Cub Cadet 124

[TripleThreat]

Hey guys:

I am new to the forum but i have been looking here for a while. I got a 124 cub about a year ago and i love driving it and pulling the kids on the wagon. I am wanting to restore it and make it look good again but would like to ask some questions. My question is when doing this what should i be looking for? what parts are a must to replace? What should i leave alone if there doesn't seem be any issues? Should the front PTO assembly come off or leave it? What is the front PTO used for? Should i do a complete rear end job. Any inside to these question will help when i do get started on this project. Thank you for letting me join the group i cant wait to get my hand dirty.

I think i did the pictures the right way so well see.

[Alvy]

Welcome fellow Floridian. Where are you located? There are a few of us here but growing. Sky's the limit on what you want to do whether it's a complete resto it just a clean up and reseal. Addressing the hydro for a service, maybe cork gasket replacement, steering, oil change, etc. for starters. Look around some more and everyone here will help you along the way and good luck.

[olds45512]

I always rebuild the clutch to avoid having to do it after its painted. Unless the rear end leaks or pops out of gear there's no reason to take it apart. Wiring is a must replace in my opinion, I always make my own wiring harness but if that's not your thing you can always buy one. The PTO clutch is for a mowing deck which I assume you don't use since you had to ask what it was for but I would leave it on anyway because it will look stupid without the clutch on the front of the engine.

[olds45512]

Addressing the hydro for a service, maybe cork gasket replacement

He has a 124, no hydro, so no cork gasket.

[cadzag72]

I would recommend changing your rear end fluid and engine oil, but mechanically, if nothing is glaringly giving you issues, feel free to leave it as-is unless you like taking things apart to see how they work! The front PTO powers all your implements, like the mower deck, snowthrower, and tiller. Different length belts are required for each, but you can find what you need on this site in the technical section. Glad you're having fun with a great machine!

[cadzag72]

One other thing, there's a heat shield on the front of the motor that the muffler hangs off of, it sometimes cracks where the muffler attaches or where it attaches to the cylinder head. It's an easy weld-up and grind-down repair.

[TripleThreat]

Wow thanks everyone for the replies. The tractor runs great. The guy before me had the carb rebuilt and it runs like a champ. It has some backfire after shut down but it comes and goes with that.
The mower deck works but I haven't gotten into it to investigate how it all works and such and I def will.
For the tiller application, what kind of tiller will work with it?
I will end up making my own wiring harness so I know how it all works and I love doing that kind of stuff.
I live in Fort Pierce. What really got me hooked is I went to the Avon Park Flywheelers show years back and seen all the old tractors and I knew from then I had to get one.
I guess once I get started tearing it all down I will find out what is worn out and needs replacement.

[Yosemite Sam]

Welcome to OCC, You have chosen a fantastic hobby, I can see that in short order you will have yellow fever and be overrun with Cub Cadets.

It really depends on what has been done to the machine and what you think it needs.

If the engine runs well and doesn't smoke or leak oil I would leave it alone.

Weather you do any work to it or not, while the engine is out, I would remove the front PTO, clean up the bore (where the bearing goes) and the set screw holes. Then put a little anti-seize in the bore and on the new set screws. This would be, just to make it easier to remove when the time comes for a pto rebuild.

If the steering is loose or sloppy I would rebuild the column, replace the tie rod ends and bend the axle saddle back into shape so the axle isn't sloppy.

If you are going to have the tractor apart, I would rebuild/replace the clutch and drive shaft, primarily because having it out already is half the battle.

While the trans-axle is out I would seriously consider removing the covers (top and rear) and the axle tubes. Then wash everything out and replace the gaskets, axle seals and axle bearings. Also check the input shaft bearing on the front of the trans-axle.

The only other thing that comes to mind is replacing every spiral pin in the machine, they are inexpensive and much easier to replace while you have it apart.

It sounds like the PO/s have taken pretty good care of your 124 so it may not really need any of the above mentioned repairs, the things listed are just normal wear areas that are often times in need of service. The things that the other guys have listed are also good ideas.

If you do make the above mentioned repairs you should end up with a machine that will give you a good many years of service and help to make a lifetime of memories for your kids.

Good luck with your project.

[Alvy]

Originally Posted by olds45512

He has a 124, no hydro, so no cork gasket.

12 hour shifts lately Tim, my bad

[TripleThreat]

What are some good sites to get parts from? i know ebay i have seen a lot of parts on there anywhere else?
It came with the manual when i bought the tractor and a parts list book which i though was really cool.