Overlooked problems found after Cub purchase

[brandonlee012]

Hello, and thank you all for being so helpful. I am finding more things that need fixing now that my Cub has been home for a week, than I saw before buying the Cub. Is this just me wanting to bring my Cub back to like new condition or is this common to you all as well to find hidden or overlooked problems?

The good: nice paint, runs well, is complete.

The bad: overdue for maintenance, steering arm bolts broken, tires ballasted with water, rear and front main seepage, possible touch control issues.

Parts are on the way, to get her back to work.

[Bob McCarty]

Some of the flaws are hidden until you have a chance to go over the Cub thoroughly. I think the excitement and anticipation of buying a Cub causes tunnel vision and you miss some of the problems until it's home. It's happened to me.

[Eugene]

Is this just me wanting to bring my Cub back to like new condition or is this common to you all as well to find hidden or overlooked problems?

Yes, common to find problems.

The thing is to determine which problems require immediate attention and the ones that can wait.

[Barnyard]

tires ballasted with water

Are you sure it is water and not calcium chloride. If it is calcium, becare any pets don't drink it when drained. It will also kill grass.

[toehead]

and rims: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=103184

[Bigwally30]

Over the years have found that my projects usually cost twice as much and take twice as long to do as you first figure it will take

[Stanton]

Sounds like these issues are normal. It’s rare to buy a Cub that’s been maintained. Broken bolts, leaking seals and T/C rebuild also common.

Drain and dispose of fluid in the tires; may have to address those in the near future.

Bob’s right, tunnel vision (you might call it “Cub” vision) can cause you to overlook things.

Glad to hear it runs good. Post some pics, we’d like to see it. Is this your first Cub?

[jsfarmall]

Depending what you are doing with it, I would leave the fluid in the tires until it starts leaking. If it's calcium chloride that stuff will destroy your rims. Replacing main seals ain't too bad. The rear is the easiest to change but hardest to get to seal right. Front is easy to get to seal but can be a major pain to get the front pulley off. Unless it's a real problem I would just let em leak.

My tractors don't leak though, they mark their territory lol

[coppersmythe]

my first cub was a non runner and the owner turned out to be ( i'll b nice ) much less than truthful . it all worked out in the end , and was kinda helpful because i had to learn a lot about what gets and keeps these little gems running . i have gotten better at looking over a cub , but still have hidden issues pop up . just part of the deal . coppersmythe.............................

[Intergalactic Harvester]

I have found this to be very common....... more work done in a rattle can paint job than was put into actually checking fluids and greasing fittings. I have had bought 3 tractors all in this condition. Not all Cubs. More water than oil throughout the whole tractor.The price was low and I knew how to fix them, so I got them anyways.
I constantly find fresh paint over 1/2 inch of dirt and oil build up from a leak years old. I end up destroying all the work and money put into it because I have to tear the tractor apart to fix it, and non of the paint has a hardener so it flakes right off down to original. I end up doing more work in the long run stripping down the paint after its put back together to redo it on a clean, non leaking, proper running tractor.
Calcium in tires is used in areas where it freezes regularly, (like my place). I dont like it, I use windshield washer fluid. My brother lives in a warmer place where they just use water.
Good luck, I know your troubles. I keep telling myself that all of this will be worth it when I need to run my tractor all day for several days straight and not have any maintenance issues. These tractors are dependable when maintained.

[Gary S.]

I wondered why they used calcium chloride when there were other things that would work ie washer fluid,anti freeze etc. The reason I found out was that it weighed more. I think it's in my 8N manual.

[brandonlee012]

tires ballasted with water

Are you sure it is water and not calcium chloride. If it is calcium, becare any pets don't drink it when drained. It will also kill grass.

I followed my Dad's advice and the taste test indicated no calcium. Plus. The rim was in very good condition. The valve core broke off in the stem and the stem separated from the tube. New tube is in the mail.

[Matt Kirsch]

I am thoroughly convinced that tractors get "shipping fever." Issues that you specifically checked for before money exchanged hands, and you KNOW weren't present, suddenly appear as soon as the tractor is in your yard and there is no going back.

[coppersmythe]

i'm with you intergalactic on the fresh paint over dirt . it covers a lot . the ground/grass around the tractor painted red is a clue to the "freshness" of the paint job. coppersmythe............................. PS: i've always wanted to ask barnyard if he can remember his first cub

[Lt.Mike]

Over the years have found that my projects usually cost twice as much and take twice as long to do as you first figure it will take

Agreed.
Those problems, issues, are there for a reason and that’s to ensure that you have a complete bonding experience with your new Cub!
It’s never truly yours until you put your efforts into it.