Cadet 80 original equipment?

[Brad Kamm]

Just acquired an 80, the data plate looks like it was messily stamped. Anyone have an opinion on what year it would be? Also does the engine seem correct? The reason I ask is because of the color. It runs good and fully functional, with the exception of not having a key or a kill switch. It should have a key that grounds out the wire that runs by the throttle linkage right?

 

[gary noblit]

Brad,that wire comes from the coil to an insulated post on your linkage.I can't see enough to tell but my guess is the throttle linkage should hit a post when completely closed on the back of the plate to ground it and kill engine.The old Briggs are quite simple.Someone else will have to tell if it's original or not...

 

[kmcconaughey]

The original engine would have been white, and electric start only, no recoil.

 

[Brad Kamm]

Didn’t some models come with a recoil start?

 

[kmcconaughey]

I believe they were only available as electric start.

 

[kmcconaughey]

The one that I had briefly (back in the early 2000s) was only electric start. I believe that these were made in the late 1970's. IH made a special version of the Cadet 76 called the Spirit of 76 that had special red white and blue coloring for 1976.

Here's my SO76, unfortunately it has a replacement engine, they notched the hood to fit it in and it has a replacement seat. The original seat was white.

 

[Brad Kamm]

I think I will stay with the recoil start, engine starts easy and runs good, hydro is also in good shape. Maybe a paint job to dress it up a little. Thanks for the ads and pictures! Anyone have a blade made for these small Cadets?

 

[kmcconaughey]

I wish that whoever swapped out the engine in my SO76 would have installed an engine with a recoil start. It only gets occasional use and if it had the recoil I wouldn't have to mess with the battery. The engine in your 80 looks to fit perfectly.

 

[gary noblit]

I wish that whoever swapped out the engine in my SO76 would have installed an engine with a recoil start. It only gets occasional use and if it had the recoil I wouldn't have to mess with the battery. The engine in your 80 looks to fit perfectly.

I've overcome the battery issue with an old pressure washer cart and battery mounted on base.Jumper cables wrapped on handle.Because I 'm often waiting for parts batteries become a pita...These engines make their own spark so once it's running it's fine unless you have an elec. clutch attached..Just don't stall it out in the boondocks...I don't put in a new battery until it's ready for sale...

 

[Brad Kamm]

Yes the engine is a good fit, just needs to be painted to match. I’ll add a key switch to function as a kill switch. I like these Cadets because they are simple machines that are easy to work on. The hard part is finding any attachments other than a mower deck.

 

[kmcconaughey]

The only other available attachments would be a rear bagger, a dozer (snow) blade or a snowthrower. They didn't make any rear mount "ground engaging" attachments like a turning plow or a tiller. I didn't of course count trailing implements such as a trailer or sweeper. Aside from being easy to work on, they sure are cute!

 

[Brad Kamm]

Yes, snow blade, blower, and bagger would be great to find.