Identification of 70's Cub Lawn Tractor - Which model is this?

[mchase]

Just acquired what both I and the seller thinks is a Cub lawn tractor (decals painted over by previous owner). Looks similar to Model 76 or 81 but not exactly the same. Has a 16 hp Briggs Stratton 320434 with a horizontal drive shaft (appears to be stock--no fabrication evident). Check out the pictures. Is this a Cub? Which model is it? Thanks for your help in identification.

 

[jchamberlin]

I'm no tractor expert, but I'm betting it is NOT a tractor produced by IH, for the following reasons:

1. Hood and Grille don't match anything I can find in Parts Lookup for Lawn Tractors

2. Frame doesn't match either a Garden or a Lawn Tractor frame design that I can find in Parts Lookup

3. The only 16 HP engine configuration for IH Lawn tractors is the B&S 16 HP vertical shaft arrangement

That being said, it certainly LOOKS like it WANTS to be a Cub, and appears to be most influenced by the Wide Frame 1x8/9 Series. From the hood/grille arrangement I am most put in mind of the Wheel Horse tractors of the same period, because it tilts up from the bottom; an arrangement not used by the Cub Cadet line until the MTD "Cyclops" period.

Of course, on the other hand, if the engine is turning "backwards" it just might be an IH Cub product. . .

 

[kmcconaughey]

That is NOT a Cub Cadet, <FONT COLOR="ff0000">I</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000">H</FONT> built or otherwise!

For your best chance at an ID, post photos of it at one of these websites:

My Tractor Forum

Yesterday's Tractors

 

[jchamberlin]

Kraig: Good Links.

From what I found on the My Tractor site, I judge it to be a Variable Speed 16 produced by Montgomery Ward, I'm not sure the year. The site has a section for Gilson/Montgomery-Ward tractors.

Perhaps the paint can be scraped off the decal on the one pictured below to confirm the detail in the decal above.

 

[wshytle]

Michael-

I think JC nailed it with the pic he posted. I'd keep it and do a little research...no telling what you might find. There are people out there that could tell you all about it I would imagine. I really like the bug eye headlights and according to JCs pic they're factory; it shows the mounting holes. It looks to be an old cast iron Briggs engine? I'd like to know some details about what trans was used (I'd bet Peerless) and so on. It looks like it would be a powerful little tractor. The only thing I see missing is hydraulics for the lift.

Nice find.

 

[mchase]

Thanks for the help everyone. My machine looks identical to the one JC posted except for the hood color and the decals. I looked for the ID tag -it was gone but you could see the holes for the screws that held it. Yes, it is cast iron Briggs-Stratton. The gear box and differential also appear to be cast iron.

 

[alies]

Michael,
I was looking at the same one but could not identify what it was. thought it could be a Allis Chalmers or Simplicity as they look imular but no match didn't dig that much.
Al

 

[mhomrighausen]

'Mornin' All.

Montgomery Wards Garden Tractors