Order of operations

[Graflex45]

Originally Posted by John TV

First,I’m very new to this and my first Cub. My new to me 149 seems to run quite well with the exception of the 38 inch mower deck. I hope to use this as my cabin mower starting next year. My goal is to make it as reliable as is possible for a 50 year old mower before bringing it up north where I have limited tools etc. That said, this may be a somewhat stupid question but are their items on the tractor/mower deck that seam to be typical trouble spots to check out? If there are old threads that might address this could you help me find them? Thank you. John in Minnesota

Having rebuilt 3 mower decks after buying 2 cubs in the last couple years, you should completely disassemble the mower deck into the individual parts and make sure everything in the best shape. if it was stored outside and rusted too much you can see if there is a problem. I took the best parts from 2 44 inch decks and made one good quality one and gave the rusted out deck to my neighbor to scrap. The cups that hold the axle bearings can collect water and rust out if stored outdoors or if the previous owner mowed wet grass and didn't keep it clean. Also take all 3 bearing assemblies out and spin them in your hands to make sure they aren't excessively worn. If they aren't and they are good to reinstall, pump a bunch of grease through the bearing assembly to purge out as much of the old possibly contaminated grease. If they are wobbly or you can feel spots where it feels like they sat and rusted then order a new set. then when you reassemble everything I think its a good idea to use all new hardware that isn't rusted or worn. brand new carriage bolts that aren't rusted will have a better fit into the square holes of the sheet metal.
The mower deck is the most abused and worn part of the mower, so if you put some good effort into making sure it works and don't let the blades get unbalanced it will serve you much longer. As long as you regularly grease them the bearings should last for ages. My grandpa had one that I used up into the early 2000's and those bearings where never replaced. Just a couple pumps of grease every couple times you take it out to use it.

[Cub Cadet 123]

Welcome John TV. When I first saw your post about the "Order of Operations", I thought about my Algebra I class and the "Order of Operations". It made me laugh because the teacher would tell us, "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally", which was an pneumonic device for remembering to do "Parentheses-Exponents-Multiplication-Division-Addition-Subtraction". We were tough guys, so we made learning tough to her dismay and changed it to "Please Execute My Dog And Sister" . Thanks for helping me revisit that memory. Now, on to your cub 149.

Congratulations, you purchased a very solid cub cadet that you will find more utility with than just mowing around the cabin. It will haul wood, help pull logs, garden, remove snow, move mulch, gravel, etc. I have owned several 149's and one thing I noticed is what IHinIN mentioned was the PTO clutch. If your 149 is an older model 149, then it will not have the safety brake on the front PTO clutch that was put on in 1974. If it predates this modification, then inspect and likely replace the wear button (cost about $15 DIY). The brake had a large round pad on it as a safety modification. Others have given you really good, sound advice already, so I would advise you to look into what they have stated, but I would also add that if you are taking your cub 149 to any shop for work, then I would have them remove the balance gears in the engine. They are a ticking time bomb. The side effect is that your cub will shake or shimmy just a little bit more than normal, but nothing bad at all.

A well serviced machine will see you through another 50 years of service!

Cub Cadet 123

[John TV]

Thank you all for the excellent advice. Every post had good suggestions and I will give attention to all.
John in Mn

[DSarow]

Really good advice to get the old girl running well.When you are working on your tractor in your home shop,notice what tools you use ,their isn't a whole box of special tools you will need to take with.I would build a supply of spare parts,that you will feel comfortable replacing if needed. My tractor,when I first got it,the driver pin and hub needed work.I replaced the hub and pins.I ordered extra pins from Charlie.He stocks some,even a bit oversized.My key was damaged, so new switch and TWO KEYS,Since these old girls vibrate,alot I periodically check fasteners.
I would also study and learn about the importance of keeping head bolts torque properly.
And fresh clean non ethanol gas has made my life easier.Good luck,have fun!