Seeking Tips on a 128 Purchase

[mkedzierski]

I might be looking at a one owner 108, (mistake in title) that appears to be unmolested and well taken care of. Owner says no smoking or oil burning. Any tips on some items that can be easily checked while inspecting it to avoid costly repairs downstream? This would be my first IH Cadet purchase. I’m somewhat familiar with them because I grew up with a 73 my dad bought new, but that was 50 years ago.

[finsruskw]

Check for wear and tear on the clutch disk and the both the clutch plates as well as the 3 drive pins
Ask if you can remove the tunnel cover to check for wear and tear on the driveline joints and pins. Grab the driveshaft and check for looseness be it fore and aft or up and down. Check for excess play in the clutch arm hanger/pivot

Ask if there has been any issue with jumping out of 2nd gear under a load or pull such as plowing be it snow or dirt.

Check for proper PTO operation and adjustment as the 108 will have a manual PTO, not electric.

Check for excess play in steering linkage, tie rod ends ETC.
See how far the wheel will turn in each direction before the wheels begin to turn while watching the front axle and wheels while doing this
Check for looseness of the engine to frame bolts by tryng to move/wiggle it.

Good Luck!

[mkedzierski]

Thanks for the feedback, that was exactly the type of information I was looking for but would not have known to check.