Segment:
Premium Garden Tractors / Small Agricultural Tractors
Origin:
Established in 1961 as part of International Harvester (IH)
Reputation:
Known for dependability, rugged construction, and high quality
Era Competitors:
Competed with other premium garden tractor brands of the era, often considered a step above mass-market options.
Attachment Ecosystem:
Wide variety of available attachments (mowers, blades, snow blowers, loaders, plows, carts)
Build Quality:
Renowned for robust construction and durability.
Customer Loyalty:
Cult-like following among owners and enthusiasts.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Clutch, Brakes, PTO (Rear & Front), Hydraulic Lift, Electric Lift
Chassis And Controls:
Instruments & Controls, Driving, Tires, Front Wheels, Equipment Lift Handle, Hitching
Maintenance And Lubrication:
Engine Cooling, Air Cleaner, Lubrication Table, Lubrication Guide, Lubrication Procedures
Electrical And Troubleshooting:
Electrical System, Troubleshooting
Operation:
Pre-operation checks, Startup, Driving, Shutting down, Safe operation guidelines
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and changes, Filter replacements, Lubrication, Tire inflation, Air cleaner service
Adjustments:
Clutch adjustments, Brake adjustments, PTO engagement, Hydraulic lift adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Common issues, diagnostic guidance for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems
Storage:
Proper tractor storage procedures
Depth:
Covers fundamental operation, routine maintenance, setup, minor servicing, adjustments, and troubleshooting. Emphasis on owner-level tasks and basic repairs.
Format:
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
Scalability:
Scalable to several times normal size for detailed viewing
Printability:
Printable in sections or full document
Binding:
Digital (No physical binding)
Medium:
Digital File (No paper)
Illustrations:
Tons of illustrations and pictures
Views:
Exploded views for easy identification and repair
Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions
Special Tools:
Information on special tools required
Organization:
29 Indexed Sections
Engine Type:
Gasoline, Air-Cooled, Horizontal Shaft (Specific engine model varies by Cub Cadet model within this range)
Horsepower Range:
Likely 8 to 16 HP depending on specific Cub Cadet model (800/1000 typically smaller, 1450/1650 typically larger)
Engine Manufacturer Notes:
Engines were often supplied by reputable manufacturers such as Kohler, Onan, or Briggs & Stratton, depending on the specific tractor model and serial number.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Carburetion Notes:
Typically single-barrel carburetor with manual choke.
Cooling Method:
Air-Cooled via Fan and Fins
Ignition System:
Magneto ignition, likely breaker point style for this era, or electronic ignition on later models.
Wheelbase:
Varies by model, typically around 45-50 inches.
Tire Size Front:
Commonly 4.00-8 or 6.00-6
Tire Size Rear:
Commonly 23x8.50-12 or 23x10.50-12
Operating Weight:
Approximately 400-600 lbs without attachments, depending on model.
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable to this type of equipment (tractor).
Brake System:
Foot-operated mechanical brakes, often internal expanding shoe type.
Parking Brake:
Separate parking brake mechanism.
Operator Presence:
Likely features operator presence control, where engine stops if operator leaves seat.
Pto Shielding:
PTO shafts and connection points are shielded for safety.
Manual Emphasis:
Manual strongly emphasizes safe operation, proper use of controls, and hazard awareness.
Features:
No modern infotainment systems; basic controls for engine start, throttle, gear selection, and implement operation.
Features:
No electronic driver assistance features. Focus on mechanical controls and operator vigilance.
Features:
No connectivity features. Primarily mechanical and electrical systems.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 25-50 operating hours or annually, refer to manual for specific recommendation.
Air Cleaner Service:
Check and clean frequently, replace element as needed (often at oil change interval or more often in dusty conditions).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Recommended annually or as needed.
Grease Points:
Lubricate all grease fittings at specified intervals (e.g., every 25 hours).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 30W or 10W-30 depending on ambient temperature. Consult manual for precise specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.5 - 2 quarts (1.4 - 1.9 liters) depending on engine model. Refer to manual.
Transmission Oil Type:
Refer to manual; often a specific gear oil or universal tractor fluid (UTF) was recommended.
Hydraulic Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific hydraulic fluid or tractor hydraulic fluid (THF) for lift systems.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or loose connections in the wiring harness are common due to age and environmental exposure.
Carburetor Issues:
Fuel gumming and clogged jets in the carburetor due to old fuel are frequent problems.
Drive Belt Wear:
Drive belts for the deck or PTO can wear out and require replacement.
Seat Switch:
The operator presence (seat) switch can become faulty, preventing the tractor from starting or running.
Hydraulic Pump Seals:
Over time, seals in the hydraulic lift system can degrade, leading to leaks or reduced lifting capacity.
Parent Company:
International Harvester (IH)
Acquisition:
Acquired by MTD Products, Inc. in 1981.
Production Period:
These models (800-1650 series) generally represent the late 1960s to early 1970s era of Cub Cadet production.
Model Progression:
The numbering typically indicates increasing engine size and features: 800 (smaller engine, basic features) up to 1650 (larger engine, more robust features, potentially more advanced hydraulics).
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in the USA by International Harvester.
