125 build

[BlunkM]

I was just given my grandpas 125. It currently doesn’t run. This winter I would like to rebuild it/ restore it. But some research I have been doing, with the size on yard a maintain, and what I would doing with it. (Basic yard stuff: dethatching, roller, mow, no winter use.) I need at least 18 hp engine.

I know people have built these for pulling tractors and would have bigger than the Kohler 12hp. What upgrades would I need to do to the transmission or rear end. I’ve been looking and haven’t seen much and don’t know where to start.

I’ll have to send pictures of this cub cause it’s already not your normal
Cub. There’s a good short story behind it.

Thanks for the help.
Matt

[finsruskw]

My 12 HP cubs do everything I ask of them.
All that you mentioned and more.
No problems.

Sounds like your unit has already been messed with so all bets are off as to how you should go about "restoring " it.
You are, however, limited as to how big a deck you can use under it, that is if you really need a large deck such as a 54" or larger.
Maybe you should seek out a larger unit such as a "super".

[R Bedell]

First, welcome to OCC.....

I need at least 18 hp engine.

Not good information.

Basic yard stuff: dethatching, roller, mow,

The 125 will do all of that.

What upgrades would I need to do to the transmission or rear end. I’ve been looking and haven’t seen much and don’t know where to start.

The Sundstrand Hydro Unit is rated up to 25HP. The Cast Iron rear end will handle that also.

Enjoy your restoration.

[Sam Mac]

I think your research leaves a little to be desired. Funny how the old Original with 7 HP had enough power to do what you say you need 18 HP to do.

[Billy-O]

I really would like to see what is not normal with this 125 Cub you got and the story behind it!

I have a 125 with with Kohler K301 12HP motor and this thing does everything I reasonably ask of it. I doubt you need to drop in a bigger motor and it'll be more work than you can imagine.

[crazycubtrio]

I couldn’t agree more with the comments posted here about the 125 being plenty to do your yard work. I laugh at some of the horsepower ratings this flimsy junk they sell today claims to be. If you have the know how and patience to get the 125 back in good order it will outlast almost anything you buy new now fivefold. Depending on how bad it is you could always do a little at a time while using it when needed

[Jeff in Pa]

My "every week" tractors are a pair of 1968 Cub Cadet 125's. One is set up for snow duty with a QA-42 , hydraulic lift and a soft cab.

The other 125 is lawn duty. 42" cast iron end mower deck. Both have tiller mounts and rear lifts so either can be used for tiller duty, plowing or whatever needs to be done.

You'll find the cast iron Kohler has plenty of grunt to get the job done.

Here's my 125 with the QA-42 before I put the soft cab on it clearing snow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfWy8jbj_GY

Jeff

[BlunkM]

How often do you need to rebuild the engine. I was told that the Kohlers are good for two rebuild then junk it. I don’t want to constantly replace engines.

[Jeff in Pa]

Originally Posted by BlunkM

How often do you need to rebuild the engine. I was told that the Kohlers are good for two rebuild then junk it. I don’t want to constantly replace engines.

I got my "mower" 125 in 2003. It's still running strong. it's a cast iron block with aluminum piston and connecting rod. Just keep the oil changed ( plus topped off ), a clean air filter on it and it'll last a long, long time.


My friend gave me a 1966 122 that was at his garage when he purchased the building. It smoked like mad when I started it. I tore the engine down and when I checked the bore , it was still within factory specs on the original, standard size bore.

[MBY852]

My 127 I have now doesn't get a lot of use here in Fl except mow a lot once in a while. My Dad bought it new in 1969. He mowed a acre, plowed a small garden and pushed snow in the winter for over 30 yrs and I used it for at least 25 yrs mowing 1.5 acre at the same time period since we lived close together in the country. Believe it or not it hasn't been rebuilt yet either. I guess you just had to grow up with these tractors to see that smaller Hp Cubs are more than capable of any task you throw at it AND will outlast these POS throw aways you buy today with there big rated Hp. I would think you wouldn't live long enough to outlast 2 rebuilds anyway but hope you do! Our smaller Hp engines will be towing these new tractors to the junk yard with a smile on our face on the way back.

They take a lickin and keep on ticking.