Massey 1800 steering problems. Going nowhere fast!

[@DarkTiran]

Love the precision workmanship, high level technical assessments and precise vocabulary. It is is why I come to this channel!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I would expect nothing less 😆

[@brianramsey4097]

Hi JT just wanted to let you know my grandfather and I are definitely looking forward to each and every video you put out thank you for sharing

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

That is awesome! I appreciate that!

[@juanballesteros9472]

​@@jtsbarnngrill6873hey jt you're a tractor warrior,,I wish I had half of the patience you got to work on my tractors,, you're so creative and intelligent! Cheers! from southern California!

[@robertburt9071]

Grow up Massey Ferguson and seeing your tractors from 35 to 1805 Your channel brings back so many memories From Ontario Canada Keep them coming Hands off to you

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks 👍. I appreciate that!

[@That_ole_Dodge]

That amazing old tractor is slowly creeping back into a working farm tractor. Great series

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks 👍

[@thomasrogers4201]

JT, always enjoy your videos. Great to watch you diagnose the problems and then repair them. Keep the videos coming and we’ll cheer you on. God bless you!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks, will do!

[@hanumon22]

There is something gratifying watching you push snow. I can't put my finger on it...wait...it's the raw horse power you have at your fingertips that makes it fantastic

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on 😉

[@iainpaton1865]

Keep the great work up friend and please keep the great videos coming friend from Scotland 😊

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks! I will!

[@ronzezulka6646]

Wouldn't be any fun if every issue was solved on the first shot. Keep after it. Cheers 🍻

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Cheers!

[@billspiegel2612]

This series of 1800 videos gives me flashbacks to 1986, when my dad bought a wore out 1800. Same exact problems. I can’t remember exactly all we did to fix the steering issues - replaced pumps, and hoses, and belts. I think we were able to use it on about 40 acres before the Cat engine gave up. I hope you have more success than we did. ;) As weird as it maybe to say, I am thoroughly enjoying this series. You and my dad would have had some good conversations about these rigs.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on! They can be a struggle lol

[@corydriver7634]

I think you figured it out. That cylinder has a lot of oil and dirt buildup on it too so I would assume it’s leaking somewhere. The little comical snippets at the end of your videos are awesome.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks😆. Those always require the extra thought process lol

[@miketaylor5986]

Those white plastic pieces look like the material used for seals in a lot of hydraulic cylinders. I think you are on the right track.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks! I hope so!

[@danipema1272]

The plastic pieces you found in the valve earlier in the video are most likely parts of your steer cylinder packings

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I would bet that is correct!

[@greasefoxx6943]

Easy check we did in the shop when suspecting a leaking cylinder: pressurize one side of the cylinder, doesnt matter which one, open the line on the other end. If the cylinder is tight you'll be seeing no oil coming out except the oil that was in there, but that stops dripping after a while. If its leaking theres going to be a constant flow out of the cylinder.

[@markflick1641]

Stick with it JT we’re all pulling for you 👍

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks!! I’ll get it 😉

[@chadtosh6831]

Hahaha, I noticed the new kicks when you were crawling around changing out the valve. Lol 👍🍻. New shoes, new tractor, new shop, you are riding high JT!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I’m trying 😆😆

[@davebur3350]

That's COOL You Deal with STEINER...Our Land is straight-across M-13 from Their Warehouse and ALDERMAN's TRACTOR-Dealer&Parts...some of Our Land was Sold recently but We still FARM 200 Acres and have many Acres of Woods back by Bristol Rd.🚜👍

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on! I know right where that is!

[@juanballesteros9472]

Hey j.t.you,te a tractor warrior man!! I wish I could have the patience to do half of the things you accomplish,, you're so creative and intelligent!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks 👍. I appreciate that!

[@Military-Museum-LP]

I’m really looking forward to the new shop and 1800 projects.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on!

[@johnwesner3935]

Hey TJ, maybe the previous owners fell for the old " it's typically..." On my last project I spent more time figuring out what had been done wrong than actually fixing the problems. The fun part for me is that I'm constantly learning!😊 Thanks

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I think you are spot on!

[@davebur3350]

Hey J.T....was It just Me or did FLUFFY See a GHOST from MOUSE from the Past...Surely FLINCHed an INCH🙀😿....and I Hear-You about that Temp. Change...We have a FARM in LENNON, Michigan from 1836 which is 15 minutes from FLINT and was 76 Sunny-Degrees and We were Sweating-Balls one-Day and next It was 14 Degrees WindChill...was Biggest Temp.-Change I can ever remember since I was Born in 1972!!!😱🥶...GLAD 1800 was @-Least moveable for to Gett in BARN for Service and Happy You are making Progress💪👍

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks! I e been to Lennon a time or two to hit up Steiner tractor parts

[@garyfeltus9801]

Great video . Seals in those cylinders won't last for ever. Always fun to watch you diagnose to watch you diagnose things then fix them .

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks 👍

[@EricSlade-o4j]

Excellent JT. You're the man. You always make me smile. Love all these old Gals. I have an old Massey . Not quite as old as yours though . The first tractor I ever used regularly was a 65x. Great tractor. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks 👍. Will do!

[@martymartin2894]

The 65 would be much older than this one wouldn't it. I knew a man that had one their a great tractor, we have a 35x its a great little tractor. They don't make em like that anymore.

[@philipsmith229]

Love your videos JT we're a lot alike when im working on my old junk i usually cuss a little have a cold beer and have cats watching me work

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on! The cat is the key to success. The beer don’t hurt either lol

[@richardschaffling9882]

Great video the problem is if you ask the experts they will all say it’s air

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I would agree, except on my 1805 I did the same thing and it didn’t require any bleeding.

[@davebur3350]

I think His Reply was a JOKE... Hasn't J.T. had a BEER in a Minute or What🤩👍🤔

[@karlfischer1011]

Thanks for sharing again! those new shoes will get dirty if you wear them outside! You should scrounge up a pressure gauge and test the circuit while waiting for the cylinder. heck Mrs JT should buy you a pressure and flow rating kit for hydraulic service since you had a birthday🎉 (the good ones measure temperature as well❤).

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I actually did pick up a nice pressure test kit! I’ll be needing it anyway 😉

[@darrenhawken9766]

Great work, thanks for sharing 👍💨💨

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks!

[@stevemccoy8138]

Good Morning J T , I'm thinking that you got it figured out. Your new shoes are awesome, maybe you should take Mrs J T dancing. 😊 I see Fluffy is on the job 😂. Say that smoking cleared right up . Thanks for Sharing 😊

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on! I think I may have it finally 😉

[@gleanerk]

You’ll have it right JT soon and in the field ! I did a pm on my 4010D yesterday and then took of lift control on 2510D to carry and have rebuilt. Next project 1020D tear down. Enjoyed watching!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Sounds like you have as many things going on as me Scott! Thanks!

[@gleanerk]

@@jtsbarnngrill6873 I wonder why they didn’t use 1155 engines in those tractors. Yep old stuff requires r&m continuous.

[@canvids1]

Thanks for taking the time to make the video while you are doing the work as I know that it is time consuming and interrupting your work but hey I am enjoying you fixing problems, Thanks.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

🙂. I’m just glad I can do it!

[@JS-1983]

At least that tractor sounded much better with that muffler 😀👍

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

You got that right!

[@littlelifters7543]

I’ve just started watching your channel, really enjoying it. At some point could you give us a run down of the rest of your fleet, how they came to you, what you use them for etc. Cheers.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I can do that. That can be a good all around the farm one day

[@jimsgardensandrabbitry]

Great progress on the old girl. I have fun watching and hearing pet names for the tractors. Just wanted to mention, love the D.A.R.E T-shirt. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, I worked for a radio station, and we were the 11th station in the world broadcasting live, DARE on the air. I think I agree with you on the cylinder. Many blessings.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I was in 6 th grade in 1990 and that was the beginning of out dare program 😆

[@jimsgardensandrabbitry]

@@jtsbarnngrill6873 great program and who knows, I might of played a part of saving a life, or 2. Blessings to you and your family.

[@fejimus]

those some flyyyyy new kicks sir!!!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks 😉

[@farmark457]

Taking the cylinder to the hydraulic shop gives you a tax write off for repairs and that’s ok too. Good work you’re doing. Thx

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Great point! Thanks!

[@NubsFarmingVideos]

Nice video as always, going to the farm this weekend, going to start sandblasting on my W400 international, hopefully it will look as good as when paint stuff, your a pro at painting in my book. Hoping to trade my tractor for a Massey or a 2 cylinder John Deere. My boss just wants my international off his farm, stuip john deere guy

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on! The painting definitely takes some practice, but I think you’ll get it 😉

[@NubsFarmingVideos]

@@jtsbarnngrill6873 Better than the paint job some of my bosses tractors have, looks like someone used a mop

[@CaryGuyer]

JT, what an awesome channel. I am a die hard old Massey person at heart and enjoy seeing someone with a passion of the kings from back in the day. As far as the steering issue, sometimes the simplest things are overlooked no matter if it is a mechanical issue, an electrical issue or what have you. Trial and error in most cases. You are not a quitter and show the aptitude of success......👍👍

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@SilojensenDK]

As much as I'd love to see a mathmagician or a scientologist drain the hydraulic oil off an old Massey, I really enjoyed your video.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Great point! 😆

[@heaveymelt]

you are a brave man messing with hydraulics running under pressure undoing them if that thing had pressure in it you could get severely hurt that system will bled it self running

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I appreciate your concern. I have seen what 2400 psi is capable of, and wouldn’t try that under any sort of load.

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video JT :) get lots resolved on newer Massey Ferguson 1800 tractor in your fleet and soon she be all rebuilt ready to work !

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

That's the plan! Thanks!

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks for posting JT

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks for watching!

[@shawnhagen6871]

I just wanna see the old slobber knocker roll coal in the field!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Me too 😉

[@dmartens6267]

Way to go, you make it look so easy!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I try 😉

[@billhartl6601]

Roflmfao on now that I've had another birthday I don't bounce as good as I used too, love it!!! I hear ya!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

😆

[@jeepanimal2943]

First loved the vid JT! Always a good Friday when the JT's Barn and Grill shows up. Second, figured on the cyclinder being at least weak, when you said how long it sat a while back. Third, How fast can you run in them shoes today? What about tomorrow? And then Sunday, on the linolium, you know, after you got gear oil on the bottom of them? You maybe able to do the "Tom Cruise move" from "Risky Business." Fourth, Do you ever have Fluffy crawl up on yer chest when yer laying down under a vehicle/tractor? Used to have a cat that did that to me. She'd sit there and watch me work, and if I stopped to long, ie to rest the arms, she'd walk right up and lay down. Looking forward to the new short shaft install, the aux hydraulics rebuild and testing, and the field tests already! And the paint!!!!! Yes, the glorious paint. The red "I'm an Effing Ferguson and don't forget it " paint. Damned it, I'm SOOO jellous. I only got 2 Masseys! But, I keep watching the paper and sales sites. Looking forward to the new Office, I mean Man Cave, I mean shop build.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks! 1. I can run like the wind in my new shoes lol. Fluffy sometimes wants to get right in my business when it’s least helpful 😆. I can’t wait to run this old girl!

[@davebur3350]

DAMN....Did That GURU🚜 Just WRITE-You A-NOVEL!!!?...🤣

[@GeneMusall]

Well the process of elimination pans out. But you’ve renewed the system so going forward that one less headache.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on!

[@Rob-zx8lm]

👍👍👍

[@ACF6180T]

IMHO your spot on with the cylinder pressure; What you said it shouldn't budge. Hell priming shocks for a vehicle when putting new ones on has allot of resistance. Take it easy.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on! Thanks!

[@Papermaker-fl4bh]

Hang in there... it'll all come out in the wash 👍

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I’ll get it!

[@derekadams729]

First video I seen you do without a win. But I know you'll get their JT.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I’ll win this one eventually

[@robreesor5011]

Isnt there 2 of those cylinders one on either side? Might be worth having both rebuilt to save in any future headaches.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Not on a Massey. One big double action cylinder does it all

[@robreesor5011]

@@jtsbarnngrill6873 ohh wow thats kinda weird

[@themarinerkommer4371]

i only saw one in the video i had some idea maybe there was 2 but then when he was bleeding it i never saw a second one, i bet most articulated vehicles dont need 2..

[@spudhauler]

Not a fail but big step forward, missing flow divider all sorted and what sounds like you've found the original problem🤞hopefully you'll have that ram sorted for when its fit to get out on the land and give the engine a good blast. 👍🇬🇧

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on! I sure hope that solves it!

[@kurtreinhardt6789]

Looks like you have the problem figured out- hopefully once the cylinder is rebuilt all is good

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Fingers crossed o

[@andyhutch8262]

Very Best of luck with your sick steering foubles.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks! I’ll get it 😉

[@duanedale2505]

That had oil there right away. Something that works good is old V belts that have a little give in case it’s a little hung up somewhere when lifting off items. Did you cut the old filter open to see what it picked up. An air chuck blowing in a cylinder port and blows though, you have an internal leak, if it pressures up and won’t let air though, then you have a good cylinder

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I did not cut the old one apart, probably should have. I was gonna hit the cyl with Air, but it was so sloppy I figured it would be shot

[@duanedale2505]

👌 @@jtsbarnngrill6873

[@randalllindemann3545]

Without watching the whole thing (I had an 1805), I m just gonna throw this out there: 1.) have fun getting that hood off with hydraulic reservoir mounted under there. 2.) Replacing that flow divider will NOT fix your steering problem. That flow divider is failing due to heat. The heat is produced by the hydraulic pump. You need a new pump, new model. If your belt pulley is mounted on a tapered shaft on the pump, you need the later updated pump with the straight shaft for the pulleys. The newer one weighs approximately three times as much. I replaced that flow divider twice before I got that figured out. 3.) Rather than trying to split that drive shaft mechanism with a hammer and chisel, use an air chisel to drive them apart when you need to split them.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Well, 1. The hood wasn’t that bad? I wouldn’t want to do it without the loader. 2. The flow divider probably isn’t the problem, but it was leaking oil, so the replacement of the seals was necessary. I have a straight shaft pump as a backup that I bought for my 1805 that I didn’t need because the cylinder was shot, which I believe to be the problem with this. There’s no resistance in the cylinder(showed at the end of the video).

[@mattcase1156]

Keep up the good work JT!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Will do!

[@littlelifters7543]

I run a couple of old trucks and they will smoke after they’ve been idling or high idling for a while. It clears up quickly after they see some load. Probably just need to run the old girl.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

That’s my thoughts too. She needs to work!

[@markklumpp39]

So so so want to come there and do some fieldwork in your Masseys

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on!

[@apx5777]

I love this channel! ❤

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@stevebuntin7162]

Hope the new shop will have hot water washing capabilities with a floor drain.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Well…. We shall see lol

[@stevebuntin7162]

We put it in a small shop for washing pickup trucks. Wished we had it in the big shop.

[@lawrenceschrock4317]

F type trans. Fluid in the fuel tank will clean the carbon out of the motor when you get a chance to work it.

[@biker_dan]

I'm wondering if that new short pump is maybe not creating enough pressure as it has only half the capacity of the old one? Deffo a loss of pressure somewhere.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I did not change the pump on this. Although the pressure still may be low

[@larryklostermann5779]

Nice video JT.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks!

[@Hank77442]

Make sure this one comes back yellow. Wouldn't want Turd Ferguson to get jelly. 😂

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I was hoping they would paint it yellow like the other one 😆😆

[@clintonirwin6825]

Brilliant well done, no bother to you

[@briannelson4493]

It’s always something isn’t it JT just when you think you’ve figured it out!!!!!! . Then it turns out there’s more. Keep plugging away I trust it will be in the field for spring tillage.😙

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I am hoping so 😉

[@andywilkinson3792]

Nice one j.t. ether way you would want to do that ram anyway even if it worked ok but not being used for years it would probably blow at some point so you not wasting money. And like you said if you pushed in and out with your hand ease those seals are shot that ram takes a lot off load stirring that tractor.. from in uk

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Exactly! It needed to be done regardless

[@IH_5288]

Coffee check! Toast check! New Jt double check. Hell ya let's get today started

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Right on 😉

[@barnycanuck6234]

Sorry about not noticing the new shoes, guess I'm still overwhelmed by the fashion statement by Kyle on Carter Auto Restyling

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Interesting. I’ll have to check that out!

[@prevost8686]

👍

[@superwav]

Nice shoes! 👍

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thank you 😆

[@paulprillwitz9901]

👍👍👍👍👍👍😃😃😃

[@LynnKorte-ve4qf]

Harbor freight got a small spool of stainless steel safety wire to safely tie wire that I've found out to be great for the cost,used for any safety tie wiring that's needed.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Great tip!

[@Jared-bc8xv]

I enjoy your videos, love MF tractor ❤

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks!

[@kenfrazier616]

and always great content

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks!

[@kenfrazier616]

ya it is fun to enjoy your videos@@jtsbarnngrill6873

[@America-First2024]

You had “fail” in the thumbnail. I wouldn’t call it a “fail”, but a new diagnosis. You did eliminate all other possible causes and bled the air from the system.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Good point! I’m my own worst critic lol

[@jeepanimal2943]

@@jtsbarnngrill6873 It' s never a fail if yer still working on it!

[@4020jc]

Aww im sorry Jt can you run fast in your new shoes 👞 they look swell😅

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I run like the wind 😆

[@fullers1966]

Do you think the bird nest had anything to do with the hard starting if it was singing too much of a back pressure on it

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

i dont think it made much difference. There were bigger problems 😆

[@thatcoolguyjosh5]

was a good video good job

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks! Nice to see your old tractor running!

[@myallisg3388]

21:46 you just need to give her a good run on the chisel plow on flat throttle and wake her up mate.

[@joeymortenson5827]

I enjoy watching trouble shoot things . Great way to learn how things operate. Thanks you

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks!

[@davidbarnes706]

I’ve tried repacking cylinders myself some went ok some didn’t so I found it easier to have a pro due it

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Great point!

[@641Junkies]

I found your channel when i was looking for advice on a massey 1500. Whats your opinion on them?

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

All depends on what you want to do with it and how mechanical you are. I’ve been around these for years and know them very well. Don’t over work it, it’s 150 hp tractor. Keep an eye on the shaft bushings on the engine shaft. I built a better one for my 1805 that has been great. I’ll be building one for this in the future

[@ronzezulka6646]

Hey Joe,,it does look like the smoke clears up. Leaking injector?

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

That’s my guess. A bottle of power service and a good run wire won’t hurt it any!

[@ronzezulka6646]

@@jtsbarnngrill6873 Power Service is good stuff. Ran it in my cat 6NZ on every fill.

[@ronzezulka6646]

Will be fun to latch up to something and give it a tug.

[@nickhill3362]

Enjoying vid 👍 i own a massey Ferguson 1250 do you have any 1250 in your country

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Not that I am aware of, but would be cool to see one in person!

[@kenfrazier616]

awesome good T/S

[@JamesButtz]

Nice ladder JT..

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Thanks 😉

[@davewallen1540]

I am a self proclaimed idiot and I am wondering if the hydro pumps could also be aerating the hydro fluid and not making full pressure? Could you put a gauge on it to see the output pressure? I may be thinking to far down the repair/rebuild road.. Just wondering JT.. Thanks buddy!!!

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I’m with ya, I have a new pressure tester that may come into play here in the near future

[@brocluno01]

To bad the hose fitting are not on top instead of on the side ...

[@coyotiess]

That Rhymed!

[@billyhaddock5540]

JT, glad that u took everybody avice and got a new aluminum ladder. JT, ur not old enough to have bags under ur eye's. you almost had the steering done. Oh well, cyclinder time again.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Indeed! I’ll get it eventually 😉

[@ardtessa]

Looks like you're heading in the right direction JT ! Or was it the left direction ? 🤔 Cheers, Ard

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Ha! 😆😆

[@brendanwinter5246]

When are you going to go back to the 6600 and finish getting that done and we all want cold starts on all the equipment jt what are you doing of around the farm with JT? Part. And can you please get the 1155 and the 1105 out and to getther as a photo jt?

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

As I get time, I’m waiting on my new shop for the 6600 repairs. Want to get the transmission changed on that and it will be easier when I don’t have to lay in the mud to do it. I’ll have them all out this spring for plant season. Plenty of photo ops 😉

[@duanekabanuk3974]

Make sure you send a can of MF red along with the cylinder. Otherwise you might end up with a yellow cylinder like the one on Turd.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

At this point I would expect nothing less 😆

[@wesleymckone4250]

Is there a big difference between the 1805 to the 1800?

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Not really. There are small differences between them, but mechanically they’re almost identical. I’ll do a video at some point to show what differences they have

[@alexandercage2500]

How many miles did you put on your sleds this year ?

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Not very darn many lol. Maybe 10-15 tops. Just a couple rides around the farm

[@ronzezulka6646]

Maybe it's just pissed cause it doesn't have a shiny exhaust pipe?

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Possibly.

[@LynnKorte-ve4qf]

Can you rebuild the cylinder?

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I might be able to, but I feel that is something better left to the professionals

[@warrengee-f9l]

cordless impacts love an oil bath lol enough oil on & under that girl ... she ll never rust

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

Gotta keep it lubed 😆

[@ericfrancis9035]

Seems like modifying the hood so it is free of hoses and components so it can be removed or left off would be a big advantage for future access. I am not as nimble nor patient as you.

[@jtsbarnngrill6873]

I’ve thought that myself. Just need a good place to put the tank

[@ericfrancis9035]

@@jtsbarnngrill6873I was thinking an angle iron on the centerline under those end brackets would be handy to grab onto while you are reaching in from either side. It would need a space below hood level so you are not listening to the hood vibrating on top of it. - that would be all kinds of unpleasant! :)

[@ericfrancis9035]

@@jtsbarnngrill6873Another thought is to split the hood down the middle so you can take one side off at a time. It still might weigh too much to manhandle.