The purpose of this thread to me is to figure out if this model of tractor can do what I’m wanting to do, and if this particular tractor is a reasonable candidate for a restoration to do that. As well as tips and things to look out for when looking at or deciding on this particular tractor.
I have zero experience with Cub Cadets or any vintage lawn tractors. I have spent years working on 70’s International Scouts, 70’s ford trucks, and 70’s Trans Ams. I generally do fairly factory styled builds without much crazy modifications. I know a thing or two about paint and body and have all my own equipment including sandblasting equipment. I’m a welder by trade and have my own welders and equipment for that.
As to what I’m wanting the tractor to do for me. I’d like to be able to use a dirt blade on the front or rear to push dumped dirt or fist sized gravel around my yard/driveway/land. I’d like to be able to pull a small dump trailer around my property. I’d like to be able to use a small box blade either factory or homemade to rip 2-3 inches deep into dirt and then be able to spread that to lower humps and fill valleys. I’d also like to be able to use the mower deck to mow areas of my land that my zero turn can do, but generally roughs up the blades or is a little hard on my finish mower. I think it’d be super fun to push snow in the winter. But it doesn’t snow that much here and it would probably just be me out playing on my tiny tractor. Snow blowing is also out. In the past I’ve kept a small garden but I have always tilled it with small walk behind and have never used a plow or anything like that. I suppose it’s possible that at some point I might want to attach a single blade plow.
I have 4 acres of land most of it wooded with some trails going through it but about 3/4 an acre cleared that I already have a mowing set up for.
I’m also into the restoration of it. I think the first gen 61-63 are very cool and I feel like I could use my skills to give this tractor a good restoration I’d be proud of for years. I love the styling of the first generation over say the late 70’s. To my understanding this model had a pull start and an engine mounted choke. I’m fine with that. While it would be cool to have a whole row of hydraulic or pto powered equipment I can’t see ever really needing it. I understand some of the later years are a little more common with hydraulics setups and make a little more power. I want a 3 speed not a hydrostatic.
Open to any opinions tips tricks recommendations you guys may have. If anything is unclear I can clarify.
