Farmall Cub: what to watch out for

[LedgeMagnet]

I am going to look at a 1953 cub tomorrow. I used to have a '49 with loaded and weighted tires that I used to pull out firewood, and I'm thinking of doing the same again. I remember being surprised how nimble my old one was in the woods and how strongly it pulled for such a small tractor.

Mine had a welded crack in the torque tube, I guess you'd call it: the piece that goes from the bell housing back to the rear end. I sold it when I got a C, which is a lawn ornament until I can find a new block for it. Are there any particular areas to check on the Cub, weak areas that I should look over?

Thanks, and I hope you haven't had to answer this question TOO many times before!

 

[Soundguy]

Welds on the front steering members, steering box itself.. Too much play?

Welds in te tranny casting at the bell housing.

Also.. as you remember.. the radiator is a two piece job with the bottom half being cast iron part of the tractor.. check for leaks.. Look for brazing to fix a cracked block.

Soundguy

 

[Worksmart]

LedgeMagnet - Make sure you visit Cub Info. You'll find everything you've forgotten about your old Cub. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Chuck

 

[timb]

LegdeMagnet - I was going to say watch out for getting that red paint under your skin - it seems like it sets off a reaction that causes owners to keep buying old red tractors - but I see it's too late, you were already bitten by the "C". /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I looked at a quite a few letter-series Farmalls before I decided I needed to go modern for now but if all goes well I will have a Cub someday, and possibly C or an H as well. Much as I like my new Deere, IMO there's not a better tractor picture than a old bright red tractor on a green field. Good luck with the Cub.

 

[Soundguy]

How'd you make out on that cub?

If you bought it.. there are some maintenance issues to take care of that often get neglected.

The rear final drives have a small pan and level / drain plug. You have to take the drawbar loos for one side, while the other side is accessable. That changes however, if there is a belly mower attatched... as you usually have to pull the bolts and drop the belly mower to the ground.

If the pans are dry, reach your finger in there and feel for grit.. if no grit.. refill with oil and go. If you feel grit.. pull the pans and clean. Gaskets are cheap and available/ easy to make from gasket paper.

Also.. if you are going to use the tractor for stationary power, make sure you grease the fitting right at the pto shaft. The pto/tranny is normally splash lubed, but only if the tranny is moving / in gear. That grease fitting is great if you are using the belt pulley.

Soundguy