This 582 is one of my favorite tractors to use. I assembled it from parts during the winter of 2006 into the spring of 2007. Contained in it are parts from a 122, 1811, 782, 1862, 582, 128, 100, 2185 and a couple others. It resembles, and is closest to the CCC-built 582 built 1981-1985. It has the following features:
Also in the works are the following:
Gear drive tractors have always been my favorite for ground-engaging implements, but I grew tired of the foot-numbing vibration of my 128 at Plow Day 12. It did a wonderful job plowing, but it was (and still is) a really nice, original tractor that I'd hate to modify. After seeing a number of custom-built tractors at PD12, I decided I could build my own with parts I had accquired over the years. It is currently almost fully functional, and made its successful debut at Iowa Plow Day 13 in April of 2007, and did a respectable job of plowing. However, it's still got a few issues that need to be worked out. This thing was basically finished a day or two before Plow Day. This is the (ongoing) story of the construction of my one-of-a-kind 582...
In early 2006 I had purchase a combination 782/1811 parts tractor quite cheap for the hydraulic lift components, which I used to convert my 1810 to an 1811. Unfortunately, the hydrostatic transmission and the Kohler KT-17 engine were both toast. I was somehow able to repair the transmission and re-build the siezed engine with parts from another broken engine. I could have put that tractor all back together and used it, but the lack of hood and side panels caused me to disassemble and store the tractor. After Fall Plow Day 12 in 2006 I decided to build a gear drive 82 series tractor. I already had a running KT-17 and most of an 82 series roller tractor. I removed a very low-hours 3-speed rearend from a parts 122 and assembled it to the 1811 frame and front axle. The engine was installed in the frame so that a test clutch could be mocked up. I utilised used clutch parts from various tractors to make a clutch assembly for the tractor. Due to my inability to find a 582 clutch hanger and release arm, I was forced to fabricate a clutch hanger bracket and alter a 128 release arm. I have since located the correct parts and will install them in the spring of 2008.
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About this time, I located the hood, side panels, and dash from a CCC-built yellow and white 582. I had initally wanted to paint it red, but I decided not to re-paint the tractor, as everything would match up after assembly. After figuring out the clutch, mounting the dash and wiring up the motor, I fired it up and drove it around a bit. Not too long after that, I picked up a rough 1862 for the Magnum 18 motor, which I then placed into the tractor. I had to rewire it again because the Mag 18 has solid-state ignition, whereas the KT-17 had a coil and points. Electrical things are not my strong suit, so I'll be interesting when I get around to putting an electric clutch on it. I finally got it all assembled, and I purchased all new clutch parts and built a new clutch for it to replace the test unit. My dad built a 3-point for it, and I barely had time to do anything but drive it onto the trailer. I mounted my lug tires and some weights and started praying. As it turned out ,the tractor worked quite well.
During the spring of 2008, I installed an 800# clutch spring, which fixed the slippage problem. A little later in May 2008, I installed a Kohler Command 18 V-twin engine. It's a really nice motor for an 82 series tractor. It uses much less fuel than the opposed twins, and sounds A LOT cooler. Here are some pictures from the engine swap:
Someday I'll get around to adding the hydraulic lift, independent brakes, and possibly a Category "0" hitch.
