Here are a few pictures of what isn't already in the back of the barn. I will post more later. But here are the plow and the "tool holder" - I haven't quite figured out what to do with that yet.

Only number I can see on the plow is F 5969

One more question - there is no zerk fitting, so this greases through the square knucklebuster port on top? (About 7 o'clock in the last photo)

 

No grease fitting on the gear case as it uses 140wt gear oil. You do grease the swivel part of the gear box to advance casting connection.

 

The plow gearbox takes 140 gear oil. There should be a grease fitting on the side of the casting between the gearbox and the PTO drive end - this greases the "swivel feature" but not the gearbox.

It'll probably need new seals to keep gear oil in. They're pretty easy to replace, although if you don't plan on using it for a little while, there probably isn't any rush.

Here's a link to a manual:

http://gravelytractorclub.org/images/PDFs/manuals/gardening-equipment/Rotary_Plow_OldStyle_Own_Man_0774.pdf

 

Thanks both for the info - and the link.

 

I've finally had a chance to update this thread. The shaft came out with the careful application of a sledge hammer and 2x4. It does not leak, apparently they just never really cleaned it. I'm hoping to see it plowing next month.

 

As for the old style walk-behinds, with the Gravely engine, an L-8 (Swiftmatic, with the little shifter lever UNDER the right-hand handlebar, next to the gas tank) is probably the best, as it gives you four speeds forward and four reverse, and the two-speed axle ( small shift lever described above) allows you to change ground speed w/o affecting PTO speed.

For Plowing, tilling, bush-hog, etc. if you can't find an L-8 in your price range, the next best (in my opinion) would be an L-I ( L Intermediate speed ) ...

I have found that the standard L is geared a little fast for slow work, like plowing, so that you're slipping the clutch a lot, which shortens the life of the clutches.

Don't know if snow removal is a concern for you, but if it is, and you're thinking about a Gravely snow-blower attachment, then the L-8 is a must; even the L-I is geared too fast for snow blowing.

The latest model L's (white & orange-red, with the hood that wraps back over the gas tank), and have the 7.6 HP engine are the last and best of the Gravely-engined tractors.

The older machines are still viable, but tend to have more issues with the engines.

You done good to save all that stuff...

Gravelys last a long, long time...