[Cub Cadet 123]

That does appear homemade. You have a several options available to you. You could get a NF lift handle and paddle and put it back using original cub parts if you do not wish to go to hydraulic lift or electric lift or winch, or you could make that set up work. The lift bar for your snow thrower should go through a paddle/bracket about where the center bolt is on your custom made lift handle. I don't know how essential that middle bolt is, but you could try to remove it and see if the bore is large enough to install the other end of your lift rod. However, you don't know about the strength of the welds of the custom made handle, so you don't know how it might hold up. It also looked like several holes were bored out of that bracket that is welded, located up higher. I suppose you could try to put the lift rod through those holes--again, I am not for sure about the strength of that part and as you already know the thrower is very heavy. Therefore, I would stick with original IH parts whenever possible because it certainly would not be fun if the part broke and you are at the end of your driveway clearing snow.

Also, would you please include a picture of the back side of your cub cadet--would like to look to see if you have a spring assist on it. It would be a bracket and a long (about 8" spring) attached to your frame. If not, then as previously mentioned....that thrower is going to be VERY HEAVY!

Cub Cadet 123