homebuilt stabilizers

[hodge]

I grew tired, quickly, of dealing with the turnbuckles on the lower arms. So, I fashioned a set of adjustable stabilizer bars on my B7100, like the bigger tractors have. I messed with the blade, and they did well- time will tell with a heavier implement, like the tiller. I have included a photo.
http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/br549_red/?action=view&current=stabilizer001.jpg

 

[JKP]

Good looking idea, more details on what you did would really help out. I have been thinking about the same thing.
Rgds,
J

 

[Kytim]

It looks as though you may be using them with a quick hitch. is that right? how does implements behave with them? what about something really heavy like a finish mower that would exert a great deal of sideways torque?

I've been wanting to make a similar set too!!!


thznks,
kytim

 

[hodge]

No quick hitch- that is a scraper blade. They did well using the scraper blade. I will see how they hold up with the tiller and finish mower.
This was my first set, and I made compromises, which I plan to correct for- these are a working set, to see what works. I wanted thicker wall square tubing, but this was all that I could locate at the moment. Also, I don't want to use the link on the ends. I would rather bend some round stock, having it run a couple of inches down either side of the square stock, and weld on either side. I think that will be stronger and more balanced. I think that I have the hole spacing correct, and the length of the two tubes correct. The question at this point is durability, and while the thickness of this stock may be marginal, I am sure that a thicker wall set will be plenty strong. Overall, I am pleased with the potential- I hate the turnbuckles. They work, but this is better.
Mark

 

[ametcalf]

The stabilizers look great, I'll bet alot of us will be watching this thread so we don't have to reinvent the wheel. Thanks for sharing with us.
ametcalf

 

[hodge]

I mowed yesterday, and they handled the side-to-side of the mower well. My next plans are to make another set, not using the chain links but round stock, and thicker wall tubing. I will also be looking at heim joints. No doubt about it, though- they are much nicer! Attach the implement, raise it a little, then adjust the stabilizers. Takes a couple of seconds.