Hydro vs Gear Drive - Strength and Structurally

[IH Cub Cadet]

I’ve been pondering adding a Farmall Cub to the fleet for miscellaneous farm chores, including mowing. However, I’m to understand the gear drive IHCC’s used the same rear end as the Farmall Cub. So I’m thinking, the Cub Cadet’s are easier to get off and on, plenty of attachments and a good mowing machine - so why not mash what I’ve got into more farm chores and forget the Farmall Cub.

Among the IHCC’s I’ve got are a hydro 149 and a gear 126.

I should think from a strength/structural standpoint, the rear end in the 126 ought to be as stout as the Farmall Cub. What about the hydros? Are they just as bullet proof?

The pic is the 149 moving around a kicker hay wagon with a few bales of hay on it…

[Billy-O]

IMO, Gear drive or hydro, the CC's are strong.... the downside is the weight of the machine versus the weight and size of implements it carries or push/pull in regards of traction and stopping.

[dennislbrooks]

The stock clutch on the manual is a weak point when you get a hold of too much of a load. Like that wagon in your pic. I do not know about the hydros.

[ironman]

While I've never had a problem with clutches on gear drive cub being weak, I would consider 1/4" spirol pins to be a major weak link in the drive line.

But overall I have to agree with Billy-O, traction and braking are more problematic with small Cubs trying to move large/heavy loads than anything else I ever encountered.

[IH Cub Cadet]

Thanks for the replies - much appreciated!

[CadetTommy]

I would say the hydros are at LEAST as stout as the gear drive units, they typically have less driveline issues, and there’s no clutch to bother with, which is a weak point as mentioned. The only major downside is heat buildup. It’s also worth mentioning when you compare Cubs to Cub Cadets that the 3 speed is the same, but powered differently. In a Cub, the transmission is driven at engine speed, and there are final drives used to keep the tractor speeds suitable for the field rather than the highway. In a Cub Cadet, there are no final drives, instead there is a 7:1 gear reduction in the front of the transmission. This increases the torque applied to everything inside that transaxle case, which means it’s ultimately less tough compared to a Cub. However, you’re still only powering it with a single cylinder Kohler, so they’re still pretty much bulletproof!

[ironman]

One other thing to consider if you live in an area where winter temperatures go sub-freezing,
hydro Cubs are a little bit harder starting due to thickening of the hydro fluid and the starter having to turn the motor AND the hydro.

[Graflex45]

Originally Posted by ironman

One other thing to consider if you live in an area where winter temperatures go sub-freezing,
hydro Cubs are a little bit harder starting due to thickening of the hydro fluid and the starter having to turn the motor AND the hydro.

According to the parts diagrams there was a clutch "power disconnect" option available for the quietline hydros. Was that a reasoning for having that? Start your cold engine and get it warm to have enough pumping torque?
The only other reason I can think of is if your running something stationary off the front pto like the pincor generator and just want the tractor parked.

[Ambush]

I have an old JD 140 with a K321 and same hydro as the IH Cubs that has the driveline disconnect clutch. It definitely turns over easier when using the clutch, especially in cold temps.

[finsruskw]

Originally Posted by Ambush

I have an old JD 140 with a K321 and same hydro as the IH Cubs that has the driveline disconnect clutch. It definitely turns over easier when using the clutch, especially in cold temps.

Running a front PTO attachment such as a Pincor gen set or a shredder for long periods of time will be tough on the throw out bearing with that setup.

W/a hydro, you are essentially in "park" when the brake pedal is depressed and locked in place thus placing the hydro, if properly adjusted, in neutral.