Found a rare Cub Cadet (original)
 

Just got this Sunday. Finally was able to read serial number after some cleaning. #548 :biggrin2:

Nice find ! Are you going to restore it now ?

:Welcome2:

Wow! Production started with serial# 590.
I wonder if this is a test unit?:bigthink:
More pictures of it would be great!

Holy stromboli production models started with serial # 590. I believe you found a pre-production "0". That is a real find and a worthy tractor to restore. You may find that your tractor might differ slightly from the production models but again maybe not. Great find.

Great find on the Original cnixon :ThumbsUp:

I've been comparing it to another 3 digit and everything looks to be the same. From what I'm reading #501 thru 525 were test units and had hour meters. 526-589 were made to test equipment and get piece pricing. Then production Jan 3 1961 to stores starting with #590. So where these 60 some went I have no idea.

Let me throw this out there...
If the gear reduction was replaced with a new part from the dealer, would it have a serial # on it?

Guess the only way to really answer that is to find a nos one.

I believe all of those test units were made in Louisville,Ky. Does this have a starter generator on it or a recoil starter ?

Has a starter generator. I did have a 3 digit at one time with recoil starter.