Bought this 444 in 2013. It runs, it mows and it leaks -What is it? Two yrs later I rolled it into the garage and put it on a recently acquired lift and there it sat for another two yrs. Been there so long it was surrounded by other projects, tractors and yes, if I'm being honest - some junk.
Well finally, after thinking of a way to modernize the lift Converting airbag lift to hydraulics??? and then being talked out of it by my friend, I had no recourse but to start on this poor forsaken tractor.
So the work has begun.
First thoughts were to strip it down, all of it, every nut and bolt. Get rid of the yellow and then paint. Then common sense took over... actually my buddy told me I was an idiot and should make sure it runs before doing all that. Can't believe I gave him the line that all of has heard at least once and probably more... IT RAN WHEN I PARKED IT!!!
Needed to take few things off to enable better access. The rear wheels along with the C110847 weights.
Along with the bracket for the rear weights along w/ the weights themselves.
Those "little" suckers are 54lbs each. Set them near a gallon can for size reference.
A bit more disassembly and basic cleaning. There's a lot more of that to do as this was spouting a major hydro leak, but looking at the bright side, no rust underneath. Just like Fluid Film. The leak was from some poorly brazed (one tube) and one poorly glued with an epoxy.(not mentioning any brands) Both of those lines have been replaced.
As mentioned in previous threads there are some missing parts that have been obtained and will be fitting them.
The brakes now in place.
More to come.
Well finally, after thinking of a way to modernize the lift Converting airbag lift to hydraulics??? and then being talked out of it by my friend, I had no recourse but to start on this poor forsaken tractor.
So the work has begun.
First thoughts were to strip it down, all of it, every nut and bolt. Get rid of the yellow and then paint. Then common sense took over... actually my buddy told me I was an idiot and should make sure it runs before doing all that. Can't believe I gave him the line that all of has heard at least once and probably more... IT RAN WHEN I PARKED IT!!!
Needed to take few things off to enable better access. The rear wheels along with the C110847 weights.
Along with the bracket for the rear weights along w/ the weights themselves.
Those "little" suckers are 54lbs each. Set them near a gallon can for size reference.
A bit more disassembly and basic cleaning. There's a lot more of that to do as this was spouting a major hydro leak, but looking at the bright side, no rust underneath. Just like Fluid Film. The leak was from some poorly brazed (one tube) and one poorly glued with an epoxy.(not mentioning any brands) Both of those lines have been replaced.
As mentioned in previous threads there are some missing parts that have been obtained and will be fitting them.
The brakes now in place.
More to come.