«Previous    Next»
Mower Radiator Modification Cools Better
Nat Varty didn’t like the design of his Krone Big M mower radiator and grill, so he changed it. Not only does it cool the motor better, but it’s easier to service too.
“Our Krone Big M mower is an awesome machine,” says Varty. “However, in really hot weather and thick hay, it would overheat, even with the reverser fan.”
Repeated trips back to the farm shop to wash out the radiator or to bring an air compressor out to the field were frustrating. The grill wasn’t removable, which made it tough to clean. Hay caught on a ledge, and the air conditioner condenser was in the way. The thin fins were getting beat up from efforts to clean it.
“It was also hard to climb up to reach the grill and the radiator,” says Varty. “Last winter I cut it all apart and made a frame from the top of the radiator to the bottom. I took out the grill, extended it and made hinges and a latch for it, so it’ll swing open to expose the whole radiator.”
Varty also hinged the AC condenser, so it also swings out of the way, making it easier to pressure wash or blow the radiator out from behind. Holes drilled in the sheet metal behind the radiator allow wash water to drain.
With the changes, he can wash the AC condenser, swing it shut and latch it with two wing nuts. Once the grill is shut and latched, the mower is ready to go again.
“We eliminated all the overheating issues,” says Varty. “We can do a better job cleaning it, and because the entire radiator is exposed to the grill, it breathes better. I also welded two steps on the rear bumper to allow easier and safer access for maintenance.”
He encourages others with an overheating problem with the Big M to make similar changes. “I’ll be glad to advise anyone wishing to make the same upgrades,” says Varty.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Nat Varty, Livingston, Mont. (ph 406-224-7769; mayihelpservices@gmail.com).


  Click here to download page story appeared in.


  Click here to read entire issue



To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.
Order the Issue Containing This Story
2021 - Volume #45, Issue #6