Orphaned early-build 125 s/n 218313

[105_Tom]

This 125 was literally dumped off at my house back in November. The story was that it's a one-family local tractor that was just too worn-out and unsafe for the 2nd generation of kids that would be old enough to use it this coming summer. The guy's dad had bought it new, it came to me with a very well-used but maintained 48" deck and a QA42 snowthrower (sans rods and lift arm). I don't know what tips the scale for early or late build in a series, but at s/n 218313, I doubt there are too many 125's left that are older than this one.

The biggest concern to me was the fuel leak out of the tank. I finally addressed that this weekend after some inspiration (and JD Weld -its working so far) from billh's new 125 with hydro lift. I have a disassembled NF hydro setup with a rockshaft that I just need to put back together, and this would be a good candidate tractor as it's current rockshaft is just about worn through. The Kohler runs well, the pto is newer, tires are good, but the hydro is shot. This tractor must have 2500+ hours on it from what the PO told me about how it was always being used by him and his brothers every summer cutting grass around their neighborhood until last year. It has gawd-awful creep and leaks all over the place. It will be a good first 'split' for me to get into, maybe to a trunion repair, cork gasket, and new springs for the swash plate. Every Cub is worth saving (if it's worth it to you), and I have wanted a 125 for a while; this one found me!

I already have fenders, depending how the split goes, it might get the sleeve hitch off the 123. I think the Kohler is tight enough to sling the 48" deck again, but it hangs a 42" in the meantime.

[darkminion_17]

Nice find on the low serial #. the 125 is my favorite hydro.

[4SPEED]

yep , I just pulled a 10" plow with my 125 today. 160lbs in the wheels with ag tires and it was unstoppable.

[Methos]

Great price and worth saving!

[Diz Jr.]

I agree, Its worth saving.
Glad to see it made its way to you

[Sugarmaker]

Tom,
Great pictures and write up on the low number 125. I will have to check my serial number on the one I brought home a month ago. From what I have heard I would not give up on the hydro. Most folks say they are bullet proof! The bad creep could be just trunnion and or adjustment in the linkage/pivot plate. And it could need a oil change? I pulled the 147R out of the weeds by the side of the road and after some very minor attention to the hydro unit it seems to be performing very well.
That leakage could be from the two upper relief valves. You can buy these refurbished.
Good luck with the tractor. I will be watching.
Regards,
Chris

[ACecil]

Nice find on the 125. Good luck with it.

[billh1963]

Now you need the hydraulic unit and it will look like mine! Of course, I also have the cigar lighter!