Noticing a big difference

Carpetbagger · #1 12-02-2019, 07:51 PM

I put my driveline on my 128 problem on the back burner until I can find some used parts. I'm down to hanging parts until my 128 yells, "Bingo". It might be a wrong or missing part or a bent shaft or a ragged clutch lever, but I can't afford each of my possibilities at almost a hundred a pop. Anyway, while I was out the other day, checking on some parts, I ran across a really raggedy old 126 with chains and weights and a snow blade with a blown engine (rod) and an exact match replacement engine. Long story short... it followed me home. Today I started tinkering and was amazed at how much heavier and overbuilt it is when compared to the 128. Everything seems a great deal more complex as well. I'm speaking of the wiring especially, but also the front end. That might be because its more torn up than the 128. I'd be interested in your thoughts. Carpetbagger

R Bedell · #2 12-03-2019, 07:07 AM

Both the 126 (1x6/7 Series) and the 128 (1x8/9 Series) were built being a neighboring design series by IH. The 126 is a Narrow Frame tractor while 128 is a Wide Frame Tractor.

I have to respectfully disagree with the Wiring comparison. The 1x8/9 Series tractors have a more featured and complex diagram, as opposed to the 1x6/7 Series tractors.

Carpetbagger · #3 12-03-2019, 09:26 AM

First, thanks for the reply, Roland. I should explain that I come to IH Cub Cadets through a fond remembrance of a favorite uncle when I was a boy, but only recently owned one, now two. I am truly amazed, every day at the workmanship and engineering that went into building these exceptional machines. However, they're not the showroom equipment when I get them and probably never will be. They come to me with bare wires going who knows where, tied up with wire ties, and missing bolts, cobbled together with quick fixes etc., promising frustration and smashed fingers. I'm often tempted to load one up and take it to the dealership with instructions to, "Make 'er go, Dad.", but then what would I do for entertainment and what would I and the other fine folks on this site have to talk about?? I think my comment about the complex wiring came from seeing extra wiring running to odd places over the 126. The comment about the 126 being over built came from trying to find all the bolts holding the front end on the 126. (Four easily accessible bolts held the front end on the 128). Does anyone have a preference as to which cub they work on...and why? Carpetbagger

ironman · #4 12-03-2019, 10:01 AM

Like Roland said, the 126 is a narrow frame, the 128 is a narrow frame. The obvious advantage on the wide frame is the ease of access to the drive line by removing the tunnel cover, whereas on the narrow frame you are working from underneath.

twoton · #5 12-03-2019, 10:24 AM

Hey carpetbagger, some day you're gonna have to figure out how to post some pictures so you can share some of these gems with us!

finsruskw · #6 12-03-2019, 02:31 PM

Last time I looked, my 128 was a wide frame.
Did yours shrink a little??

ironman · #7 12-03-2019, 09:14 PM

No, it shrank a lot, but that was years ago. Now it just stays the same.
But after I read what I typed I guess I meant it was a narrow wide frame.

Carpetbagger · #8 12-04-2019, 07:33 AM

When I try to fit my retired gearjammer butt under it, there's no doubt its narrow (the 126, not my butt!!)

crazycubtrio · #9 12-06-2019, 01:06 PM

Dittos to Ironman on the driveline ease of maintenance on the wide frames. You will find that ( in my opinion) EVERYTHING except the voltage regulator and wiring to it are easier to work on than any part of the narrow frames. Ok, the more I think about it I will give the nod to the 126 hood latches too.