Category:
Compact Utility Tractor
Target Audience:
Homeowners, small farm operators, garden enthusiasts, property maintenance.
Competitors Of Era:
John Deere Lawn Tractor series, Ford Garden Tractor series, Cub Cadet garden tractors, Simplicity garden tractors.
Versatility:
Designed for a range of garden and property maintenance tasks with various attachments.
Completeness:
Provides detailed procedures for maintenance, repair, and overhaul, enabling DIY service.
Diagnostic Aid:
Includes troubleshooting guides to help identify and resolve common issues efficiently.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, cooling system, lubrication, fuel delivery, cylinder head removal and installation, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service.
Transmission Systems:
Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch service, PTO (Power Take-Off) operation and repair, differential service, drive axle maintenance.
Electrical Systems:
Starter motor service, generator/alternator testing and repair, battery maintenance, wiring diagrams, lighting system troubleshooting, ignition system components.
Hydraulic Systems:
Hydraulic pump repair, cylinder service, valve operation, fluid types and capacities, troubleshooting hydraulic issues, mower lift/attachment operation.
Steering And Brakes:
Steering gear adjustment and repair, brake system inspection, shoe replacement, drum service, linkage adjustments.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts for common problems, diagnostic steps for engine, electrical, and hydraulic systems, symptom-based fault finding.
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for major component repairs, engine rebuilding, transmission overhauls, hydraulic system component replacement, front axle repairs.
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor jetting and idle adjustments, ignition timing settings, brake and clutch pedal adjustments, PTO engagement settings, steering alignment.
Assembly And Disassembly:
Detailed procedures for removing and reinstalling major components and sub-assemblies, torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Depth:
Comprehensive rebuild level, covering internal engine components, transmission gears and bearings, hydraulic pump internals, and detailed electrical schematics.
Engine Manufacturer:
Kohler (likely, common for IH Cadet)
Engine Model:
Likely a K-series single or twin cylinder OHV engine (e.g., K241, K301, or similar variants)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke gasoline engine
Displacement Cc:
Approx. 242 cc to 320 cc (depending on specific Kohler model fitted)
Horsepower Hp:
Estimated 7-10 HP (dependent on exact engine displacement)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition Type:
Magneto ignition (contact breaker points type)
Cooling Method:
Forced air cooling
Transmission Type:
Manual (Sliding Gear)
Number Of Speeds:
Likely 3-speed or 4-speed forward, 1-speed reverse
Differential Lock:
Optional or standard depending on trim level.
Drive System:
2-Wheel Drive (Rear Wheel Drive)
Pto:
Rear Power Take-Off (PTO), likely 540 RPM standard.
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil (API GL-4 recommended)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual for exact capacity (typically 2-3 quarts)
Wheelbase Inches:
Approx. 45-50 inches (estimate)
Length Inches:
Approx. 65-75 inches (estimate)
Width Inches:
Approx. 35-45 inches (at rear wheels, estimate)
Shipping Weight Lbs:
Approx. 400-500 lbs (estimate)
Operating Weight Lbs:
Approx. 450-550 lbs (estimate)
Rollover Protection Structure Rops:
ROPS was not standard on this model; often an aftermarket addition.
Braking System:
Mechanical drum brakes (rear axle mounted).
Operator Presence Control:
Likely incorporates seat-actuated kill switch or similar operator presence system.
Lighting:
Headlights and taillights were often optional or limited on models of this era.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 50 operating hours or annually.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Check and clean every 25 operating hours, replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Annually or every 100 operating hours.
Gear Oil Change:
Annually or every 200 operating hours.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 30W (or SAE 10W-30 for wider temperature range, check manual)
Engine Oil API Service Category:
API SF or SG (or equivalent)
Hydraulic Fluid Type:
IH Hy-Tran (or equivalent tractor hydraulic fluid)
Common Wear Points:
Steering components (tie rods, kingpins), front wheel bearings, PTO shaft splines, brake linkages.
Engine Reliability:
Kohler engines of this era are generally robust but can suffer from carbon buildup, valve seat wear, and ignition system issues (points, condenser).
Electrical Aging:
Wiring harnesses can degrade over time, leading to intermittent electrical problems. Battery and charging system maintenance is crucial.
Air Filter Example:
NLA from IH, but common aftermarket replacements exist (e.g., Wix WA10252, Fram CA8822)
Spark Plug Example:
Champion H10, AC C87Y, NGK B6ES (check manual for specific engine model)
Oil Filter Example:
NLA from IH, but aftermarket like Wix 51036 or Fram PH2 (if applicable to engine model)
Manufacturer:
International Harvester (IH), a major American manufacturer of agricultural and industrial machinery.
Cadet Lineage:
Part of the long-running International Harvester Cadet line of lawn and garden tractors, introduced in 1960.
Production Years:
The IH Cadet 70 series, including the 76, was produced in the early to mid-1970s (e.g., 1971-1975 era).
Manufacturing Location:
Louisville, Kentucky, USA (typical for IH Lawn & Garden Tractors)
Industry Standing:
The IH Cadet line was well-regarded for its durability and versatility within the garden tractor market of its era.
Consumer Reviews Historical:
Generally positive for its intended use, often praised for its robust build compared to some competitors.
Safety Standards Compliance:
Manufactured to industry standards of the period for lawn and garden tractors.