[AT] Cub

Fri Jul 3 07:29:20 PDT 2020

John, that dealer decal is what really holds my attention also.   Assuming I was in the market for a given type or model of tractor to begin with, the presence of something like that--on a machine that would be logistically easy for me to acquire, and that otherwise looks in pretty good shape--would really tip the scale for me.   I like the decal itself, and I find a lot of appeal in the sense of authenticity--especially if as you suggest it might be original paint, or at least a vintage dealer repaint.   I have a couple old tractors and use them often, keep them maintained and occasionally hose off the worst of the mud but don’t worry about showroom appearance, and part of the fun is in feeling a connection to the past.

So Steve O, the above is the primary driver in my sense that if it were me I’d snap that tractor up rather than hold out for one that would cost $300 less or whatever.   Over the span of time I’d quickly forget about the $300 but I’d pretty often either be glad to have the particular machine that appealed to me or would be kicking myself for letting it get away.

The above is also heavily influenced by my experience with my two Super Ms, the first one I’d bought back in the mid 90s but then sold and later regretted having sold, and some particular little details it had that I came to miss and appreciate more after the fact than I had while I’d owned the tractor.   After a dozen or so years of regret I eventually ran across another similar Super M--in very good condition and with those same particular little details--and way overpaid to get it.   Probably been 10 or 12 years now since I bought that second one, and I still have it, and have never once lost the tiniest bit of sleep over the money.  

YMMV, and obviously a decal doesn’t create a need for a particular tractor that isn’t otherwise there.   I think, anyway.   I don’t really need a tractor of that size so if that one were for sale near me I probably wouldn’t go look at it.  Maybe.  Unless I was going to be driving past anyway.  Or just wanted to get out of the house for a while.  :)

Dean Vinson

Saint Paris, Ohio

From: AT [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of John Hall
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 4:37 PM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: Re: [AT] Cub

Really nice looking machine. First thing I noticed was the dealer decal, can't help but wonder is that original paint or a repaint, 99% of old tractors here have had at least one paint job. Appears to still have those annoying flat head screws holding on the sheet metal and the old style hose clamps on the hose on the carb--both signs it may not have been worked on a lot (thats a good thing). Also thats an original gas cap, another sign it hasn't bee used much. FYI you can get the replacements free, shipped to your door if you just fill out the form, takes 5 minutes.  
https://ihgascap.com/

$1,000-1500 is my guess on value. See what Craigslist in your surrounding area has them at for YOUR market value.

Couple things to check on a Cub that is a frequent issue. The front bolster/steering housing is the bottom of the radiator--look for a freeze break. Both front spindles prone to breaking where they are welded to the axle. Cylinder head freeze break right on top. The front ears of the block (that mount to the bolster/steering housing) are prone to break. I've seen plenty of Cubs with these issues that were either still going "broken", or have been patched up.

Regarding the sickle mower, look up Webbs Sickle Service for parts if you plan on using it a lot. Good quality and cheap prices, especially if you have to rebuild it.

If you have need of a sickle mower (even a little bit), thats a fine outfit to have. I keep a 7' balanced head rear mount mower on a Super A.

John Hall

On 6/29/2020 1:02 PM, Stephen Offiler wrote:

I just learned there's a Farmall Cub that's trying pretty hard to find its way into my barn.  It belongs to my boss's golf buddy.  It came with his property when he bought it years ago.  Equipped with a sickle mower, its only purpose has been to keep a field mowed.  I am still putting the pieces of the story together, but it seems that he hit a rock and bent something on the mower, parked it, and found some other way to mow that field.  The Cub has now been sitting for three years, and I guess he decided it's time to get rid of it.  The owner is, well, let's just say not an antique tractor guy.  The nice dry shed where the Cub lives is shared with his collection of Porsches.  (Cars, not tractors). 

I knocked down one of the images they sent me to 350KB, hope it comes thru.

Tires are excellent, rears look nearly brand-new.  Wire-mesh grill helps to date it, but I'm a little rusty on those details.  Magneto, which I don't have experience with.  There's a drain pan under the front bolster, so maybe a coolant leak or front-main seal...?  Ran when parked, no, really it did.  No reason to suspect anything seriously wrong mechanically.

Comments, anyone?  What do you think might be wrong with the sickle mower given the info that he hit a rock and decided he needed to park the tractor?  I'm in the Northeast and Cubs have always commanded a premium around here.  Wondering if they are still holding their value or whether collector interest has moved on.

Best regards

Steve O.

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