To buy another . . .
 

I'm thinking about getting another Cub. (surprise surprise) I'd like an Original. But if the right deal comes along, I'm open to other models. I saw an "O" and a 105. The 105 has a 12 horse engine. It should be a 10, right? And the "O" was repainted, but not the prettiest job. What are some things you all think I should look out for or stay away from?

If you're into a little road trip, I have a nice running 104 with a plow and 48" deck.

Thanks for the offer. That would be an all day trip for me. I am at the beginning stage of looking. My first preference is an "O". I have a few implements for my 122. The 125 and the "O" I found are only a couple of hours away.

It really depends on what you want to do with your second Cub.

Originals are great fun to use/ride around on and I really like the way they look. They can be weighted but are a little lighter than the models that follow. They also wont cut thick heavy overgrown grass like some of the higher HP machines but will do a good job if you can keep up like you should.

One thing to keep in mind is, Originals are somewhat different than the models that followed. After the introduction of the 70/100 series, all of the IH built Cub Cadets are basically the same, different series tractors look a little different, but they are all Kohler powered, the trans-axles and drive lines were pretty-much the same and with the exception of the hydro/gear drive systems you won't find a lot of differences in the different series tractors. IH got it right and they stuck with it.

I'm looking to restore an "O" and maybe some light yard work. No mowing or dirt plowing. I'll save that type of work or "playing" for the 122. Mainly I think they look pretty cool.

IMO quality over quantity, and hold out for what you really want.

:beerchug:

Without a doubt, Dan. I've seen a couple of junkers with missing pieces. I can be patient. Will probably look into getting a wide frame as well. Just need to make more room in my garage. Time to sell the pony.

I'm think if I found an O for cheap I'd buy one. Kinda getting interested in one.

Sounds like an "O" is right up your alley. I had two of them for about a year
but grew tired and moved on. They are fun machines but just didn't suit my
needs.

And then a WF to round out the collection of tractors.

A lot of great information so far.

I'm perhaps a little different than most here, as I started out with an "O" and went from there. We had one when I was young (I can remember mowing with it ) and we wanted a puller for me and my boy. I did already have an MTD/CC mower, so this one would be a play toy.

We found our first "O" for a good price (it needed some work) and we've spent some time getting it to where we like it. Then, the younger boy wanted a tractor. So, we got another one. We use them on occasion, just to keep the fluids moving but most of the time, we use the work tractor.

As someone noted, they are a bit different than most CCs. But, don't be afraid of that belt drive. We have a 10-horse engine in our puller with 26x12x12s on it and it'll stall the engine or spin the wheels before that belt will slip in the 1050 class!

A good thing about them is that they are strong, but also very simple. re-doing them is not nearly as complex and well, they're just neat little buggers. If that's what you want, I agree to wait until you find what you want. You'll be happier in the long run.

I've since found this 70, and have been bringing it back to use this as your new mower. I've got it pretty well sorted out (which started with removing that fuel tank) and I think it's ready for a season of mowing. :beerchug:

Anyways, I've noted that the Originals are gathering some steam, so far as folks' asking prices. Some are dreamers, but there must be some folks that are paying it. Keep your eyes peeled and something will come up. Good luck!
http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psff7269cb.jpg

Nice collection. Great looking "O"s. I'm almost done getting my 122 ready for plow day. It cleaned up really nice. All new tune up parts and oils. But I think I'd tear down an "O" and repaint and restore.

Jeff,
How far are you willing to travel? Would you do 25 miles down I-84 to Exit 3 for couple "O's?
I've got to thin a herd that started as Cubs, and morphed into 16 tractors of a couple of this, three of that and... well you get the idea. This all started out as collect some Cubs to have something to work on when I retired.
Take a look: http://onlycubcadets.net/forum/showt...ighlight=MikeC
Well been retired for three years and have touched any of them yet but did manage to pick up three more tractors and a platform lift to aid in fixing. Yup still haven't had time to do any. Life gets in the way and a first grandchild (now 7 months) trumps working on tractors, etc. Don't want to waste your time but would like to talk with you to give you the what's for on the "O's."
Then maybe I'll start on the 100. If your interested drop me an email with your phone and a good time and I'll give you a call.
MikeC

Left you a PM with my number.

I have two O's and there is just something really cool about them, that you won't get with anything without a spring seat on them.

I even got lucky enough to have consecutive serial numbers. Someday hope to have them both restored at the same time to take to shows.

I don't think you will be unhappy with an Original!! :beerchug:




Randy

Agreed!

All of us "O"wners should maybe post some pix of our "O"s, you know, just to keep those warm embers of Jeff's wanting one from going dim amid those chilly, wintry days and nights.

I'll throw the first log on the fire. :biggrin2:

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps55c4f866.jpg

Hey, we're here for ya buddy! You know, your support (enablers) group! :beer2:

Great picture! What do you have on the rears, 12's? Thanks to all for your camaraderie in keeping me on the edge of my seat. No embers here, just a full blown fire. Cleaning out my shed to see how many tractors I can fit in there. Making room in the garage to set up a restoration area. Anyone want a 40th anniversary Mustang convertible? :biggrin2:

Yep. She's got 26x12x12s on it. Bought them and the "Weld a rim" stuff from Miller Tire. Sits pretty good with 'em too!
http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps53e4a76a.jpg

Looks like a beast. Those 26's fit under the stock fenders? How much horse power?

Nah! Those fenders were kit-bashed from a set of trailer fenders like what you would get from Tractor Supply. They're wider and I needed to raise the fender tray (platform that connects them together under the seat) with some washers to give them enough clearance with the larger tires. They work okay, and give the tractor a nice "feel", plus they'd probably help keep some mud from slinging if it would ever find a way to go fast enough! :biggrin2:

Here's a shot from the back as we were fitting the new tires/wheels.
http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...psa7d70787.jpg

Now that's a wide rim. UPS says my new rims are waiting for me on my porch. The Carlisles came yesterday. Off to the tire shop hopefully tomorrow to have my Tru Powers mounted. What horse power is that "O" you pull with?

Sorry, forgot to mention, it's a 10-horse Kohler.

Nice thing about the "O"s is that they've got a reduction at the belt drive, and a reduction gear at the transaxle. That means a little bit of power goes a LONG way. But, they're SLOOOOOWWWWW.

My other "O" has a larger pulley on the engine crankshaft that speeds up the little bugger quite well, but it's more for show than pulling. Plus, it's only a 7hp.

Compare the upper pulley on this one to a standard "O" and you can see the difference. Someone made this out of billet aluminum. Haven't seen another one since.
http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9f76ef3f.jpg

They are really nice looking tractors. Looking forward to getting one or two.

or THREE!!!!

Remember, we're enablers... :biggrin2:

I have a lead on two so far. :biggrin2: But was told I need a WF as well. Need a bigger garage!

I would skip the o and go straight for the wf, much better tractor IMHO.

Os are fun tractors. And simple to work with. I'm sure you'd like either one. A WF or an Original. But I'm on more of the original side. That's me. Once you start you can't stop.:ThumbsUp::GoodLuck:

You need what you want:bigthink:
I was a anything but an Original kind of feller in the early days, and five of them later I think they're one of the coolest tractors Cub ever made... They were where it all started.:beerchug:

Without a doubt, there will be at least one "O" in my garage. As you all said, they are just fun little tractors and from what I've read, nice and easy to work on. A great first restore project.

I agree, nothing like an "O" in the stable to get one REALLY addicted.