Archive through June 28, 2012

bjamison · Jul 2, 2012

Got the new fiber button installed and adjusted. Fired the 109 and within 10 seconds, the fiber button was split in half and toast...

One of the things I noticed it was not centered left to right perfectly. How can I adjust the button left/right or is it possible at all. I may take the hood and front grill assy off until I get this PTO squared away for easier access.

I know there are brass buttons available - and I'm going to order one for a try. Any pros/cons for these vs. the fiber button?

On another front with the 10 hp engine on this 109, I checked the oil pan it is definitely aluminum. The engine is a bit loose and I began tightening the engine bolts down, but only two bolts were there...

So I pulled one out and found two more in my collection. I reinstalled/tightened the bolts - three out of four. The fourth one on the left front over the axle - I couldn't get the threads started and when they would grab, it felt like they were wanting to cross thread. So for now, the engine is being held by three bolts. Question is - should I drop the front axle to check and re-tap the threads or pull the engine? I'd like to get this 109 mowing sooner than later.

dfrisk · Jul 2, 2012

ALLEN - Not to pick on William's 154, it's a really nice looking tractor, but his 982 will work rings around the 154. Dad got his 154 about the same time I got my 982. His 154 had the 60 inch mower, he said it was the nicest mowing IH deck he ever had, but it was 1st gear mowing in almost all situations, the "15" part of the model number means only 15 HP. They're O-K for mowing large open areas, but the smaller SGT's are better for trimming, and can cover ground almost as fast, sometimes faster.

Dad's 154 had the smaller turf tires than William's, plus a frt blade, which he never even mounted. It was a step up from the '57 Cub LoBoy he had before. The 154 had a live PTO which was new on the 154 for that model of tractors. They worked O-K, but were beastly expensive to repair. Dad spent $400 in his just a couple months before he sold it. The little C60 IH engine actually started with a starter-generator just like the older CC's.

At least the 154 has that STYLISH Double-Zig-Zag grill design!

dross · Jul 2, 2012

Bill, the engine isn't bolted down and you wonder why the buttons don't line up? I'd say you found, at least part of, your problem.

bjamison · Jul 2, 2012

Dave - the fiber button is not centered with the engine bolted, at least three of the four...

sblunier · Jul 2, 2012

Bill,

Don't over adjust the PTO engagement. Pulling in too much with the button can make the PTO spring bottom on the center of the crank bearing and cause many times more force than the button can handle.

Adjust the turn buckle until the pto just stops with a load on it (mower deck belt, etc.) and then go just a little bit more...don't crank down on it.

Also, make sure the steel PTO button is completely smooth and domed.

sblunier · Jul 2, 2012

As Denny said 15hp is light..the 185 with 18hp is much better (dad's eats grass in 2nd, but it's a little "hot")......the 982 will out work both with a Haban 60"....

thoffman · Jul 2, 2012

Not to get on the "Cub Bashing" wagon but I also agree with Denny and Steve. The "Old" Cubs were maxed out IMHO with the 4' Mott (flail) mower, now add a a couple of extera horses and a 60" deck, you're right back where you started. Those Cubs will doe a good job of grass cutting as long as you cut the grass EVERY WEEK. They <u>ARE NOT</u> made for heavy weed cutting.

wbest · Jul 2, 2012

I agree, the 154 is a bit under-powered. However, they are more comfortable riding than the smaller Cub Cadets. I mow about an acre and a half, so the 154 is something I have wanted rather than needed for a long time. As far as putting the loader on the 982, the weather has to get better before I begin on that. I'm too old to take much of this 99 degree temperature. Keep the comments coming, I enjoy reading them.