New to (old) Cubs, just bought my first - a 125!!

[Modern Curmudgeon]

Hello All,

I've been lurking here since Tuesday after making this fine purchase. I'm very pleased so far. I haven't checked the serial number yet so I don't know the exact year of manufacture but I assume somewhere around 1968. it's a 125 with the Kohler 12 horse K301 (I think, based on reading.) I think I got a fair price for the condition. It has a 48 inch deck and a 42 inch snowthrower with wheel weights and chains, all new belts and a new battery.
The previous owner says it was his grandfathers and kept in a garage at all times. The amount of rust is acceptable to me, especially considering 45 years of service in Western NY including winter use. He also says its 'all original.' To me that means I'm due for a rebuild of the Kohler sooner than later. it doesn't leak any oil but it does burn just a few drops. The engine fires right up nice, I couldn't be happier. Happy Fathers Day to me!!







I'm starting this thread with hopes to get to know you all and ask for your expertise. I like to fully understand my machines and have been through many forums in the past (usually automotive.)

First of all - what should I expect? I know I should rebuild the engine eventually. the Hydro doesn't leak and runs strong from what I can tell. is there anything I should do or know right this minute?

Second - I have had issues recently with 87 octane fuel with ethanol in other small motors. According to the guy down at the parts store these old small motors can't handle the ethanol and 'valves and rings will burn out.'
I have been using a fuel stabilizer in all my other motors to counteract this and I put some into the tank of this 125 the second I got it home. I have the lovely option of purchasing 91 octane, non ethanol fuel locally. Should I go that route? does the K301 work well under 91 octane? Is it worth $4.40 a gallon?

Thanks in advance, I know I will have lots of questions. So happy to be a part of the IH Cub world now!!


Edit: Hmmmm, not sure if the link to pics worked - try this?

http://imgur.com/KjglVik,dL4ZI2j#0

http://imgur.com/KjglVik,dL4ZI2j#1

[cubby102]

I run 87 with ethanol no problems as of yet

[Maxwelhse]

I also run 87 with 10% (I think that's what it says on the pumps around here) ethanol and have no problems. I don't worry about fuel stabilizer either. I just shut the tank off after use and for storage I run the carb dry.

I wouldn't worry about rebuilding the motor until a need arises. You'd be shocked how many hours the iron Kohlers are good for. Just keep up on oil changes, use quality oil, and check it before each use. Trust me, the tractor will DEMAND other repairs soon enough. They can smell money.

Congrats on the new toy!

[Modern Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Maxwelhse

I also run 87 with 10% (I think that's what it says on the pumps around here) ethanol and have no problems. I don't worry about fuel stabilizer either. I just shut the tank off after use and for storage I run the carb dry.

I wouldn't worry about rebuilding the motor until a need arises. You'd be shocked how many hours the iron Kohlers are good for. Just keep up on oil changes, use quality oil, and check it before each use. Trust me, the tractor will DEMAND other repairs soon enough. They can smell money.

Congrats on the new toy!

So the auto parts guy lied to me to get me to purchase a $9 bottle of stabilizer!? Color me shocked.

Can you please elaborate about the demand for other repairs? that's the info I am seeking for sure with this thread. What are some common issues with the 125?

much appreciated.

[Maxwelhse]

If it were new to ME, I'd probably do total fluid changes (and filters), grease all the zerks, inspect the fuel line (possibly add a filter), inspect the PTO button, pull the tunnel cover off and see if the hydro fan is still there and intact (clean the crud off of the pump too), look over the wiring for obvious problems, check the tie rod ends, and check the front wheel bearings to make sure they're decent.

That's the list of things I would initially suggest until you get some time on it and some problems pop up. It's over 40 years old so things WILL pop up from time to time just like a classic car.

edit: After thinking about it a little, I'm not entirely sure of the tunnel cover bit on a NF. Does it have a removable cover?

[Modern Curmudgeon]

Excellent, thank you!

[Lanceskene]

Looks Good! Welcome, Im as new as you are to old Cubs so dont ask me anything...lol My first Cub was an 1862 a couple years back but Ive sold it and now Im working on an Original and a Loboy... Im old so I like old tractors I guess, and yours is a pretty cool tractor

[cadzag72]

Congrats on your 125!

The tunnel cover does not come off on a narrow frame, so if you want to inspect things either crawl under it or use a mirror and flashlight. the fan attached to the driveshaft on these is metal, so they are often still intact.

Some of the things to watch for are the drive hub/pin on the back of the motor, as they take a lot of punishment, the hydro trunnion (it's the parts that move when you move the shift lever) and the steering column. there's lots of threads on here about each of these things. good luck with it!

[Cubcrazy]

Welcome to OCC! Congrats on the 125!

[Sugarmaker]

The 125 is a good looking tractor. Seems to be complete and if its running then a lot of the issues will be minor. They can be used for many years with minimal work (repairs) each season. expect to spend a little on things like steering joints, an occasional belt. Look for the guards that go over the pulleys on the mower deck, A safety item.
Enjoy this machine. They will do tons of work around the yard and garden.
I have one that is not running and needs lots of work. Have several other tractors in line to work on first
Welcome to OCC.
Regards,
Chris