First post! I got a 149, but what do I really have?
 

Hello all, I'd really like some input on my first Cub Cadet purchase. I picked up this 149 with a tiller and deck off of craigslist with the idea of using it for food plot maintenance. I've been doing a ton of research here and I have come to the conclusion that I have no idea what I have! Wide body/not wide body? I don't even know what engine I have in this thing! I changed oil right away, but I have not changed the fluid in the transmission. Being new to hydrostats, I'm hoping there is a guide here that will help me with that process!

My goal is to get it ready to plow some foot plots by spring. If I want to add a sleeve hitch but not remove the gear box for the tiller will a standard one work, or do I need an extended one? I'm also assuming that the hardware that is used to lift the tiller up and down cannot be used for other implements? Lastly, what is the best way to find a good used 10" Brinly? Are the classifieds a good option? I've found a few retailers that have them but at $330+shipping, a good used one seems like a great option!

Anyway, I look forward to a fun winter with this community, and thanks in advance for any input you may have on my 149!

What you got is a really great Cub Cadet!

The engine you have is a Kohler K321, 14 hp. Your tractor is a wide frame tractor. Tranny fluid is going to be CaseIH Hytran - it's expensive, but good stuff.

For tons of info and downloads on your tractor and the implements, check out the technical library on this site.

You can buy an extended sleeve hitch probably from one of the sponsors above and with it, you don't have to remove the tiller gear box. Brinly plows - were I you, I'd put a "want" add in the classifieds and also just keep an eye on trading posts, craigslist, etc.

Two more things - do a lot of searching/reading on this site and welcome to OCC's!!!!!!

Good luck,
Bill

You need an extended sleeve hitch. You can get it from a member Jeff on here. Can't remember his screen name right now. The lift that lifts the tiller will lift the sleeve hitch. You can get the lift straps from Jeff as well. It has a 14hp kohler single cylinder. There are threads on here about changing the fluid in the rearend. Do a search for hytran and you will find some info.

Welcome to OCC!

The older cubs are easy to figure out what engine they have. 149 Has a 14hp kohler. The first number, or first two, tell the HP, the last number the series. They stopped this practice at the '82 series. A 149 is a wide frame tractor.

You have a tiller, so you already have a cub cadet style "3-point hitch". The only thing you need to add a plow, is the Brinly adapter. JeffinPA, a member here makes them. His parts are VERY well built, and I recommend purchasing from him. He makes an extended one for use without removing the tiller gearbox.

Look in our "for sale" section, plows come up for sale randomly.

Our "technical" section should provide you with the info you seek about the hydro. Also, you can download a chassis service manual, and an engine service manual from that section. They are original manual, scanned in and provided as a PDF file.

Good luck, and congratulations on your 149 and attachments!!!

Thanks for the quick reply's everyone! I've been doing a ton of searching today and my list is growing! Ag tires, wheel weights, new headlights, fill tires with fluid ect. This is going to be a fun winter of projects! I was able to find the info on the transmission by searching for "hytran" as bolivier suggested! I also found Jeff's thread with the parts and will be contacting him soon!

As I stated this little tractor runs very well but I do notice it burning some oil, not much, but it is happening. Should I do anything else other than the seafoam I've added for now? I've seen some "de-carbonating" threads. Should I invest that time, or just change the fluids and put this bad boy to work?

welcome to OCC, congrats on the nice 147:beerchug:

Nice 149,great tractor to have.

Welcome to OCC!
Congrats on the 149!

Do a search on Trunion Repair or go here: http://cubfaq.com/questions.html
This page has a huge list of info including the trunion repair that most hydro's of these cub's ages require. It's pretty easy to do. Get all the mechanical items in top notch condition and you can work on the pretty stuff later. Once the mechanical stuff is done, it's good for another 2 or 3 decades with good consistent preventative maintenance.

You're drive line "drive shaft, front and rear shaft bushings and flex discs" might need to be upgraded. Use Spiral pins and not roll pins for retainers in the drive line and other areas that require them.

The 149's are one of the most sought after cubs for their workhorse ability and ruggedness. Congrats on a nice purchase. :beerchug:

Check out our Libraries for manuals on your 149, the kohler single cylinder engine and many other things you may need.

Make sure you use a straight 30W non detergent oil. I use Rotella but any non detergent 30W quality oil will be fine.

Thanks for considering my parts :beerchug:
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=20875

Since I custom build each sleeve hitch adapter, I will make exactly what you want. Some folks like the drilled lift straps, some prefer the slotted, you can either or both. I make an extended lift pin that has two sets of 1/2" holes so the same pin can be used for the tiller and for plowing. All you need to do is pull the cotter pin and rotate the pin 90* in the rear lift casting.

Jeff