Do you do all the work on your cubs?

[Peruvian]

I've had IHCCs for about 13 years now. I've done my best with limited knowledge and skills and have learned a ton along the way. I've pulled engines, swapped mounts, rebuild carbs, etc. The problem is I'm getting to the point where at least one Kohler needs a full rebuild, which is beyond my skill set and time allowance. Other than 'power equipment' shops that charge $60-75/hr for shop time, I'm having a tough time locating someone that can do this level of work. Even they are hesitant to work on a 40 year old motor and none will give me a solid idea of the amount of time and cost involved.

I'm truly wondering if I've hit the tipping point where it's no longer feasible for me to own these. I guess a plug and play repower is an option as I can likely do that myself.

Do you do all the work on your cub? Maybe I'm just not the right type of person for antique tractors.

[drglinski]

I have, yes, so far. That being said, I have yet (knock on wood) to have to do anything major to it. When I have to do a kohler rebuild, I'm planning on letting someone I trust to do it that's done them before, but he's 60 Y.O., so I'm going to have to learn myself so I can do it in the future. As far as things like mounting tires; I let a tire place do that for me.

[vartz04]

Have a machine shop do the machine work and print out the service manual and rebuild it yourself. Its not that hard and there aren't many special tools needed

[cubcadet]

i do all my own work. From tune ups, rebuilding carbs, pulling and installing engines, clutch rebuilds, and i recently changed the carrier in the rear of my 102

[carltonn]

I must admit, the smaller stuff I have done. I have taken parts off, cleaned, painted, replaced, wiring, gauges, ect. I have one machine fully apart to repaint and everything.

With that being said, I was not going to put a 40 year old engine back in a fresh clean tractor, so I had a friend rebuild. He runs a mechanic shop and has built race engines for years now. I gave him a print out of the manual and asked him to take his time and maybe give a little discount (for working on it when he is slow, and taking other work first.) So far its half done, and cheap! He is sure it will be like a new engine when I get it all rewired and running!

In short, I do small stuff, people I know do big things! (I order and buy all parts)

[Userj8670]

Same here! I do all the small stuff but the bigger stuff really depends on how much free time I have. Most of the time I try and take on something "bigger" as I do like to learn and it builds confidence

[IACubCadet]

As of right now I have done all my own work to my Cub Cadets, even engine rebuilds. The Kohler manuals are pretty easy to follow. I had an engine rebuilder guide me through my first build, and after that I have done them myself. I figure if it's broke, the only way you can go is up from there.

[austin8214]

I do every bit myself. As others have said already print or download the manual and go for it. Read through the task first then try it yourself. Get a local machine shop to bore your block and turn your crank and grind your valves if needed. The rest of it you can order parts to replace. You should be able to rebuild a K series engine for around $350you to $400the max. Good luck!

[Rescue11]

Im fortunate enough to have a plethora of small engine guys around, one in particular that is very affordable and does a good job

[Sam Mac]

I do what I can. If I need machine shop work I farm that out. Not worth it to me to do that.