Cub cadet codes

[Harold R]

I have become interested in the older cub cadet lawn mowers, primarily because my Craftman just isn't holding up. There's a lot of plastic on it and it just doesn't hold-up to the rigors of a couple of acres. I see the cadets advertised at reasonable prices, but I'm not sure what the 3 or 4 number codes means. I see 107,108's then 1100, 1200, with some, there is 50 for the last 2 number. What I think I would need is something with a cut greater than 42 inches and about 12 to 15 HP. What would you guys suggest I look for? And no.....I still like the big cubs, it's just my wife thinks the heavier tractor leaves ruts.

[Paul B]

The numbers you are refering to are the model numbers of the various tractors, and for the IH built cub Cadets identify the horse power and the type of transmission.

The first model has no number and is commonly called an Original, and is a 7 hp. The next model is the 70 and 100. The first 1 or 2 digits identify the hp, and the last digit the type transmission - even number = gear drive, odd number= hydrostatic, with a few exceptions. Model 70, 71, 72, 73 are all 7 hp, but are all gear drive. Basically, the higher the last number, the later the model or series of tractor. Example, a 122 is a 12 hp gear drive and a 123 is a 12 hp hydro of the same basic model and series (the second series of numbered tractors) tractor which also included a 102, 10 hp model. The 122 and 123 were replaced by the 124 and 125 of the third series, which also included a 104 & 105, and the numbering sequence keeps going up with the later series until you get to the 1000, 1200, 1250 etc. They are a 10 hp gear drive, a 12 hp gear drive, and a 12hp hydro, in that order, and since the number 100 had already been used, and the number 125 had been used, another 0 was added as a fourth digit, and the third digit used to identify the transmission type. Next came the red 82 series, and nobody including IH understands the numbering system for them.

Now that all of that is as clear as mud, you might want to read through the FAQ's here. http://ihregistry.com/odfaq/index.php?p ... t&cat=5#a6 and it may help answer some of your questions.

And to answer your question about what to look for, sounds like a 149 with a 44" or 50" deck is what you are looking for, but you only want a deck that big if your ground is pretty smooth. The larger decks are good at scalping if there are bumps or dips or uneven ground to mow.

[Harold R]

Thanks, that was good info.

[Ralph]

HR
paul is the go to guy on the cadets for shure.
i have met him on several occasions.
and he knows the cadets verry well.

[Cub 1948]

My Dad worked for a Dealership for 41 years from Jan. 1957 to July 1997. He was the parts man for C Wilson & Son's Kimberton,Pa. He sold cadets from 1960 to 1997. I would have to say My dad knows a lot more then most people out here. lol.

The Red cadets are cool we own two a 682 and a 782 Hydro's both 17 hp.
The 782's have a 50" deck.

Len.

[Ralph]

Len
that is good always great to have a wealth of info to learn from.

but Paul is a member of our board and attends most shows and he is verry knowledgeable about the cadets we have relied on him for years to answer our questions .
And he has done a verry Good job.

Thanks paul
Ralph

[Don McCombs]

Harold,

This site may also be helpful to you as you conduct your search.

http://www.geocities.com/jluckeycub/index.html