123/127 parts swap
 

I have a 127 that smokes bad and has a sticky hydro that is hard to push and jerky. When I got my second 127, the guy threw in a 123 parts tractor that was mostly there. I know the engine is the same and frame, but what else is the same on these tractors? I know rear ends aren't the same with internal and external breaks but would it be possible to change out the hydro controls, steering box, and deck lift lever from the 123 and put it in the 127?

Once you get past the cam and rod on the hydro the rest of the speed control is different. I think the tube on the steering box is shorter on the 127 because of the dished steering wheel. The lift is different also. The 123 uses the bail on the button for float and the 127 has the float lock in the handle.

Welcome to OCC, you will be able to find a lot of useful information here and also a lot of helpful people.

I believe that you will find that the forward/reverse controls (the parts under the dash along with the handles) are very different between the 123 and 127. That said, it is my opinion that those controls on the 127 are far superior to the ones on the 123. I also believe there is a difference in the height of the dash towers between the two and I don't know that one will simply "bolt in" and replace the other. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here.

Likewise with the steering column, although very much the same, I believe there is a difference in length of the center shaft and outer tube between the two machines. Once again correct me if I'm wrong.

The good news is, these parts are fairly easy to repair. Taking them out is something of a struggle, but once they are out, they can be taken apart and cleaned, worn parts can be replaced and you cam make them as good as they were when new.

The hydrostatic transmissions in the the two tractors are the same, but I'm guessing that making some repairs, replacing a few inexpensive parts and making a few adjustments will correct your "transmission problems".

The deck lift levers are also some different between these models, and I'm not sure if one can be substituted for the other or not.

For more information on differences between the two machines you can go here and look up parts and exploded diagrams for each one.

http://www.partstree.com/parts/cub-c...arden-tractor/

http://www.partstree.com/parts/cub-c...arden-tractor/

I also believe that once you whip your 127 into shape, you will be compelled to go through your 123 and make it a good running usable machine as well.

Good luck with your projects.

Thank you guys for your quick response. I haven't had much time to look at them since I got them home Saturday. You saved me from struggling with something that wouldn't have even worked in the end. I planned on going trough the 127 part by part before I got the 123, but then I started thinking that it might be easier to change out parts.
The lift lever on my 127 is missing the float button and has a hex bolt threaded into it as the top button. I wanted to use it to plow snow and was hoping that the levers would switch so I could let the blade float. I don't care if its not the exact same, I just wanted to know if they would bolt up until I can find a fully functional 127 lever. If not, my other thought was to use a cable instead of a solid connecting rod to the plow.

Save that 123. I think it's one of the best that IH made. They have the best forward/reverse levers, way better than the chrome plated later ones. But that's just me, I like how a 123 feels, they are a solid tractor