New member with 1650

[AndrewNoyes]

Hi,

My name is Andy, and I recently bought a 1650, with a 50" mower deck. Then I bought a 42" plow for the wintertime. One of the spindles on the mower deck was pretty wobbly, so I replaced it, and the bearings in the other two. I found that my hydrostatic drive was leaking, and I've got it apart, just waiting for some time to focus on the repair.
While I had the transmission out, I noticed that the steering column separated from the steering box, so I removed it, flipped it over, pressed it back in and rebuilt it with new bearings, grease, etc. I also dressed the pin in the metal lathe. Also, I realized that the plow I bought didn't have the lift rod, so I made on of those. I still need to make the anti-float pin.
I joined this forum to be able to download the parts manual. I found PDFs of the Owner's Manual and Service Manual in other places.
Is the Parts Manual available here, or does anyone know where I can download it?

Thanks,
Andy

[gitractorman]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm not sure if the parts manual is on this site, but you can get it on www.cubcadet.com.
up in the right hand corner of the screen is a drop down menu (3 lines above each other) where you can select Service & Parts. Type in 1650 for the model number and it will bring up the full parts diagram, online, that you can zoom in/out, pan around, and even see the individual part numbers.

I've stopped downloading parts manuals for Cadets because their website is so easy to access. Also, you can print the screens if you need a picture to see what you're looking at in the shop.

The 1650 is a great machine and was the largest Cub Cadet being built at the time, so it's a real tank. I'd say your hydrostatic drive was leaking at the fluid return tube, L shaped tube on the lower front of the transmission. They all do because the tube is exposed and if it gets hit, the O-ring starts to seep. Really common problem. The only other thing that ever happens is the pressure relief valves leaking, but it's not as common. Regardless, easy fixes.

Good luck,
Bill

[AndrewNoyes]

Hi Bill, thank you!

Before I split the tractor, it looked like I could see leaking from the expansion plug, and possibly a little from the brake cylinder (internal brakes). Also it was leaking lots from the rear plate seal. I think the PO may have pressure washed it, and loosened up a few things. On the brigt side the paint job he did seems pretty good! I also did the trunnion fix while I had it open. So I ordered a cork gasket for between the pump and transmission, and I'll be putting the new one in as things go back together. I'm hoping to have a noticable improvement in speed control and steering when I'm done, but we'll see. By the way, the servive manual suggests disassembling the transmission to push out the brake cylinder, but i was able to grab it with needle nose pliers and gently twist and pull it out from the outside. I'm replacing the oring.
My pressure relief valves are the automatic kind, and as far as i know they're good (i hope!).
Thanks again,
Andy

[Stanton]

Andy, welcome to the forum! Check your private messages inbox (via link upper left on screen "(1 new message)"). PM sent.

[gitractorman]

Sounds like you're on top of it. Good luck,
Bill

[clodhopper]

I have a 1978 1650 I bought from a co worker in 2003. He kept the service up well on it, but it had mowed about 5 acres of grass from 1980 till I bought it. I spent a little money, and alot of time on it, but i am convinced that if you stay on top of maintenance and repair issues, these things will last forever. I just got a 50 C deck to replace the 50 A that came with it ( the 50 A was rusted slam out), and look forward to many more years of service out of this beast!