The Old Cub Cadet

As I continue to clear away debris still standing in my back yard from Katrina I pull out old things that once were used and liked. About 15 years ago my son and I were able to get an old Cub Cadet running. He rebuilt it, cleaned it, added a few new things and it ran for  a few years. I parked it next to a shed in the back yard. The shed was hit by several trees. The wind blew most of the tin off. All I did initially was put the roof tin back on and throw away some items in it but not all the stuff that was stored there. Now that stuff is a real mess and I need to remove it and burn it.
I was able to pull out the Cub Cadet after sawing up and pulling away big tree limbs and lots of vines. Vines and roots grew all in the cutting deck. Apparently I let it all the way down when I parked it. Rust seems to have eaten a lot of things but I was able to fill the tires with some air, grease the axels and pull it to a spot I can work on it again. It has a good old Kohler engine and Delco starter with a Sears battery. Soon as I can drain the gas, clean the carburetor, check the plug I may see if it starts. Not to cut grass but to ride around the yard. I’ll report back if I get it running again. It reminds me of the History TV Show about pickers. I have found all sorts of things covered in debris I could not get to after the storm.


 I found this article on the web so I may be able to restore it.

In 2008, Mr. Will solidified his garden tractor expert reputation by releasing a book Garden Tractors: Deere, Cub Cadet, and All the Rest. It’s full of great photos (new and old, like the one at the top that I love) that outline the garden tractor’s history and brands.
Cub Cadet articles from the Farm Collector Archives
The Tough International Harvester Cub Cadet Garden Tractor by Oscar H. Will III from the April 2004 issue
Cub Cadet Garden Tractor Restoration by Oscar H. Will III from the May 2004 issue
Cub Cadet Garden Tractor Restoration (Part II) by Oscar H. Will III from the June 2004 issue

Garden Tractors: Deere, Cub Cadet, and All the Rest by Oscar H. Will III (2008, $25, available from Farm Collector books)
Original Farmall Cub and Cub Cadet by Kenneth Updike (2004, $37.95, available from Farm Collector books)