New to me 149 - Page 4

_DX3_ · #31 01-09-2012, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flatbedford

The guys I bought it from were selling it as a parts tractor. They were both small engine / outdoor equipment repair guys, but obviously, neither of them knew much about IH Cub Cadets. If they did, they could have put up the few bucks for fluid and filter and easily sold it for twice as much. I guess they didn't realize just how well built these old machines are. They both told me that they work on the new stuff, and didn't want to bother with the old stuff. Oh well, good for me.

Most small engine repair guys only know how to trouble shoot and repair briggs stuff as it is what tears down the most. Just a point of view I have picked up over the years. Hard to know how to work on stuff that is more durable.

Flatbedford · #32 01-26-2012, 11:02 AM

I've done some more messing with the 149. I finally put it to work yesterday. I did some wood hauling.

It is running nice and strong now. I exchanged the battery that I bought for a higher CCA one. I don't remember the numbers, but they are NAPA brand batteries. the first was a (I think) 260 CCA one and it just couldn't crank enough to start in the low temps. The replacement is (I think) 360 CCA. Hopefully that will do the trick.

This tractor feels much heavier and more powerful than the 125. I'm really starting to like this 149! There is a little part of me that wants to do a real restoration on this machine, but there is a bigger part of me that knows better than get into something like that. We'll see how much time I have on my hands this summer and how crazy I am feeling.

Methos · #33 01-26-2012, 11:08 AM

Steve, I wouldn't do a thing to your 149! It's in way to good of shape. Keep working at the little problems that come up and enjoy it for a long time to come!

Flatbedford · #34 01-26-2012, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Methos

Keep working at the little problems that come up and enjoy it for a long time to come!

That's probably what I'll end up doing, but I'd really like do some major stuff like a repaint of the fenders and wheels and replace the hacked up wiring. I'm afraid to take it a part and never get it back together again.

ACecil · #35 01-26-2012, 12:45 PM

Good looking 149 and cart, Steve!

_DX3_ · #36 01-26-2012, 01:40 PM

Yeah, it looks to be in great shape. If your going to be using it, leave it as is looks wise. I would just spend my time and money on the making the mechanicals 100%. Replacing the wiring should be quite easy with a kit from Porch Electric. I think $100 will more than cover the complete wiring kit.

Flatbedford · #37 01-26-2012, 02:17 PM

Never heard of Porch before. Good stuff? I l also saw this on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cub-Cadet-80...#ht_500wt_1287

Just saw that this is porch electric! Never mind.

darkminion_17 · #38 01-26-2012, 08:52 PM

Looking good Steve.I see Mike set you up well.
How long are going to leave that goofy lift arm on?

Flatbedford · #39 01-27-2012, 10:34 AM

I took the goofy lift arm off a couple hours after those pictures were taken. It was nicely made. I can't throw it away....the junk pile grows.

Flatbedford · #40 02-06-2012, 06:58 PM

I installed a three point hitch on the 149 today. First I had to remove the ball hitch mount that a PO put on this tractor. It is a pretty well made unit.

It was made to bolt up to existing holes in the frame and was easily removable.

I'll keep it handy in case I ever need to move around a small trailer or maybe a log splitter some day.
I set up my Craftsman rear blade and moved around some dirt and leaves with it. the Hydro lift is awesome! The blade is so much more effective with the control of the hydro lift than it ever could have been on my 125 with manual lift and spring assist. I didn't take any pictures with three point and blade because I was running out of daylight. Here's a picture of the blade on my 125.