Thoughts on a model B

Thanks

Craig

I HAVE A 1948 B, I RUN A WOODS MOD L59 60 INCH CUT IT DOES A SUPER JOB. I FEEL IF YOUR MOTOR IS IN GOOD SHAPE YOU MIGHT RUN A 72 INCH CUT ON YOURS, BUT YOU CAN DEFINETLY GO WITH THE L59 FOR SURE. HOPE THIS HELPS OUT, FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME WITH ANY MORE QUESTIONS.

GREG BAHR acguy@greatlakes.net

I have a 1950 Model B and really like the little tractor. In my eyes, it is a very elegant little tractor with its Victorian waistline, if a tractor can be considered elegant.

The engine hp is about 20; the pto hp is about 17-18. I bought my 3 pt hitch conversion kit (Model HK 308) from Worksaver (www.worksaver.com)and found that it is a good fit, easily installed, well made, and has a good instruction manual. I paid about $525 from my local dealer (they don't sell direct.) It was a little more expensive than some others, but the quality seems above others that I have seen. Now I can use all of the 3 pt implements that I already have for my Kubota. Realize that you must have an original drawbar to install this hitch kit.

If I were going to use a rotary or finish mower, I would invest in an overrunning pto clutch (about $35 - $40). I think that AC went to a 1 3/8 inch, 6 spline pto shaft in 1952, but I would measure it. Mine is 1 1/8, but I found the conversion to 1 3/8 and overrunning clutch in one unit at the same dealer through whom I bought the hitch kit.

I think that you will be pleasantly surprised to find how many parts are still available for your little tractor through your local ex-AC dealer or through the internet.

Enjoy your B!

Can you tell me the lift capacity of the three point on the B?

I'm at work and don't have the manual, but I believe that the manual lists a "maximum lift capacity" of 400# at 24 inches behind the lower lift arms. I put the max lift in quotes because I have lifted my 5 ft finish mower that weighs about 525# without any problems. The front end gets a little light but steering remains positive. I may be a little leery in hill country, but my land is as flat as a pool table.

I will not exceed the lift specs very often. If you look at the way that the kit mounts to the tractor, the weight is supported by a piece of angle iron that the fenders mount to and the drawbar that was never designed, I don't think, to carry a heavy weight. The drawbar, I suspect, was designed more for a pulling force rather than a vertical force.

Without regard to the above, I like the hitch and recommend it highly.

No, I don't have any weights on the front. I have thought about looking for some of the weights that mount along side of the engine, but I am afaraid that if I put weight on the front, I will be more tempted to overload the 3-point hitch. I figure that if the front end gets too light, then I have too much weight on the hitch. It's kind of a "check and balance" with me. I do the same with my Kubota. I have the suitcase weights for the front, but seldom use them for the reason cited above. Usually, I will only use them in 4 wd in my muddy horse paddock. I try not to exceed the reasonable limitations of the little tractors that I have.