Cub Cadet 126 back in service

[IHCubCadet147]

The last time I used my 126, the clutch teaser spring broke. When I would step on the clutch to stop, it wouldn’t stop. This was about 2-3 years ago. Last July I decided it was time to fix it, so I ordered a clutch rebuild kit and tore it apart. I should have followed the manual and pulled the motor out, but I took the rear end out instead. I had to take the clutch out in pieces, with the motor out it would have came out in one piece. I took the rear out because I also wanted to check out the creeper gear, and thought it would be easier that way. The creeper worked fine, but leaked. I’m glad I checked it, because the bearing was shot in it and the shaft was really loose, so I decided to rebuild that too. That was as far as I got and other projects took over.

I wanted to cut grass with this tractor this year, so two weeks ago I got back to work on it. I got the parts for the creeper gear and rebuilt that. Then I put the clutch together.

Last weekend I got to work putting it all back on the tractor. I put the creeper back on the transmission, filled it with fluid, and put it back in the tractor. Then I pulled the motor out to put the clutch in. It went together much easier than it came apart. Now I know just to pull the motor out next time.

[IHCubCadet147]

I changed the transmission fluid, and put the fenders and rear lift back on. Then it was ready for a test drive.

That went well, nothing blew apart or fell off, so I put the mower deck on and tried cutting grass with it. It’s nice having it back. This is one of my favorite tractors, and one of my most reliable ones. The next things it needs done are tightening up the steering and adjust or replace the brakes. And eventually a proper paint job. It looks good in pictures, but the PO gave it a really bad rattle can/brush job.

[SONNY]

Looks great! I have a 129 and a 147 , both hydro-drives. steering is junk on both of them too and I think that was the norm for this series of mowers and was VERY weak on the steering box and all the linkages! Just my observation on them. I looked at a LOT of them on auctions and all have junk steering on them! Sad too cause they are great mowers!

[Eugene]

I looked at a LOT of them on auctions and all have junk steering on them! Sad too cause they are great mowers!

It's the Ross type steering sector. Not a difficult or expensive DIY repair.

Locally, don't see the older models of Cub Cadets at auction anymore.

Have one CC that needs the Ross steering sector rebuilt. Ebay, $24- for the cam follower stud and ball bearings. Normally that's all the parts needed for the repair.

[SONNY]

Thanks Eugene, -- I gotta look into that. Quite a few of them still show up at the local spring auction here. Neighbor just bought an original oldie that is rare and is going to restore it.

[Eugene]

Thanks Eugene, -- I gotta look into that. Quite a few of them still show up at the local spring auction here. Neighbor just bought an original oldie that is rare and is going to restore it.

The steering sector/column drops out from the tractor bottom. You need to remove the steering wheel, elevate the front of the tractor, unbolt the sector.

I haven't tried it yet, you may be able to remove the cam follower stud without removing the entire steering column.

I use to purchase older CC's at auction when the price was right. Purchase the entire tractor for less than the price of a voltage regulator. I have a couple under the storage racks at the acreage. Handy. First mowing on the acreage today. Mower deck idler pulley froze up and dropped off wife's 125. Pulled mower deck brackets from storage, removed good idler pulley, installed on wife's tractor. 30 - 45 minutes, wife is back mowing.

[IHCubCadet147]

Looks great! I have a 129 and a 147 , both hydro-drives. steering is junk on both of them too and I think that was the norm for this series of mowers and was VERY weak on the steering box and all the linkages! Just my observation on them. I looked at a LOT of them on auctions and all have junk steering on them! Sad too cause they are great mowers!

Thanks. I have both a 129 and 147 too. I agree with what Eugene said, the steering boxes are not that bad to rebuild. I did the one on my restored 149 a few years ago. The worst part is usually getting the steering wheel off without destroying it, especially if the tractor ever sat outside. Soak it up good with PB Blaster for a few weeks before you try to remove it. In addition, worn tie rod ends and slop in the axle c-channel can also add to the loose steering.

[IHCubCadet147]

Yesterday I officially mowed the whole yard for the first time this year. The 126 did great!