Free Cub Cadet 147

[wbritt]

Thought I would show some pictures of my Cub 147. I got this free about a two years ago and today I finally fixed the electric lift.

 

[wbritt]

It still needs some things like the headlight panel and a rear axle seal. But it runs really great and mows just as well as my John Deere 316.

 

[kmcconaughey]

That’s in really nice condition, especially for free!

 

[wbritt]

Thanks, I've worked on it here there but it's mostly the way i got it. Surprisingly the deck is super quite. I need to put the original rear wheels back on it and fix the steering column.

 

[PACub100]

Sweet! That's in rather nice condition too
As my girlfriend likes to say "if it's free, it's for me!"

 

[wbritt]

It was a friends, grandfathers Cub. Before he passed away he was mowing his son's yard. When he passed away they just let it sit in a small enclosed shed for about 4Yrs. My friend knew I messed with old tractors and asked me if i wanted it and I couldn't pass it up. The Kohler runs like a top. No smoke or bad noises just a lot of vibration. I just wished I knew who mushroomed the steering column shaft?

 

[justinpittman]

Surprisingly the deck is super quite.

So if I think my deck is loud, would that be bad bearings in the spindles?

I really don't have much to compare normal sound vs loud noise, except Youtube videos of decks in action.

 

[dschwandt]

Remove the deck and the belt then, one at a time, spin the spindles by hand and listen for any grinding type noises.
Grease it up good while you have it off.
Try moving the ends of the blade up and down and look for excess play in the spindles.
Or, it could be bearings on the mule drive about ready to bite the dust as well, they are not too expensive.
On the other hand, If you discover bad spindles, depending on the model of the deck, you may be looking at expensive replacement parts so be prepared.

 

[lkortkamp]

If you can't hear the engine while the deck is running......it needs new bearings. I've spent years putting up with screaming deck bearings. I finally bit the bullet and bought three new assemblies. Wow!!! The deck is nearly silent now. Why did I wait so long. All the grease I used to pump in was useless.

 

[justinpittman]

OK, sounds like I've got some things to check out with the deck.

 

[gary noblit]

If it's bearings they are not difficult to replace.I just replaced all bearings (cone type) in a 38" deck for less than $75. I've redone countless decks (not cubs) and almost never had to replace spindles. It's all about how you take them apart without removing spindles. Most spindles are alum. with corroded steel bolts that break off in the spindle base and heat rarely helps. Leave the blade on,remove top nut and pulley plus key if there is one.The whole blade and center shaft will come out the bottom.Messy but not difficult..

 

[mfrade]

I'll have to admit, I've never seen an aluminum spindle. the spindle housing yes.. not a spindle.

 

[dschwandt]

My 38" deck on the 73 just hums.

 

[gary noblit]

Mike,now you fully well I meant the housing not the main shaft