Archive through October 06, 2012

[nbextermueller]

Michael,
Yes, paint the rims after you install the tires, but before you air them up.

(Wasn't that just suggested the other day to someone else???)

But the O looks awesome. Keep up the good work.

 

[jchamberlin]

Adam: I think Jeff is taking offense at your posting because, not only is it not wide frame (Jeff's favorite series), but it is considered a Lawn Tractor by both MTD/CCC and this Forum and is supposed to be posted in the Lawn Tractor section.

I'm not a moderator of the Forum, nor do I own it, I'm simply giving you a heads up.

 

[mmiller]

Nic, that's a great idea...wish I had heard that before I painted the rims. I'm resigned to the fact that I'll have to touch up the paint.

I was really asking if anyone had any tips for actually getting the tires onto the front rims. Maybe something to lube the tire with (soapy water?) or heating up the rubber somehow. These tri-ribs seem pretty stiff.

 

[hydroharry]

Jeff B - you know I'm really torn between the 1x8/1x9 series and the QL series. My very first CC was a 1450 and I really liked the right hand hydro control. I also like the old S/G on my 169 since it does start so quick. I guess I could go for either electric or manual PTO, but I like the manual for it's easy mechanical repair and how long it lasts. Just really torn between these features. The ISO mounts are a bummer on the QL, but on the other hand once repaired they're good for along time. Overall if you consider both tractors, doing a complete restoration on either will give you a tractor that really lasts - I'd guess 20 years without a real problem. So, I guess I have to say I can take either.

 

[bjamison]

Harry B - I'm split between the 1x8/9 series and the QL's too. One thing I am not to happy with - with a couple of my other color tractors is the twin cylinder engine. Much more complicated to work-on than the single cylinder Kohlers - so going forward, my plan (subject to my wishy-washy mind) is to stick with one cylinder and cast iron block.

So if I limit myself to that, then it pretty much eliminates the 82 series. If I restrict myself to wide frames, then it's the 1x8/9's and QL's. I think the QL's have similar features to the 82 series and even todays garden tractors, enclosed engine compartment and front discharge exhaust come to mind. I also like the QL look too. Having said that, I like the 1x8/9 tractors for further simplicity. I like the hydro lever in that it doesn't have a detent between forward and reverse, so quick change in direction is nice. I also like flipping the hood open and everything is right there to see with the engine.

I never made it to tinkering with my 1650, but at some point I'll get there. I don't get in any hurry with these tractors, I've got plenty of deadlines with the salt mine/cay job.

Random thoughts this morning...

 

[lhinds]

Michael Miller i like to use Wesleys Bleach white tire foam for installing tires. It sprays on and softens the rubber.It makes the tires very slick. It is a good tire cleaner from walmart ect.

 

[sblunier]

I just mounted a set of Deestones on wheelbarrow rims for my plow project and they went on with very little fuss. A couple of carefully placed bites with a pair of big screwdrivers and they popped right on...barely a scratch to the rim.

 

[dfrisk]

JEFF B. - Having had a well used & prior owner modified 129 for 15 yrs, I have to agree that they were probably the best of the CC's, simple, reliable, sturdy machines for sure. There were a few of them that got remote outlets added to the frt like the Q/L's too... think Bryan M. did that mod to his 169, and others did as well. I'd like to have another 1X9 some day.

Anyhow, got the 982 back home Saturday. SON came up Friday afternoon, we rented a trailer, loaded his '93 Lightning up, took off 5:30 Sat. AM for his place, unloaded it, pulled it into his garage/shop with the 982 so he could start his restoration, loaded the 982 up on the 12,000# cap tandem trailer and flew home so I could turn the trailer in. SON had the entire front sheet metal off by Saturday night. Just two bare frame rails and frt suspension left in front of the cab. Trucks come apart almost as fast as FMC builds them!

TOM H. - I remember you running Mien KUB down the pulling track @ Penfield RPRU years ago going out to the plowing demonstration the Bluniers were putting on.... Kicking up dust as you went... and YES, Mien KUB really sounded like a HARLEY! Looked really cool too!

 

[nbartee]

Since we're sharing thoughts this morning about our favorite GT, my vote is for the 82 series BECAUSE it has the twin cylinder Kohler. Best engine made in my opinion. Powerful, no vibration, pressurized system, oil filter (M18). Maybe it's because I started with a 682 but I find them easier to work on than the QL's (except for decarbonizing the cylinders which requires you to remove the shrouding (a pain!). It also has the electronic ignition I like. After experiencing my 1450 rebuild, I will only concentrate on finding 82's in the future.

Michael Miller - This may be cheating, but I couldn't remove my front tires off the rims no matter what I did or what I used. I buy my tires for my car & truck from Discount Tires so I took it to them. They dismounted & remounted the tires at no charge because I was a good customer. They still had a hard time even though they had the proper equipment.

 

[jchamberlin]

Like Charlie, I find something to like about all the series. I would put my M18 up against anything; but I'm not crazy about the low, wide stance of the 82 series. I like the mechanical PTO of the 1x8/9 and earlier tractors; but I like how quiet the Quiet Lines are, even if I don't particularly want the isolator mounts. Two of the tuffest looking tractors I've seen on this forum are a 147 and a 125, even though I don't particularly care for the zig-zag front, but the 1x2/3 front leaves me cold, too. There is just something appealing about the way the Original looks, even though I'm not sure it would make a particularly practical purchase. I might get a 7x or 100 someday, just to get the round fenders (I think the 100 has them; I know the 7x does.)

But, put a bullet to my head, and with the ease of access granted by the wide-frame, the hydro control, and the way it just seems more like a "tractor" than a lawn mower, sign me up for the 1x8/9 series.

 

[kide]

Glad to see all of the recognition for the best looking hardest working CC series (the 1x9's) .. Gotta agree on that zig-zag grill too (looks like it ran into something.... )

(10, 9, 8, 7,........ <font size="-2">waiting for Kraig)</font>.

Dennis - too bad one of the Vtwin lawn mower engines doesn't have the same "knife and fork" crank/rod design as a HD, we'd have the real "potato potato potato" sound...

 

[kmcconaughey]

Must....resist....taking.....bait.....

 

[hydroharry]

Well, if we're talking grills, I think the 71/102/122/123 really had the best grill. That zig/zag that Kraig favors, looks out of whack if it gets just a little bump and I don't think you have any chance of fixing it. Since Kraig ain't takin the bait I don't think he's gonna tell us if he's got an easy fix either.

 

[fcurrier]

No easy fix.
Maybe time, small tools and patience. Kind of like brain surgery - takes a sharp knife and a steady hand.

 

[kmcconaughey]

After 40+ years of using a Cub Cadet 125, I've never damaged the grill in either of my 125s. Drive safe.

 

[akleyla]

I like the IH painted red an white...I like the exhaust stack too...I actually looked at colors today for paint to get some ideas...decisions decisions...

 

[vthomley]

Harry - I agree !!!! Here's my son on my 122 from a few years ago.

 

[hydroharry]

Kraig - 40+ years? Is that 20 years for each 125 or 40 on both of them? And for that matter how come we didn't get some pics to support your statement. (take the bait)

Amy - we're still waitin for a pic of your 104.

Vincent - ya that's what I mean. Tough lookin and matches the rest of the tractor.

 

[akleyla]

 

[hydroharry]

Amy - thanks for posting that pic. Don't know what you decided for replacement rear tires. It looks to me like you have the 23x8.5x12 with chains installed in the pic. Did you ever confirm that size? Pic is a little fuzzy and I can't quite tell if they are Firestone or BF Goodrich, but if I a were a guessin, it would be BFGs.