126 with a loader
 

would a 126 be a good tractor for a front end loader. kinda looking for one, thought it would be pretty cool to have

Yes, it will be fine.

Personally, I would not consider a 126 a good candidate for a loader tractor. First of all, the 126 is a narrow frame model...loaders should be mounted to something heavier like a compact utility. Secondly, the 126 is somewhat rare which, for me would eliminate this model all together. Lastly, if you do want a loader on a garden tractor consider a hydrostatic, wide frame model such as 149.

:IH Trusted Hand::IH Trusted Hand:

So are you looking for a 126 for a loader you already have, or a loader for a 126 you already have?
Or you "need/want" both.:bigthink:

Go for it! Put a loader on a 126! There have been loaders for narrow frame garden tractors since the Original! For Pete's sake, don't let other opinions take the fun from you!

:IH Trusted Hand::IH Trusted Hand::IH Trusted Hand:

I'm sorry, but that's the craziest statement I've read yet!

Jake, for me, nothing more cool than an Original with a Danco model RD-300 FEL ! Yes, a model 126 are rare, but I think the 126 would be more cool with a loader, and why not?

All the front weight is focused on the front axle pivot pin. Has nothing to do whether you have an 11" narrow frame or a 14" wide frame up front of your garden tractor. Where the loader mounts in the middle-underside of the tractor frame, they all appear to be the same frame width in this area.

Just be careful of what you read. There is no reason in God's green earth a narrow frame IH Cub Cadet would not be a good unit. But, I'd use a hydro drive myself, but all-gear is fine too. No reason to rush out and purchase an expensive sub-compact tractor just to have fun with.

There are all kinds of narrow frame with loaders! Who's crying foul? Let's see some real-world facts that discredits what's been done since 1961. See list of approved IH Cub Cadet Allied Equipment.

Any older Cub will be fine with a loader as long as you understand it's limitations, it's not a bulldozer so don't treat it like one. We work on full size farm tractors and it's no different, they come in with loaders on them and all beat to h3ll because people expect more from them than is reasonable. Yes the 126 is on the rare list but that wouldn't stop me from owning one with a loader on it, there's nothing special about the tractor other than the serial number tag and I doubt you will hurt that running a loader. I've always thought it was a bit funny that the 126 was on the rare list, they must have all came to PA because I constantly see them for sale here and I could probably buy 50 of them by the end of the week if I had the funds.

thanks for the input. you don't see too many cubs in western south Dakota but maybe there is a loader lying around some where!