Bought an Original!

[rusmart]

Been lurking here for awhile looking at what people have to say about these cub cadets. Well, I bought an original and thought I'd post pictures of it.

What I know about it. Was used to haul boats around when it was new. They broke the back axle, welded it back together, and stopped using it to haul heavy boats

It went up to Alaska for a summer or two to help put in a cabin and landscape the yard.

I finally bought it from a local farmer who got it from his brother for his grandkids to ride around. He's the son of the original purchaser, so I guess it's a one family owned tractor.

Engine has been rebuilt with new piston and rings, but hasn't been run in awhile. It's awfully hard to turn by hand on compression. The original pull start broke (as you can see on the hood), and they were just using a rope to pull start it. The steering spindles kinda got really stiff (no grease), and they broke the steering column trying to steer, so it sat in a shed for a few years til I found it. I was lucky, cub cadets aren't too common out here in Utah.

Has part of a rear lift (missing bottom bracket for the 3 pt) and a front blade.

I've torn it down to repair the infamous frame to rear axle weakness. I'm gonna have the crack welded, but would appreciate any tips or pictures on a good way to reinforce it. The picture is of the top of the frame (you can see the creeper hole for reference). The bottom bolts have already been reinforced with angle iron (prior owners doing). I'd like to make it pretty, but I'll take useful over pretty.

Also would like to know if the 7HP has the engine decompression exhaust valve thingy for easier starting. I don't think it's working (if it does have it).

Edit: Price paid (for reference): $172, not too bad of a deal. Got two spare steering columns off ebay for $30 shipped.