Make:
International Harvester (IH)
Model:
Cub Cadet Series 86, 108, 109, 128, 129, 149
Serial Number Range Covered:
500,718 - 529,811
Brand Positioning:
Cub Cadet was positioned as a premium line of outdoor power equipment, emphasizing ruggedness and dependability for homeowners with substantial yards.
Historical Competitors:
Competed with other garden tractor manufacturers of the era, offering a robust alternative for serious homeowners and small property owners.
Design Philosophy:
Focus on durability, user-friendliness, and versatility with a wide range of available attachments. Known for 'boys' testing' indicating robust construction.
Customer Following:
Cult-like following, comparable to early Macintosh computer users, due to perceived quality and longevity.
Ownership Change:
Cub Cadet brand acquired by MTD Products, Inc. from International Harvester in 1981.
Engine Maintenance:
Engine operation, starting procedures, lubrication, cooling, air intake, fuel system, ignition system, troubleshooting.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Gearbox operation, clutch engagement, drive belt maintenance, differential lubrication, PTO (Power Take-Off) system.
Chassis And Steering:
Frame inspection, front axle assembly, steering system adjustment and lubrication, wheel bearing maintenance.
Hydraulics And Attachments:
Hydraulic lift operation (if equipped), attachment mounting procedures, PTO shaft lubrication, hydraulic fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery maintenance, starting system, charging system (alternator/generator), lighting system troubleshooting.
Rotary Mower Operation:
Rotary mower installation, blade inspection and sharpening, belt tensioning, deck height adjustment, lubrication points.
Operation Instructions:
Pre-operation checks, safe operating practices, starting and stopping procedures, gear selection, attachment operation.
Maintenance Tasks:
Routine lubrication, oil and filter changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, fuel filter replacement, spark plug checks, battery service.
Troubleshooting Guide:
Common problems and solutions for engine, transmission, electrical, and hydraulic systems. Diagnostic charts.
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, clutch adjustment, brake adjustment, steering linkage adjustment.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Exploded views for component identification and guidance on careful disassembly and reassembly of key parts.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive owner operation and essential maintenance, including basic repairs and adjustments. Not a full factory service manual for complete overhauls.
Scalability:
Scalable to several times normal size for clear viewing of details.
Illustration Type:
Tons of illustrations, many exploded views, and pictures.
Search Functionality:
Searchable within Adobe Acrobat reader.
Delivery Method:
Instant PDF download via email link.
Printing Capability:
Printable, allowing users to print specific pages or sections as needed.
Engine Type:
Various gasoline engines, typically single-cylinder or twin-cylinder, air-cooled. Specific engine models vary by Cub Cadet model (86, 108, 109, 128, 129, 149).
Horsepower Range:
Estimated 8 HP to 16 HP depending on the specific model (e.g., 86 likely around 8 HP, 149 likely around 14-16 HP). Exact specifications would be in the manual.
Carburetion:
Carburetor equipped, requiring periodic cleaning and adjustment.
Ignition Type:
Battery ignition system with points and condenser, or breakerless ignition on later models.
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled, requiring clear airflow around the engine fins.
Gearbox Type:
Manual shift gear transmission. Specific number of forward and reverse gears varies by model (e.g., 3-speed, 4-speed, 8-speed options).
Hydrostatic Transmission:
While not explicitly mentioned for these specific models in the product title, some Cub Cadet lines offered hydrostatic transmissions. This manual likely covers manual shift.
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate clutch.
Drive System:
Shaft drive to rear axle. Often a belt-driven PTO for attachments.
Safety Focus:
Emphasis on safe operation in the manual, including pre-operation checks, proper mounting/dismounting, and operation of attachments.
Operator Presence Control:
Likely features an operator presence control that stops the engine/PTO if the operator leaves the seat, a common safety feature of the era.
Guarding:
Includes guards for moving parts such as PTO shafts, belts, and mower blades, as detailed in the manual.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 25-50 operating hours or annually, depending on operating conditions. Manual will specify exact interval and oil type.
Gearbox Lubrication:
Annual or as needed based on usage. Check and top up gearbox oil.
Greasing Points:
Regular greasing of all grease fittings (steering components, axle pivot, PTO shaft, lift arms) is critical for longevity. Intervals typically weekly or monthly.
Engine Oil Type:
Likely SAE 30W for warmer weather operation, or SAE 10W-30 for broader temperature range. Manual will provide precise recommendation and API classification.
Gearbox Oil Type:
Often SAE 90W gear oil or multi-viscosity oil meeting API GL-4 specifications. Manual will list exact capacity and type.
Hydraulic Fluid:
If equipped with hydraulic lift, likely a specific tractor hydraulic fluid or Type 'F' automatic transmission fluid. Manual is essential for specification.
Common Wear Points:
Steering components (tie rods, kingpins), clutch wear, drive belts, PTO clutch wear, carburetor gumming if not stored properly.
Electrical Issues:
Points and condenser wear, generator/alternator output issues, wiring harness degradation over time.
Engine Starting Problems:
Often related to fuel delivery (clogged carburetor/filter), ignition system issues (weak spark), or battery charge.
Air Filter Example:
Example: Kohler engines often use part numbers like 14-083-01S. Manual will list specific part numbers or cross-references for original filters.
Oil Filter Example:
If an oil filter is present (some models may only have a screen), specific filter part numbers (e.g., Wix, Fram, or OEM equivalents) would be crucial. Manual would provide this.
Founding Year:
Cub Cadet brand established in 1961 as part of International Harvester.
Series Introduction:
The Cub Cadet series represented IH's expansion into the lawn and garden equipment market in the 1960s. The models covered (86, 108, 109, 128, 129, 149) are part of the later iterations of this successful line.
Manufacturing Period:
These specific models (86, 108, 109, 128, 129, 149) were primarily produced in the 1970s. The serial number range provided aligns with this era.
Parent Company Changes:
International Harvester sold the Cub Cadet division to MTD Products in 1981.
