[AT] 6 to 12 volt starter conversion--splitting tricycles

[Howard Weeks]

The largest tractor that I have split was a Super M Farmall and most of 
the other smaller ones. I build a wood frame out of 2x6 lumber and bolt 
it to the back of the block on each side. On the ground end is another 
2x6 about 5' long that supports both vertical members. Then I add 
diagonal braces of the same material on each side (front and back of the 
frame). Use deck screws to assemble. These braces stop any tendency to 
rack to the left or right in the frame. They work well on a dirt floor. 
I also try not to move them while separated from the rear of the 
tractor. If something has to move, I move the rear end on a floor jack. 
A sheet of old plywood or OSB on the ground provides a smooth foundation 
for the floor jack to move on.

I also pick up about 3-4 bolts of the size needed to bolt the front to 
the back and about 6 to 8 inches long with continuous threads. They are 
life savers when you go to match the two ends back up.

I keep the frames and reuse them.

Howard in GA

On 12/12/2016 8:48 PM, Dean VP wrote:
> A support frame needs to made out of steel or wood that bolts to the rear of
> the Tricycle front end for splitting is a requirement.  It is a very
> ungainly piece of heavy machinery without that frame.   A floor jack can be
> used for the rear but an overhead hoist works better IMHO.  The advantage of
> the two cylinder horizontal engines is they don't need to be split to fix
> the clutch.  The last tractor I split was a JD 320 industrial and it had a
> wide front end so it wasn't nearly as ungainly as a tricycle front end.  We
> adapted a stand that originally was designed for N series Ford tractors.
> Worked really well. The keys to getting the two pieces back together are the
> alignment studs to line up the bell housing with the transmission/rear end
> main case.  First time I had worked on splitting a vertical engine tractor.
> Had experienced help and that made a huge difference.  I would encourage you
> to try to find someone who has been there done that before to help. Makes a
> big difference.
>
> Dean VP
> Snohomish, WA 98290
>
> It's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.