Segment:
Compact utility tractor, primarily for home and small-scale farm use, groundskeeping, and property maintenance.
Competitors:
Competed with similar models from John Deere (e.g., 140 series), Massey Ferguson (e.g., 100 series compacts), Ford (e.g., 1000 series compacts), and other manufacturers of small tractors during the mid-1970s.
Features:
Known for its robust construction, reliable operation, and versatility for various tasks. Often featured a hydrostatic or manual transmission, rear PTO, and a hydraulic lift system for attachments.
Users:
Homeowners with acreage, small farmers, landscapers, property managers, collectors of vintage agricultural equipment.
Manual Value:
Essential for owners seeking to maintain, repair, or restore their IH Cadet 182, providing expert guidance to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Component Coverage:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Hydraulics, Electrical System, Chassis, Steering, Brakes, Operator Station, Implements
Estimated Page Count:
300-500 (typical for a comprehensive WSM of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service Manual (WSM) / Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed engine overhaul, component testing, fuel system (carburetor/injection), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and hydrostatic transmission repair, differential, axle components, PTO (Power Take-Off) operation and maintenance.
Hydraulics:
Hydraulic pump testing, cylinder repair, valve body operation, fluid specifications, troubleshooting hydraulic lift systems.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator/generator), lighting, ignition switch, battery specifications, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Chassis Bodywork:
Frame inspection, steering linkage, suspension components, brake system (mechanical/hydraulic), body panel repair, operator seat adjustments.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Routine service intervals, lubrication points, filter replacement procedures, fluid checks and changes.
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step procedures for component disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for all major systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and tables for identifying and resolving common operational problems across all vehicle systems.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, timing settings, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Manufacturer:
International Harvester (IH) / Wisconsin Motor Corporation (likely variant used by IH)
Engine Type:
Likely a 2-cylinder or 3-cylinder air-cooled or liquid-cooled gasoline engine.
Engine Displacement:
Approximately 18-25 cubic inches (exact displacement for the 182 model would be specified in the manual, e.g., ~724cc to ~1000cc range depending on specific engine block).
Bore X Stroke:
Specific dimensions would be detailed in the WSM, crucial for internal component rebuilds.
Horsepower:
Estimated 15-20 PTO horsepower (Power Take-Off horsepower), with engine horsepower slightly higher.
Torque:
Specific torque figures would be provided in the manual, critical for engine assembly.
Governed Speed:
Typically around 2400-2800 RPM for full throttle under load.
Carburetor:
Likely a single-barrel carburetor (e.g., Zenith, Marvel-Schebler), requiring specific adjustment and cleaning procedures detailed in the manual.
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical fuel pump, often diaphragm-type.
Ignition Type:
Spark Ignition (SI)
Ignition Components:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, points and condenser (or electronic ignition depending on specific build).
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled or Liquid-cooled (most likely air-cooled for smaller Cadet models, but liquid-cooled is possible for higher HP variants).
Oil Type:
Specific viscosity and API service classification (e.g., SAE 30 or 10W-30 HD) will be listed in the manual. Likely a straight weight oil for older engines.
Oil Capacity:
Typically 3-5 quarts, depending on the engine block.
Transmission Type:
Likely a 3-speed or 4-speed manual transmission with a Hi/Lo range (often referred to as a 'gear reduction' or 'range selector'). Some models may have featured a hydrostatic transmission (HST).
Optional Transmission:
Hydrostatic Transmission (HST) was often an option on higher-spec models.
Clutch:
Dry, single-plate clutch.
Differential:
Gear differential with locking mechanism (differential lock) on rear axle.
Pto:
540 RPM Rear Power Take-Off (PTO) is standard. Mid-PTO may be available on some configurations.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Likely a heavy-duty tractor transmission oil (e.g., IH Hy-Trans or equivalent UTF - Universal Tractor Fluid), or gear oil for the gearbox. Specifics are critical and will be in the manual.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Will vary based on transmission type, typically 5-10 gallons for integrated transaxle/hydraulic systems.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 48-54 inches (122-137 cm).
Length:
Approximately 70-80 inches (178-203 cm) without implements.
Width:
Approximately 45-55 inches (114-140 cm) depending on tire size and tread width.
Height:
Approximately 45-55 inches (114-140 cm) to the steering wheel/seat, or higher if a roll bar is fitted.
Operating Weight:
Typically around 1200-1500 lbs (544-680 kg) without ballast or attachments.
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified with a high rating, designed for implement towing rather than heavy trailer hauling. Ballast is key for traction.
Front Tire Size:
Commonly 4.00-12 or 5.00-12.
Rear Tire Size:
Commonly 8.3-20, 9.5-16, or 11.2-16 agricultural tires.
Rollover Protection:
ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure) was not standard on many tractors of this era; it was often an optional dealer-installed or aftermarket addition. The manual may cover installation of such structures if available.
Seatbelt:
Seatbelts were not standard on most models of this vintage.
Brake Type:
Mechanical drum brakes or disc brakes, operated by foot pedals, often interlocked with the differential lock.
Parking Brake:
Hand lever type, locking the transmission or brake system.
Operator Station:
Open operator station, providing direct engagement with controls. Safety considerations focus on correct operation and awareness.
Infotainment System:
None. Tractors of this era were purely functional mechanical devices.
Driver Assistance Features:
None. Operation relies entirely on the operator's skill and manual control.
Connectivity Options:
None. Analog instrumentation only.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 50-100 operating hours, or annually. The manual will provide precise intervals based on operating conditions.
Air Filter Service:
Inspect every 25-50 hours, clean or replace as needed. Heavy dust environments require more frequent service.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Typically annually or every 200 operating hours.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Annually or every 200-300 operating hours, depending on the fluid type and operating conditions.
Engine Oil Specification:
See engine_specs.lubrication_system.oil_type. The manual will confirm exact API service classification and viscosity. Examples: API SG/CD, SAE 30 or 10W-30.
Hydraulic Fluid Specification:
If integrated with transmission, use the same fluid (UTF/Hy-Trans). If separate, specific hydraulic oil grades may apply. Manual is definitive.
Grease Type:
General purpose lithium-based grease, NLGI #2 is common. Specific points may require specialized grease.
Common Problems:
Wear on PTO splines, hydraulic system leaks (cylinder seals, pump wear), carburetor gumming due to fuel degradation, ignition system component failure (points, condenser, coil), starter motor issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness degradation, faulty switches, and corrosion on electrical connectors are common in older equipment.
Part Numbers:
The WSM is invaluable for identifying correct IH part numbers for engine components, filters, seals, bearings, and more.
Manufacturer History:
International Harvester (IH) was a major American manufacturer of agricultural and construction machinery, known for its durable and reliable equipment.
Cadet Lineage:
The Cadet series was IH's line of smaller, consumer-oriented tractors, evolving from the Cub Cadet to larger utility models like the 182. Each number designation typically indicated increasing horsepower and features.
Production Years:
The Cadet 182 model would have been produced in the mid-to-late 1970s. Specific production dates are part of the detailed history or serial number information within the manual.
Manufacturing Location:
Likely manufactured at one of International Harvester's major tractor plants in the United States.
