My first 104!
 

Just got the 104 4 days ago. It's my first and I am only fixing it up for my nephew to have a rider. Great compression on the engine and I just rebuilt the carb tonight. Had some nice extras that I am going to keep for myself--Grote tail light, great fiberglass seat, light switch, but I will replace them with alternative parts.

?: Should I put the "toolbox" seat pan on my 123? I would like to keep the 123 as original as possible, but I don't know if the 123 ever came out with the "toolbox" seat pan option or not.

?: I don't have another gear drive to compare it to here--mine are 40 miles away, but when the engine is off, putting it in first-second-or third locks the rearend up, but when I put it in reverse, it rolls freely....is this normal?

Here are some pics of it.....Thanks for answering my questions and your comments....

Cub Cadet 123

My 123 has the tool box seat:beerchug:

Not sure if you mean "with the engine removed" or if you mean "with the engine not running".

If the engine is removed, transmission in gear and the clutch is engaged... The tractor should roll in any gear but the clutch will turn while the tractor is moving (there should be some "resistance" from the backward operation of the transaxle, almost like a gyro-wheel toy).

If the engine is in the tractor and everything is "hooked up" as it should be with the clutch engaged and the tractor in any gear the tractor should not roll in either direction no matter what gear it is in.

I hope I worded that so it is understandable... Often times, I'm not sure.

Personally I like the "toolbox" seat support, great place to throw your gloves... I don't know for absolute but I don't think IH "closed" the front and back of the seat support until the 1X4/5 series tractors, but I wouldn't hesitate to put one on a 123 if I wanted to.

Congrats on the 104!:beerchug:

Nice find on your 104!