Original Market:
        
        
            Compact utility tractor for residential, small farm, and groundskeeping applications.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Similar models from John Deere (e.g., Lawn & Garden series), Sears Craftsman, and other manufacturers of small tractors during its production era.
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Robust, durable, and user-friendly design, characteristic of International Harvester's agricultural heritage adapted for smaller-scale use.
        
     
    
        
            Utility:
        
        
            Versatile for mowing, tilling, snow removal, and light material handling with various attachments.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Detailed overhaul, troubleshooting, and component replacement for gasoline engines.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Service and repair of the gearbox, clutch, and drive system.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, ignition system, charging system (generator/alternator), starter, lighting, and accessories.
        
     
    
        
            Hydraulics:
        
        
            Operation, maintenance, and repair of the hydraulic lift system (if equipped) and associated components.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Service and adjustment of the steering mechanism.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Maintenance and repair of the braking system (likely mechanical drum or band brakes).
        
     
    
        
            Chassis And Frame:
        
        
            Inspection and repair of the tractor chassis, front axle, and rear axle assembly.
        
     
    
        
            Bodywork And Fenders:
        
        
            Panel alignment, repair, and maintenance of body components.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Routine servicing, lubrication charts, tune-up procedures, and filter replacements.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications And Tolerances:
        
        
            Detailed technical specifications, torque values, clearances, and wear limits.
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific service operations.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Of Coverage:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Gasoline, air-cooled, vertical shaft (typical for the era and model line).
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Cc:
        
        
            Likely in the range of 200-400cc, specific to the 55 model's engine variant.
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Hp:
        
        
            Estimated 6-8 HP, depending on the specific engine installed by IH for the Cadet 55.
        
     
    
    
        
            Torque Nm:
        
        
            Not readily available without specific engine model, but designed for consistent low-end torque for pulling.
        
     
    
    
        
            Carburetor:
        
        
            Single-barrel carburetor, often with manual choke.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            Manual, sliding gear transmission.
        
     
    
        
            Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Multiple forward gears (e.g., 3-4 speeds) and a reverse gear. Specific ratios detailed in manual.
        
     
    
    
        
            Drive Type:
        
        
            Rear-wheel drive.
        
     
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Dry, single-plate clutch, operated by foot pedal.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Wheelbase Inches:
        
        
            Approx. 45-50 inches, specific to model configuration.
        
     
    
        
            Overall Length Inches:
        
        
            Approx. 60-70 inches, excluding attachments.
        
     
    
    
        
            Operating Weight Lbs:
        
        
            Approx. 400-500 lbs, without attachments.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Safety Standards:
        
        
            Conforms to safety standards of its production era; modern rollover protection not standard.
        
     
    
    
        
            Braking System:
        
        
            Foot-operated mechanical brakes (likely internal expanding or band brakes).
        
     
    
    
        
            Operator Presence Control:
        
        
            Likely includes a clutch-actuated kill switch for operator presence.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change:
        
        
            Every 25-50 operating hours or annually. Specific interval detailed in manual.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Cleaning:
        
        
            Check and clean or replace based on operating conditions, often before each use in dusty environments.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Annually or as needed based on performance. Specific part numbers in manual.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 30W or 10W-30 depending on climate. Manual specifies exact grade and API service classification.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Oil Type:
        
        
            Gear oil, GL-4 rated, SAE 90 or 80W-90. Manual specifies capacity and grade.
        
     
    
        
            Hydraulic Fluid Type:
        
        
            Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (THF) or equivalent as specified in manual, if hydraulic lift is equipped.
        
     
    
    
        
            Carburetor Clogging:
        
        
            Common due to fuel gumming; requires periodic cleaning or rebuilding.
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System Wear:
        
        
            Points, condenser, and coil can wear out, affecting spark quality.
        
     
    
        
            Drive Belt Wear:
        
        
            Belts for PTO and drive clutch can stretch or break with age and use.
        
     
    
        
            Hydraulic Pump Leaks:
        
        
            Seals and O-rings in the hydraulic system can degrade, leading to leaks.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            International Harvester (IH), a prominent American manufacturer of agricultural machinery and vehicles.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cadet Line:
        
        
            Part of the esteemed Cub Cadet line, which began in 1961 as a premium garden tractor produced by IH.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            The Cadet 55 model was produced in the mid-to-late 1960s, typically associated with the first generation of Cub Cadets.
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            United States.