My first Hustler!

[dirtdobber]

If that machine is all rusted, and the transmission is rusted to the point its stuck, then it probably isn't worth $600 or the road trip to get it. To make it a dependable machine you're looking at a complete overhaul - bearings, chains, frame inspection, transmission (and there's a good chance the drums are rusted beyond use), control cables, etc. You really need some good pics of this machine to see just how rusted it is. I'm not trying to discourage you, but I am trying to make sure you understand the reality of a rusted machine.

[Dw89xj]

Ha. You're welcome. Does your parts machine have a transmission?

Yes, the down side is he said it feels pretty frozen. I won't know for sure anything until next month, it's another roadtripper, I'm just hoping it's worth the 600 he is asking I hate to make a trip like that to come home empty handed. If nothing else I will meet another 6x6er and knock lake Erie off my bucket list, and work my wife's nerves a little more. She's really hoping it's a savable machine, as I am too but I won't know until I can look it over. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[dirtdobber]

Ha. You're welcome. Does your parts machine have a transmission?

[Dw89xj]

Woohoo! Got my package from dirtdobber, thank you again over and over. Also got my valve stems in today so the tires and wheels will only take half as much space until they go on the Bigfoot. Slowly but surely this old beast is coming back to life. If I don't hit any major snags I should easily have this one in the woods for Pennsylvania archery. If I'm lucky I can even get in a few ponds before fall.
A member of the fb group for 6x6 reached out to me with a hustler parts machine. He said most everything is rusted tight and it's been out in the weather for a few years but it is complete. He said he thinks it's a 950 but after looking the pictures over I think it may be a 900 based on what I gathered on 6x6world. It has a Kohler k440-2AM. It also has cable shifters. It doesn't appear to be customized from what I can see but my phone screen is like looking through a broken windshield. I am hell on phones, I drop them then in trying to position to pick them up I run them over with my wheelchair. I'm hoping this machine isn't bad because then I will have a machine for my wife to run. If it's in too bad of shape I will likely make a trailer and if there's any good stuff left pass it on to a member in need.

[Dw89xj]

Me being fat is what will probably be hardest on this machine, but I don't see myself ramping or anything like that, full speed on the straights, and the rocky stuff hunting along with mud and snow. I'm probably most prone to trashing an axle in the snow on a hidden stump or rock more than anything, the more I think about it. Thank you very much for the input and advice.

*Edit* I don't mean full speed on the rocky stuff, but that's just some of the terrain that might be a little more stressful.

[Don]

Bud's 950 race machine (Alice) still has the 1 3/16" axles, which have been extended by 1", plus have 2" spacers at the wheels, putting lots more stress on them. We've only bent one in years of racing, and he's not real gentle with it. I'd guess new 1 3/16" axles would do your 980 fine, especially if you use 1144 steel.

[dave phelps]

I use 1144 stress proof shaft material.

[Dw89xj]

The more I think, the more I, uh, think? If the 50 chain is more than adequate, and these machines seem to be somewhat overbuilt, or at least built heavier than a max, is it even worth spending the money on 1-1/4" steel for axles? I know a 1/16" isn't going to change much price wise, until I add sprockets and tube and pay my welder buddy to machine and weld them. These 35+/- year old axles really aren't the worst I've seen in my short experience, but definitely need attention. What kind of steel would you guys recommend? I'm just going to have two at a time made starting with the worst. Then as maintenance comes and bearings need changed I will do the rest.
I'm really glad I learned alot from my max, it's making planning so much smoother. And I'm glad for you guys input and help. Thanks again.

Also, how many hustlers do I need to be a hustlemaniac?🇺🇸😜

[Dw89xj]

Dan,

I'm putting in the mail today 3 planetary gears, 1 sun gear with C clip, and a driven clutch. The bearings in the planetary gears look and feel good, but you will need to clean them out good. They have been laying around and are dirty, so take some carb cleaner and spray the bearings out really good. This should wash out any grit. The driven clutch is ready to go. I took it apart and cleaned it before I ran it, and it has 3 brand new shoes on it.

Good luck.

I can't thank you enough dirtdobber, I'm going to try and get the welding finished tomorrow, as well as paint the frame and the parts Martin already had primed. Then I need to figure out if it's worthwhile to have 6 1-1/4" axles made or have new made for the really bad ones. They aren't all horrible but one or two appear to have been welded before and are egged pretty severely, along with the sprockets on those axles. It will be a big investment, I just don't know if it's worth the coin or just upgrade as they break? I think for now the old briggs oppy will be last priority since they are simple enough to rebuild, heavy old beasts though. Thank you again for the help and support, every little bit makes that light at the end shine a bit brighter. Have a great weekend all, I will report back with more later.

[dirtdobber]

Dan,

I'm putting in the mail today 3 planetary gears, 1 sun gear with C clip, and a driven clutch. The bearings in the planetary gears look and feel good, but you will need to clean them out good. They have been laying around and are dirty, so take some carb cleaner and spray the bearings out really good. This should wash out any grit. The driven clutch is ready to go. I took it apart and cleaned it before I ran it, and it has 3 brand new shoes on it.

Good luck.

[Dw89xj]

Dan,

I have a good sun gear from my parts t20, and yesterday I ordered a new driven clutch for my machine. The original driven is good enough to run, as I ran it for about an hour and a half test run and it did fine. I had some wobble in the clutch that didn't appear to be bothering anything. I think the wobble was from the input shaft, but I'm replacing it anyway. Let me know if you want it.

Just send me a price I will gladly pay . And again I cannot express how much I appreciate the help. I can PayPal easy or another method. I ain't asking for handouts, I will proudly pay fair value on anything.

[dirtdobber]

Dan,

I have a good sun gear from my parts t20, and yesterday I ordered a new driven clutch for my machine. The original driven is good enough to run, as I ran it for about an hour and a half test run and it did fine. I had some wobble in the clutch that didn't appear to be bothering anything. I think the wobble was from the input shaft, but I'm replacing it anyway. Let me know if you want it.

[racerone3]

A good quality #50 chain is more than enough for a 980, especially if you're running the opposed Briggs in it. Not a bad engine at all, but you'd be hard pressed to create a situation where you're going to overstress a chain. Watch some videos of Racerone3 being silly in his 980. His Briggs twin is probably putting out around 35-40hp in the low 4K rpm and I'm not sure if he's snapped a chain that was in good shape.

Correct. My only chane issues have been a result of something else breaking, or me cracking a beer between rides instead of grabbing a 3/4 wrench and tightening one that obviously needed it

[Dw89xj]

That's all good boss. I appreciate any and all help in any form even if it's just bringing me back to reality from planning for problems that don't exist.

One last piece I noticed while gathering up the t20 from laying it out, one sun gear I think is the name, one of the little guys on the input shaft. Matt said he can get me a drum and then just another driven clutch, this one's gonna eat belts like no tomorrow, it is very badly pitted on the sheeves, everything else seems to be fine.

[dirtdobber]

DW I have three planetary gears. The only drums I have are 9 tooth, and my extra output sprockets are badly worn. I'll send you a PM.