Pictures of the 185

[56FordGuy]

Picked this up yesterday evening, unloaded and put it in the shop today. Doesn't run, been sitting for a year or two. Pushed it on with a larger tractor. I was already in the unloading process by the time I thought to take pictures, that's why you can only see one strap across the font. Trust me, I didn't haul it that way. There were others securing it.





I was going to work on it today, but got busy shortly after putting it in the shop and haven't had the chance. Maybe tomorrow afternoon.

[Rudi]

Blake:

The 185 is nice.

Now the 56 Ford -- that isn't just nice -- IT IS AWESOME .. I likes it And I am not even a Ford fan.. that is one pretty truck

[LiL' Red]

185 is a nice tractor to mow with, the independent pto and extra HP really come in handy. Like Rudi, I'm not a big Ford fan but I'd be real happy drivin that one!

[Bill Hudson]

The 185 is OK, but the truck - - Oh my goodness! I'm a Ford guy and I like it a lot.

Bill

[perry cub loboy]

NICE TRACTOR BUT I LIKE THE TRUCK MORE

[56FordGuy]

I appreciate the compliments. The truck is fun to have, but I've been thinking off and on about selling it. Haven't found a good replacement yet though, so it doesn't matter.

I tore into the 185 today, and made a bit of progress. I removed multiple wasp nests (been sitting outside for a few years), and a bird's nest from the fan shroud. Drained the tank, got the flat tire off, freed up the choke and removed the stuck throttle cable. I got it to turn over, but it's slow. Some new battery cables and a good connection check are on the list. I have a feeling that I'm going to have to rebuild the carb on this one, but maybe not. If I can get the tractor running, then I'll start on the mower deck. I'm not sure what model it is (need to do more research), but it's missing the center spindle assembly.

It ought to be fun to mess with.

[BigBill]

Nice, dual brake pedals and a 3260 deck. See ebay, "hamiltonbobscubs" for parts.

These are awesome mowing machines and very comfortable to operate. Most of the time i wish i had more grass to mow. BigBill

[Bill Hudson]

56Fordguy,

Sent you a PM.

Bill

[56FordGuy]

BigBill, are these decks common? The deck is actually the reason it was parked. The center spindle failed somehow, and was going to be very costly to repair. I plan to work on that once I get it started.

Mr. Hudson, PM received and replied.

[SONNY]

I have a 185 with that mower on it,( sitting in shed because of parts prices for it) and yes parts are VERY expensive for not only the mower but for the tractor as well,---IF you can find them! thanks; sonny

[oojimmyc]

Hamiltonbobs on Ebay....I believe has a spindle listed.... I have recently and quickly learned 154 parts are sort of like buying parts for a brand new tractor . But at least Bob & Joe will work with you some...and that's good. They have made me a good deal on a PTO, but I just paid over $400. for a set of field tires and squashed the PTO deal for a couple of weeks. Bob & Joe if your seeing this I'll be in touch...

[BigBill]

Were stuck for parts but we still have hamiltonbobscubs???

[BigBill]

BigBill, are these decks common? The deck is actually the reason it was parked. The center spindle failed somehow, and was going to be very costly to repair. I plan to work on that once I get it started.

Mr. Hudson, PM received and replied.

Bob on ebay has the spindles listed time to time. My 3260 deck is growling and i started buying spindle parts already some pieces at a time so i don't break the bank to rebuild it. I'm hoping the new bearings and seals will do it. Them i only use moly grease after that. BB

I have also learned from my mistakes too that bandaid jobs don't last. Then when something else goes i have two things to fix. Since i have 4 cub cadets as backup mowers its time to do full restorations.

BTW; Being disabled its fun to use the 38" deck on my 104 cub cadet because it gives me more time outdoors in the fresh air. But mowing does get old by the end of the season so the 154 with the 3260 (60") deck gets used more by then.

[56FordGuy]

Well, it sputtered to life today for a few minutes. I bought a battery, new ground strap, made a new throttle cable, and put on two new front tires. It sputtered to life this evening on a shot of starting fluid. Carb will need to be removed and rebuilt, and I need to make a new battery tray as the current one is rusted beyond hope, I believe. Then I can start on the mowing deck repairs.

[BigBill]

My 3260 mower deck has been growling but with some grease its been quieter lately. I ordered new seals and new tapered bearings for the 3 spindles already. I figure it will out last my lifetime once i fix it right.

These are cub cadets on steroids and once you mow with it i'm sure you will like it, i did.

Plowing snow is fun too. I also fabricated a ripper for the 3pt hitch and she pulled out the surface rocks in my field with no problem. The larger rocks we had to dig out and the fcub with the dual wheel ag's pulled them out.