Early vs. Later Model QL Tractor Differences???

[IH Cub Cadet]

I know a few differences between the early vs late model QL tractors - such as:

Early - Cast iron Grill, Late - Aluminum grill

Early - 3/4" spindles, Late - 1" spindles

Early - external brakes, Late - internal wet brakes

Early - Steering wheel similar to 1x8/9 tractors, Late - similar to 82 series tractor.

What else is same/different?

Thanks!
Bill

[sawdustdad]

Early, cast iron axle housings; Late, aluminum

[cubby102]

I have both a early 1000 and a late 1200 and the spindles steering wheel grille and brake setup are the only real differences I know of

[finsruskw]

There are differences in the wire loom and PTO clutch wire routing between the early CI grill Cubs and the later AL grill units. Seems the early ones have the loom running along the right side of the frame then up to the engine w/the PTO wire going down the left side. The later ones w/AL grill seem to have the loom going through a grommet in the fire wall and the PTO wire included in this bunch and going across the side of the engine to the right front to the PTO.

Just a few of my observations

[cubby102]

Ill look at mine when I get home tonight and see whatvis all different my 1200 I know is un molested the 1000 I wouldn't lay it in stone to be correct

[dlouis33]

Fuel tanks are different. Early had a small fill cap and late had a larger one

[finsruskw]

Main engine ground wires are different, early ones ground to the rear right side 3/8" nose bolt, later ones ground to the 7/16" firewall bolt. Some of the 1650-1450 hydraulic lift rigs use a roll pin for the lift handle shaft, others use a "U" shaped clamp w/a 5/16" bolt to squeeze it to the shaft.

[RChristensen]

The clutch/brake return springs were different, and hydro control linkage was different.

[RChristensen]

The early ones had a pin in the hydraulic lift lever bracket while later ones had a bracket that had a clamp with a bolt. I never did know if that was a change or a modification.

[Cub 800]

I am not sure where mine falls between early and late,
but on this cub 800 QL
the grill is cast iron lower, aluminum upper.
wet internal brakes,
cast iron rear
not sure about the spindle.