Mini Motor Grader: The Build! Part 1

From two 50 year old Cub Cadets to a working motor grader, this video documents the build process from donor tractors through frame and driveline build to a rolling chassis. See Part 2 for details of the blade frame installation, hydraulics and final assembly.

[@garybecker7246]

Again, this is an awesome project and you my friend are a Class A craftsman. I really want to build one of these. I started a small business and one of the things I specialize in is installation of new or regrading existing gravel and process driveways. I also restore old Cub Cadet tractors. I'm guessing I'm not the only one interested in building one of these. if its possible, we would love to see a video with actual dimensions and angles that you used and where you bought the items that you did not fabricate. That would be a huge help. Great video, waiting on part 2 of the build video. Keep the good project videos coming.

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Thank you. There is another build in progress over at OnlyCubCadets.net, in the "custom Cub Cadet" forum. www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58311 My build is chronicled in that forum as well.

[@truganh]

Chú sáng tạo ra một chiếc máy san rất hiểu quả

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

Sir, sir !!! Soooo, sooo glad you took these pictures....A instruction book/manual is okay....But, for me...I learn with pictures...Show me some good pictures and I will make magic happen....😊😊😊👍👍👏👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸!!!

[@frederickburns1739]

Frank I'll give you a ataboy for a job well done. I worked in the heavy diesel trade for years, which included hydraulic, electric and gas welding, and even a little wood work. The older dozers and maintainers had spring cushion seats with wooden bottoms. And as far as your straight cut frame goes the z cut is best but your little maintainer is not going to see a 10 or 20 ton load pressure; and on the framework for the front you used what is called fish plates on the beam seams. EXCELLENT JOB!!!👍👍

[@johnolver3217]

A grader soon to be a dozer all that’s missing is a digger! Great work, design, fab and hydraulics!

[@ripp2373]

I hate that this is real. I’ve never wanted something I have no use for so badly

[@meltonlizotte3677]

awesome mini grader build. What are the measurement cuts you did on the main frame

[@christophergerryakaunclech4675]

Wow. I really need a shop of my own. You guys make really cool stuff 👍👍

[@jafinch78]

wesome to see this and the second video made regarding with such intricate details. Watched all the way through and good detail. Thanks for sharing!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

AWESOME build Frank!

[@jmccracken491]

Frank, you have quite a group of followers and this is great. KZbin has really great people showing the class of work they do. And you sir are very impressive with your knowledge and skills.

[@homemadetools]

Nice to see you expanded this into a build series. We posted this video (and part 2) on our homemade tools forum this week :)

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Cool, thanks!

[@rioprexchannel9798]

Nice to see you projec....good jobs.....done like n subscribe

[@pv275]

How did you do the steering I can’t figure that out once I know that I am going to start building one of my own

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

I used a power steering valve from a newer tractor and ran hydraulic hoses to the front axle where a double-acting steering cylinder works the front wheels. Is there a more specific question?

[@pv275]

How did you situate the pump on the front axle is it because the front output shaft on the front axle has nothing on it because you a said there’s one on each side

[@RJ-fs3mj]

Loving the channel. Cant wait for part 2.

[@pnwRC.]

WOWZERS! This project blew my mind!

[@davidscott8400]

Slicker then sh--

[@anthonyhelton6586]

Thanks for the video has inspired me to building one. I have used JD 317 for doner tractors and a p218g engine thanks for such detailed instructions for the build

[@pv275]

Thing looks awesome

[@stevenpierno9793]

This is awesome! My friend approached me the other day and asked to help build a small motor grader, I am trying to convince him to try and build something similar to this as it would be so cool

[@maxedge1449]

That is awesome

[@jf02367]

This is fantastic. My father-in-law had a 1974 Cub Cadet. with all the ground engagement attachments. Quite the work horse.

[@williambryant5946]

Thanks for doing this video. Really enjoyed seeing how you did this project. What are you going to cobble together next out of two lawn tractors? An articulating wheel loader? Bulldozer? Track loader? Paddle pan scraper? LOL! Video the work on the next one so we can see you doing it in real time and daily progress. LOL! Awesome build and very cool video of the pictures showing the progress. You did a great job explaining how you did all the work too. Stay well. -Wil 👍

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

A scale Dozer is in the planning stage. I plan to video that build. May be very slow planning progress, perhaps with some mock ups this summer but the build won't happen until next winter. Too much other stuff going on in the summer. Fishing, for example...

[@williambryant5946]

@@woodandmetalshoptime8048 Oh yes got to get the outdoors fun and projects in during the warm months and save that for when it's cold and can work inside. My summer is full of fishing and a large vegetable garden and the other usual warm months things. I do model railroading in the cold months to keep me busy indoors and warm. Might start a layout this winter not for sure but I've been building model structures and freight car kits for the layout when its ready. I have plenty of those to keep me busy throughout the winter if I don't start the layout. 👍

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Love model railroading! I built an HO scale set up for kids when they were small. Built lots of buildings, switching, 3 interconnected ovals, but never built actual cars. That's over the top! It's about time to commission the boat for the season...

[@williambryant5946]

@@woodandmetalshoptime8048 I like the craftsman car kits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s where you get wood, wire, and decals and you have to cut the wood to shape and bend your own grab irons. I like the challenge and then the feeling of accomplishment when its done and looks really nice. I also build buildings from scratch too if I can't find a kit that will work or can be modified and kit bashed to represent what I want. Get out the knife, ruler, sheets of wood and styrene and go to work. I really enjoy it. Kind of therapeutic for me after long days at work. 👍

[@wmden1]

This is a well done, great looking, and artful build, showing fine craftsmanship. I probably am wrong, but I would keep an eye on the weld joints and your main beam for any possible excessive flexing, where it is welded to the drive chassis. You have pretty good weight and traction with the tandem axles and tires, and a good amount of stress, on that joining point, when you might be doing heavy grading, especially to one side, as in ditch cutting, and such. Not being critical, just suggesting. From watching you grade with it, with no spin, or strain on the engine, I believe it is a pretty strong pulling little rig.

[@jeremycable51]

How’s the steering work? I don’t see any linkages 100% hydraulic?

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Yes, power steering.

[@jeremycable51]

@@woodandmetalshoptime8048 appreciate you answering my questions I’m pretty annoying at times I’m sure seems as tho we work the same as you find problems by the answers you come up with is exactly what I was thinking

[@wayneheigl5549]

i love the photos and you talking about it even better then a video of you doing every little thing. you are just the best at every thing you do. love all your projects . please keep doing them. wish i could buy one or all of them.lol lol

[@scottyb4606]

This is a great project and an outstanding presentation of the build. I'm hooked.

[@kenfar9166]

you know if you get hold of club cadet you could mke money on you blue prints ; I know a lot of contractors would love to have them for small jobs

[@stebro2738]

Just a really fine iteration of a motor grader! Along with my multiple earth amending toys (that I bought for pennies and then rebuilt..) This would be the finest Tool / Toy I could wish for.. KUDOS for a superb job!!!

[@thomaschandler8036]

Very good and interesting build. You are a good craftsman and like your shop and the good tools to do the work.

[@Iowa599]

I wonder why you lengthened the frame then shortened it. when I first saw the grader I figured you added the transaxle to a frame that had a transaxle.

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Hmm... I added about two feet of frame and rear axle from one tractor to the back of another tractor.

[@Iowa599]

@@woodandmetalshoptime8048 I guess it's just 'cause.

[@rjl110919581]

thank you very detailed video was great watching

[@ericb3061]

Nice work Really like this video

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Glad you liked it

[@RyshusMojo1]

That is one bitchin' ride. Very nice!

[@dalepoppenhagen8549]

I put a 550 volt car battery in my tractor

[@Marty54GMC]

Noticed that you built forks for your Kabota. Do you have any pictures of the backside so I can see hw they are attached? They look like the can be slid side to side.

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Forks are from BXpanded.com.

[@mickey533]

That is extremely cool!

[@cobralyoner]

this is SO awesome!!!

[@kenfar9166]

that is cool I like it

[@dpeagles]

Pretty awesome. They don't make tractors like that anymore Your driveway must be a constant problem. Well done.

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Not a problem any more!

[@dpeagles]

@@woodandmetalshoptime8048 Touche

[@2WildRazn]

Hi, will u sale it

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Everything has a price I suppose, but not ready to sell it yet!

[@naughtysassyshell]

Jim want to know if you ever put the blade hydraulic to turn?

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

yes. There is a video of it on the channel. I think in the "ride along" video.

[@jerryglen986]

Very talented 👍

[@russelljackson7034]

Right on

[@jeffreyshier9021]

So cool!

[@williambryant5946]

On regular motor graders the blade control valves are on opposite sides of the steering wheel. Left up and down on the left and right on the right. That way you can work them easier using both hands. Not getting one hand to move the two handles in opposite directions at the same time would be the biggest problem I'd think. It would be awkward for me to have to reach over to the same side with the other hand to control the valves separately. Have you found it awkward to work them being together on the same side? Me being accustom to them on either side of the steering wheel would find it very odd to have them side by side to try to control with one hand. Another question is do the cub tractors have a hydraulic reservoir tank on them and if not did you put one on this tractor? 👍

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

The Cub rear axle holds 8 quarts, so once I bled all the lines, I added another quart to top it off. I find having both controls together allows me to manipulate them both with one hand, but of course, I have no other experience to compare to. I can see how it would seem weird to you, but I don't know any better, LOL.

[@galute658]

There are a few smaller compact graders built that have the lift handles next to each other on one side. I have spent quite a bit of time on them. It's not uncommon when working in close quarters for me to be using 3,4 or maybe 5 of the levers at once so operating 2 side by side is very easy. It helps that I have big hands. LOL.

[@williambryant5946]

@@galute658 I didn't know that. I've not run really large graders but the ones I've run have had the lift handles on either side. Gallion motor graders is what I've mostly run. I'll hold the steering wheel straight with my belly and that way my hands are free to work the lift handles. Definitely been there where you had to use multiple handles at the same time too.

[@efrainberrios8494]

Amazing!!!

[@melvinpeachey6963]

Where did you get your plan again

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

There were no plans. I made it up as I built it.

[@drummer57]

Great job nice little grader

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Thank you! 😊

[@galute658]

Very cool project. Well done.

[@woodandmetalshoptime8048]

Thank you very much!