Lo-Boy ID

[wshytle]

I went to see a guy about a cub cadet today and he had a Lo Boy. He wasn't sure of the year but wants to know. Is there a website that tells the manufacture date by serial number? The number is 24883 J.

Any and all appreciated....thanks!

 

[bjames]

1968, The J stands for Rockford clutch.

http://www.tmtractor.com/id/id_002.htm

 

[wshytle]

Thanks a lot Bill. I relayed the info to the owner. Thanks for the website too...could be helpful since I plan on getting a Lo-Boy some day.

 

[wshytle]

Bill-

The owners wife says she grew up with this tractor and thinks it's older than a 1968. Is there a chance it could be older some how? And I was wondering what is this Rockford clutch and what makes it special? Hydraulic vs mechanical? I'm going back next week and will take some pictures.

 

[bjames]

It's possible the front bolster was replaced with a newer one. That is where the S/N plate is located.
Nothing special about a Rockford clutch, most Cubs and Lo-Boys came with them.
An Auburn clutch is rarer and had no letter after the S/N. Both are mechanical.

 

[wshytle]

Thanks Bill...I'll pass on the news.

 

[dfrisk]

WAYNE - The Rockford Clutch refers to the manufacturer of the clutch disc & pressure plate. The CUB & LoBoy tractors used a compressed graphite throw-out bearing that I understand can be very troublesome, until Case/IH went back to a Wisconsin machine shop about 25 miles down the road from me to get them.

We used Rockford Clutches in ALL models of FARMALL's, even the hydro's. My Super H has a Rockford clutch, not sure about the '51 M. But they are known to have nice wide friction points for easing into loads and resist slipping a LOT. Not sure but I think the M got a clutch during one of it's rebuilds, (it's had 2) and the clutch on the SH has NEVER been apart since it was assembled @ FARMALL over 57 yrs ago.

Rockford CLutch was a division of Borg-Warner located in Rockford, IL. They also made all the driveshafts for the 2+2 articlulated tractors built at Farmall.

 

[wshytle]

Dennis-

Having never seen one it's hard to imagine a compressed graphite throw-out bearing. I'd like to add a loboy to my collection someday. I have a Ford 4000 and it's just a little more than I need. I'd love to have a mid-sized tractor to help with engines but it would have to have a 3 pt.

Thanks for the info.

 

[bjames]

Some things to consider before buying a Culti-Vison Cub or Lo-Boy

They are a primitive machine, there is very little difference between a 1947 and a 1968.
The PTO spins at engine RPMS, it is not a 540 RPM PTO.
The turning radius is terrible.
You will not find one with a 3 pt. hitch, they made a 1 pt. Fast Hitch for them but are hard to find and expensive.
Make sure you get rear wheel weights, you will need them.

Having said that, I will never get rid of my 61 Lo-Boy. I love it!
That little 4 cyl engine runs like a sewing machine and starts everytime no mater. It's a blast to mow wide open areas or cruise down the road.

 

[wshytle]

Bill-

Well...I see I have a bit more research to do here. I will want power steering as well so a Lo-Boy is out of the question for what I had in mind. They are such a good looking little tractor. The owners of the topic here uses theirs for mowing and pulling a yard trailer and that's it. I still may get one for a restoration project someday especially if a deal comes along.

Thanks for all of the great info.