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- IH Cub Cadet Tractors (GT) (https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9)

- - 1450 (https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=31091)

Just wanted to say hello to everyone.

I am taking possession of a 1974 1450 today. Went to look at it yesterday, and while it needs a little TLC, it looks like a solid tractor.

The gentleman stated it ran 3 years ago when it was parked, and my first thought was, yeah, so what. 3 years is a long time to leave something sitting for no reason, so something has to be wrong. I was hoping it wouldn't be serious.

Got there, hooked up some cables and cranked it over. turned over with no issue, but would not quite start. Checked the spark, and it would arc a half inch, so it seems hot enough. It had fresh gas in the tank, but that really doesn't mean much if it has 3 year old gas in the carb, so I dropped the bowl for a look. It was very clean, and bone dry. Pulled the float, and got the needle freed up so gas would run, and replaced the bowl.

Turned it over again, and it fired right up. No smoke, no hesitation, and a great relief.

Aired up the tires, and started the test ride. The speed control was a bit stiff, and initially it would only go about half way, but it moved forward and reverse with no issues. Kept manipulating the speed control and eventually, it went full forward, and the thing jumped out at full speed.

You have to love it when you start out expecting to walk away, and the initial results are a disappointment, but it turns out good in the end.

The only attachments are a beat up 44" deck(all three spindles turn smoothly, so only cosmetic issues) and a front snow blade.

In any case, glad to be here. I have been searching for a good vintage tractor for a couple of months now, so I have spent a lot of time on here as well as other sites. This site was very influential in convincing me that the 1450 was worth going and taking a look at, so you all have already been a great help to me. I figure that you will have an opportunity to help me out a lot more in the near future :beerchug:.
I have been wrenching for about 4 decades now, so I'm pretty good with the standard maintenance items, but there has got to be a whole lot that isn't in the factory manual, that you folks have figured out.

Welcome. Great success story. I think there are a few other Texas members here as well. We all love pics on here so we will be waiting for them!.:beerchug:

Welcome yes these purchases are usually a bit of a roller coaster ride on the emotions. Glad yours is ending on a high side.

:Welcome2: Sounds like you will fit in just fine with this group. Nice to see someone make all the right moves to check out a non runner. :beerchug:

You've got a great tractor!

First thing I would check is the engine ISO mounts. The engine sets on them and it's common for them to crush over time. If you can rock you're engine back and forth, they will need to be addressed.

The QL tractors are IMHO some of the coolest looking tractors IH made, however...

:TTWWP:

Welcome to OCC! Glad to have you!
Looking forward to seeing pics!:beerchug:

Welcome to OCC! Congrats on your 1450.

Congratulations. Did this one happen to be in Canton or Athens? If so I almost went to get it Friday but talked myself out of it. Good luck and have fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicochetFord (Post 252924)

Congratulations. Did this one happen to be in Canton or Athens? If so I almost went to get it Friday but talked myself out of it. Good luck and have fun.

That's the one. Gentleman who had it was a great guy, but seemed to have his hands full with family and work, and couldn't spend the time needed on it. He was totally up front about everything, and genuinely seemed glad to see it go to someone who would use it.

Just got it home, and gave it a little bit closer look, and while I didn't get burned, there is plenty that will need to be addressed to bring it to it's full glory. On the other hand, a new muffler, spark plug, oil change, carb kit, and maybe file and set the points, and it would probably be good for the full season. Needle valve stuck closed again while I was tooling around the yard to get the oil up to temp for a change, so I'll have to address the carb this week.

Too late for this year, but I will have a hydraulic tiller built for it by the fall, so I can start getting my garden sorted out.

It came with a full set of manuals, including Operators, Service, Parts, and a Kohler engine manual. Some of it's previous history is folded in the pages of the manual, in the form of old service notes, and receipts.