Hi From Vermont
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:27 am
I'm new to this forum, but I'm old to having a Cub. I bought a 1953 Farmall Cub (red) (serial # 162555 J) with a #22 sickle bar mower 25 years ago. I also have a 2006 Cub Cadet GT 2550 (yellow). The red Cub is used to mow a 3 acre meadow and the yellow Cub mows a 1 acre lawn around the my house.
The red cub ran great from the first day except when the sickle bar was engaged causing a vibration so strong that it was difficult staying in the seat. The previous owner admitted to having hit a few rocks with the part suspended from the belly-mount (New England soil is loaded with protruding rocks). So, the 1st major repair was to have the shaft tube rebuilt with new brass bushings. Thankfully, the shaft was straight! I just recently had to have a crack in the shaft tube welded. Yes, I hit a rock! The previous owner told me to use only non-detergent oil in the crankcase since the engine had never been opened and the cylinder walls were probably coated with varnished oil and detergent oil might clean the cylinders causing increased oil consumption. Not knowing any different, I've used only non-detergent oil for the past 25 years. The advise must have been good since the red cub uses no oil and the oil is still clean looking after an average 25 hours per year use. I change the oil and filter every spring. Other than new plugs every few years and a tune-up 20 years ago, nothing else has been done. It is one GREAT machine!
The yellow cub also is a great machine! The only problem I've had is broken hinges on the seat pan after only having it for 3 years. I thought it was a design problem until the dealer said he had never encountered that problem and asked if I was cutting on a hill. Well, yes! Remember, I live in Vermont that is not only rocky but also hilly. Now, when I mow along the side of a hill I hold the grab handle on the fender to prevent my 185 pounds from putting torque on the hinges. Also, every time I flip the seat forward to fill the gas tank I check the seat hinges for cracks. I don't want to experience again of suddenly having my body with a tractor seat under it heading down hill without the tractor!
I'm looking forward to learning from all of of you on this forum so I can enjoy my Cubs for many years to come.
Macmonter
The red cub ran great from the first day except when the sickle bar was engaged causing a vibration so strong that it was difficult staying in the seat. The previous owner admitted to having hit a few rocks with the part suspended from the belly-mount (New England soil is loaded with protruding rocks). So, the 1st major repair was to have the shaft tube rebuilt with new brass bushings. Thankfully, the shaft was straight! I just recently had to have a crack in the shaft tube welded. Yes, I hit a rock! The previous owner told me to use only non-detergent oil in the crankcase since the engine had never been opened and the cylinder walls were probably coated with varnished oil and detergent oil might clean the cylinders causing increased oil consumption. Not knowing any different, I've used only non-detergent oil for the past 25 years. The advise must have been good since the red cub uses no oil and the oil is still clean looking after an average 25 hours per year use. I change the oil and filter every spring. Other than new plugs every few years and a tune-up 20 years ago, nothing else has been done. It is one GREAT machine!
The yellow cub also is a great machine! The only problem I've had is broken hinges on the seat pan after only having it for 3 years. I thought it was a design problem until the dealer said he had never encountered that problem and asked if I was cutting on a hill. Well, yes! Remember, I live in Vermont that is not only rocky but also hilly. Now, when I mow along the side of a hill I hold the grab handle on the fender to prevent my 185 pounds from putting torque on the hinges. Also, every time I flip the seat forward to fill the gas tank I check the seat hinges for cracks. I don't want to experience again of suddenly having my body with a tractor seat under it heading down hill without the tractor!
I'm looking forward to learning from all of of you on this forum so I can enjoy my Cubs for many years to come.
Macmonter