This week's pick up

[johncub7172]

I thought I would save a IH Cub Cadet from the crusher. Here is a look at what I brought home Saturday morning. I wish I took the time to picture the tractor in the truck, and unloading.

I had to unload the tractor by backing my Ford F-100 in the ditch and had a nice bank to unload with. It was here that I found out that the hydro release lever had broken it's tab on the inside against frozen valves. As much trouble as it was, I was glad to know that the tractor had not been drug around to the point where it free rolled as if something were seriously damaged internally to the hydro transmission.

So there I was. Had to make up a stone boat before I knew to unload the scrap yard garden tractor, so me and 71 head back up to the Cub Cadet Shop. Thinking stone boat, I also had to have 71 set up for pulling, and I have experience in that department! Here is what I came up with to pull this stone boat:


I make up a stone boat that would carry my 1250 across the yard to around back. I used two old ramps I don't trust for loading with, and two pieces of 2x4, and 6 bolts all together. I ran the chain under the black 2x4 and connected the chain to my 71 tractor hitch set up. There again, I wish I could have pictured the action!

The 71 had plenty of power, but was so light in the front that the tractor only wanted to go straight. I finally get the 1250 around back and unhitch. These pictures are really for documentation so I know how things came a part, ect. .

serial number:

[johncub7172]

Here is my "new" IH Cub Cadet 1250 hydro drive garden tractor! Also how I can move it around with the stone boat:




The motor looks complete.




It was at this point I used a fresh battery and jumped the starter to see and hear the starter and Kohler K301. I began the basic tear down and clean up. I can't believe how much hardware I removed that was rusted away. I had to replace those that were bad. Amazingly, no thread holes so far have been damaged by rust. Here is a big time mouse nest:

[johncub7172]

A broken grill frame:



Here the motor is out and I'm well on my way to clean up the engine bay:


I could not get a good ground from the battery. What a joy these wide frames can be. I knew I needed to clean both sides of the fender pan where the negative cable connects, and the tractor frame. Looking at the rusted fasteners keeping the foot rest down, I had to make way with the angle grinder this morning on all 8 of thems. I replaced with new hardware. I also cleaned up the fender pan, and then the tractor:

[johncub7172]

I cleaned up the seat. It's in pretty good condition considering it's age and abuse:




The 4 link tire chains were not thin between the links, so I save those as they too are in good condition! But the rear rims and Firestone 23x8.50-12 's holds air to say the least. But the rims had so much rust the lug bolts were shot on one side, and I replaced 5 of those. The tires would be great to hold on to for a back up tire. But I have these turfs from my IH Cub Cadet 123. These rear rims look great, but one tire don't hold air. I have two used but good tubes I can tube the rear rims with when I get this machine moving.

[darkminion_17]

very interesting...a seat floating in thin air...
I get the boat idea,but why is the trailer behind it?
Looks like a replacement wire harness and seat,good job.

[Alvy]

Great work so far. Looks like youve had you're work cut out for you but nothing that some penetrant and elbow grease won't take care of. Great thread

[johncub7172]

I had managed to get the manual valves working! Both come back up when pushed down. The bad rear wheel seal let out all the transmission fluid at some point, so two seals will be needed. I will use the pop box cardboard to make the rear cover gasket, so everyone will know it works. I have a better looking metal fan from my 123 I can replace this broken plastic cooling fan with.

[Darrell]

Nice save on the tractor and thanks for the pics !! We like pictures !!

The foot rests on the fender pan sure is ate up with rust , i have never seen one that bad !!

Mice sure do like the QL engines , lotsa hiding places. Every QL i have brought home had a nest in it , except for a 1650 that the owner was using.

[johncub7172]

Here is the tractor as it is.




Good to know the piston moves, and there is compression! Both manual valves are working, as well as the starter!

The spark plug works { Auto lite 216 }

The original International Harvester coil is still working!

I still need to get into the points, and finish the de-carbon the head and piston. I got a better head gasket too! I don't see any major oil problems. I will clean up the motor. I still have a wire problem to research, as well as the k301 components. Lots I can do for repairs, I might buy a few things for this 1250. My main concern is getting back on to the 72 project transmission detail. I hope to have this scrap yard save 1250 going again. The motor will need rebuilt, but it should run a little bit more!

[Cubcrazy]

Nice save on the 1250 John! That seat is really nice!