My (new) Cub Cadet
I am now the proud owner of a IH Cub Cadet 106. First some background, I have a small John Deere riding mower that was given to me because of years of frustration and service calls to John Deere with an intermittent starting problem (it was the neutral interlock switch) but it is currently down due to a frozen idler bearing. I also have a Sears riding mower that was given to me that runs but the deck is shot (death by rust) I also have a Toro hi-wheel self propelled push mower with a VERY POORLY DESIGNED PROPULSION SYSTEM. I bought the Toro new 4 years ago and self propelled system has turned into front wheels ONLY turn in the aforward direction n lock solid if you drag it backwards. So last Saturday my neighbor (whom I am not on speaking terms) has my new 106 in his yard with a cardboard sign with the word FREE. No front grill on it and the seat was sitting on it where it belongs but upside down.
Now I already have too much crap. I am no shit on probation for 2 years for "littering" in my own yard complete with a 60 day jail sentence, suspended pending successfully completing my probation. What it means is anytime the city I live in does not like my yard they can and I am sure they would throw me in the county jail.
Fortunately for me I could not resist. I am busy as hell but I went over knocked on the door (they did not answer) Then pushed my new Cub into my driveway, behind my truck that needs the carbs rebuilt, and hoped that my neighbors would not complain to the city (again). I have finals this week it's my 20th wedding anniversary I have two teenagers both good kids but in that crazy puberty time and my wife is disabled. I am just spread way to thin for all that I have to do.too busy I finally got a chance to look at the Cub yesterday so after pulling the battery out of the John Deere, charging it and putting it in the cub the cub turned over nicely but did not start. Checked for spark and it arced nicely so I checked the gas tank, empty. Poured in some gas and cranked the engine some more. Nothing. Closed and re-opened fuel cutoff valve, cranked, noticed no fuel going into bowl so I thought clogged fuel line but after pulling the fuel line and bowl and bowl holder/valve assembly from the fuel tank I realized that I just had not put enough gas in the tank to get over the top of the fitting in the tank. So after reasembeling the fuel path and a shot of starting spray she fired right up! So I precariously balanced on the seat put her in gear and did three or four laps cutting grass around the front yard!
Apparently my neighbors decided to get rid of it because the seat bottom had pulled off. It had the key in it and it even has the three point hitch assembly. The deck is rusted through in one spot but appears to be in great shape. The blades are not rusty or rusted on and are even sharp! it's like my idiot neighbors got rid of a Rolls Royce because of a flat to buy a new Pinto
I love well designed/built equipment what a great little tractor! after my four laps it started running rough and smoking so I need to figure that out but heck even if I need to rebuild the engine it's money well spent! If I went sane and totally restored it I would spend less than any new MTD ride on would cost and would have a ten times better tractor. It's a pleasure to find people that still understand what quality and value mean. Thank you all for contributing your knowledge and wisdom. To the administrator thank you for providing the forum to keep these wonderful machines supported and running, I know it costs and can be a task.
Scottie
P.S. Pictures and lots of questions to follow.
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