Cub Range for Parade

CAFarmallFan

New member
My father and I just purchased a restored 1948 Cub to take to local shows and club events (I’m a member with the Western Antique Power Associates located in Pomona, CA).
I’m registered in my city’s annual Christmas parade, but was wondering if the Cub was up to the task. The entire route round trip (from my home and back) is 5.5 miles. The streets are flat with no hills or slopes.
Would 5.5 miles in 3rd gear be too much for the Cub? Don’t want to burn out the engine or gears on our new toy!
Thank you all!
 
Your Cub was made to work hard all day long. As long as all of the fluids are at the proper level, you should be good to go. If you're worried about running out of fuel, don't worry. Have fun and be safe.
 
Don’t want to burn out the engine or gears on our new toy!
Hi,
I would check or change all the oils before using the Cub. Using it with low oil in a gear housing can damage the parts in the housing.
There are 3 separate gear housings, with 3 separate oil levels to check, in the rear area of a Cub, the transmission, and 2 final drives.
The transmission has 3 oil plugs.
The oil filler plug is at the top of the trans, to the rear of the shifter.
The oil level plug is low on the left side of the trans. Fill it only to there. It holds 3 1/2 Pints of gear oil.
The oil drain plug is at the bottom of the trans, visible from under the platform.

Below is a picture from TM Tractor Parts of where the fill and level plug is on the final drives.
It is between the 5/8" implement mounting holes.
Fill it to the level of the hole with 80W-90 gear oil.
You have to remove the IH drawbar to get to the plug on the left final drive.
You have to remove the final drive pans to change the oils.
I sent you a message, you get to it at the upper right of the page. :)
 

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Thank you all for the great advice! I feel better about using our new Cub in the parade, although I think I will heed Glen’s advice about changing the fluids (engine oil and transmission/portal axle oil). Definitely won’t be my last post on here, that’s for sure!
 
I would check the antifreeze in the engine, and be sure there is plenty for cold weather in the Winter.
It is common for Cubs to get water in the transmission, from rain, or condensation in the housing over time.
People on here have said that they have had Cubs with water in the trans, and in freezing weather the water becomes ice, and the Cub won't move.
Since you are driving miles on pavement, I would check the front wheel toe in, so the tires don't get worn from it being out of alignment. It tells how in the owner's manual.
 
Anytime I purchase a used tractor that I intend on keeping and using, I always change all of the fluids because I have no idea what the previous owner used nor how long it's been in there. Also, I'd lube all the lube points like the throw out bearing, fan hub, steering components, distributor drive, PTO bearing etc. Those are neglected by most owners.
 
It’s absolutely doable! Each year, I pull the American Legion float in our 4th of July parade. My total round trip is about 6 miles. Your Cub lives to be worked.
 
As others have said, just give it a routine maintenance check and make sure you have plenty of gas and enjoy the ride! My local tractor club does a ride through a local neighborhood and down the main road through town. I think it's 5 or 6 miles. I also participated in the 4th of July parade this year, about 4 miles. At the end I drove it back towards the start point where my trailer was and decided to just drive it home. I took the back roads and enjoyed the ride, at 7 mph maximum speed!
Have fun and share some pictures!
 

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