new to me 185

[burhead]

I just picked up an early 70's cub lo boy 185. Seems like a great little tractor. I plan to use it for mowing, pushing snow and pulling a rake to keep my driveway tidy. Mine came with a 60 inch belly mower and a 52" blade. It mows like a dream. Mine also has the creeper. I need to find a 3 point hitch for it. Does anyone have any info on an aftermarket 3 point system. I have searched the internet and can't find an original or an aftermarket.
The other issue that the tractor has is a leaking main seal. The original owner said that it has leaked for years. He said it was always minimal until he let it sit for a few years. Now it leaks bad. From what I have read it seems the procedure is to drop the pan and remove a retainer. Engine stays in place and tractor doesn't have to be split? Any insight on this is greatly appreciated. I am still trying to track down a service manual for this rig.

[outdoors4evr]

Driveshaft and flywheel have to be removed as well.
Remove your retainer and have it machined and fitted to a new seal. I think TST performs this service for a very reasonable price. See the For Sale section for his ad.

The best manual reprints are available from Binder Books. The service manual is a must and the parts manual is helpful.

[Eugene]

3-point. HamiltonBob'sCubs, link to his site in the "Vine", classified section of this site. Hamilton Bob parts out numbered Cub Low-Boys.

You can also place a free want ad in the Vine.

Advertisers on this site sell quality manuals for these tractors.

[burhead]

So will the 3 point off of a 154 fit? There are several for sale in my area. Thinking of buying a 154 and pulling the 3 point then reselling the 154? Probably going to be the cheapest way to get one.

[Eugene]

Yes. Parts will interchange between tractors. Also the least expensive route, buy a complete parts tractor.

Before you get to involved into the 3-point attachment, do some research. There are very few 3-point implements for the Numbered Cub Low Boys.

[burhead]

I guess I was under the impression that any Cat 1 stuff would fit. I am mainly just looking to pull a rake possibly a small disc. My neighbor has a bunch of stuff that I can use when I need it. I would love to find the IH tiller as well but I don't need that right at the moment.

[Eugene]

The PTO is non-standard in diameter, spline numbers, RPMs, and rotation direction.

There is quite a bit of trailer type equipment that will work on the Numbered Cubs, utilizing the draw bar plate. Most small 3-point lift implements will work, as long as they are not PTO powered.

My opinion. If you are looking for a tractor with a 3-point, there are better tractors than the Numbered Cubs. I own one with 3-point and creeper.

[burhead]

I believe you are right but there aren't many in this price range. I paid 700 bucks for mine. I am going to use it for a while and probably move on to something bigger eventually.

[Eugene]

I paid 700 bucks for mine.

One heck of a deal.

The numbered Cubs make fantastic mower tractors. With the creeper you can mow stuff as tall as the tractor's hood.

[burhead]

Yea Iam very pleased with the deal. It has been well used but seems to have been maintained. The guy I bought it from was super nice and very upfront on what it needed. He knew its value but didn't want to mess with it any more. I originally was going to have the main seal replaced by a local shop but after doing some reading, it seems like it is a pretty simple chore and I will probably do it myself. Should save me a couple hundred bucks. Going tomorrow night to look at a 154 with 3 point. If I can swing a deal I will have 2 of these things.