Is your tractor a Cub, Cub LoBoy or model 154, 184, 185, learn the difference.
Many customers are confused about the differences between the Cub’s and the number series. Use this handy list to help you determine which machine you have.
Cub, Cub Loboy:
- Driver offset to right side
- Round fenders
- Steering offset to right side (runs along right side of hood)
- Gearshift lever left of driver
- Cast iron frame
- Round front axle
- Radiator bolts directly to front support casting (No lower tank)
- Hydraulics under fuel tank
- Foot platform offset to right side
- ‘Rod’ style throttle linkage
- Headlights attach to front radiator side plates
154, 184, 185:
- Driver sits in the middle
- Channel iron frame rails
- Cable throttle
- Flat top square fenders
- Steering box & steering wheel in center of tractor
- Cast I beam front axle
- Driver straddles gear shift lever
- Radiator does NOT bolt to front support casting it has a separate bottom tank
- Hydraulics controlled by valves hidden from view
- Running boards on each side
- Headlights in front grill
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Correction on 184 description, it as well as some of the late 185 Cub Low Boys, did have a regular gear drive starter, which is the same as 12 volt regular Cubs. Starter generator was replaced with a Delco alternator. IH offered an update package beginning in sometime the 185 run. It consisted of a gear drive starter, alternator and bracket, and a flywheel ring gear was needed on some models. Starter required minor rewiring. The change came about because of the problem of keeping front crank pulleys from becoming loose and cutting off keyways and damaging the crankshaft.
It seems odd that IH model numbers do not run in proper sequence. 154 was first. then 185 and 184 was last. Can be confusing. The tractors were virtually the same except for clutches, on 154 and 185 were mounted on front shaft of transmission input shaft but 184 had them mounted on engine flywheel. This gave a much better life to clutches.
Also 154’s used the old style Cub carburetor, they were rejetted, and would flow more air, but 185’s and 184’s used the Zenith, similar to the ones used on IH 140’s.
Old IH Man. (1955 – 2014)
Love your coverage on old tractors.
Thanks for the info. We always appreciate help. 🙂
Information is very helpful. Thanks much!
Thank you…just bought a 154…do u know where the mod and serial # are located?
I am looking for a picture of how the rock shaft mounts on rear of IH 184 lowboy for the 3 point hitch.
Thanks John
Talk to Hamilton Bob. He has all that info on the tip of his tongue.
You can find him in Hamilton, OH
Good Morning All!
I have recently bought an IH184 like the picture above….well not really this one needs a bit of work! Does anyone know where I can get a parts book for it? I have the owners manual and shop manual but would like a parts manual. Right now the steer nut below the cap does not even look like a not, now I was a Illinois farm boy and I have a torch so i can get it off but as I get older I am trying for more patients :o))
Hello all.. I’m wanting to find out about a 1947 Cub LO-BOY. SN 4437 J. I know that they started at SN 501 and that this was the first year made but that’s all I can find… please help. Anyone know how many Low-Boys there are? Why isn’t there any info on it??
Sue have you tried http://www.MyTractorForum.com they are a great group of people that you can post your question to and get lots of help. Good luck.
LOBOYS STARTED PRODUCTION IN 1955, WITH THE NUMBER 501. PRODUCTION THRU 1968 AT NUMBER 26007
The final drive oil pans rearward? Not on my 185
Hello new here, but I’ve got a question on a cub loboy I bought. It is yellow and white, and a starter/generator seats in the middle, with loader and a 3 point. It decals say it is a 184, and it does look a lot like the red 184. but not completely, mine has 12X3 front tires which make the stanch different, and the front grill is a little different. when I look up parts nothing seams to match what I have. I someone would tell me where to locate the serial# or a way to confirm the model # I would be very thankful. Sheldon
I have a cub low boy 154 and can’t find a good answer for what year the tractor is. On the aluminum tag it reads serial number 2000112u018722. Can anyone help me with what year?
Brian the serial numbers we have listed for the Cub 154 Lo-Boy are:
1968 – 3505
1969 – 3773
1970 – 15502
1971 – 20332
1972 – 23343
1973 – 27538
1974 – 31766
I have a lo boy and don’t know what model it is, I just bought it. The sn# is 014810, does anyone know the model and year? Thank you so much
My cub lowboy want startcould I have the wrong spark plugs I. It it will fail the second plug if you push the throttle all the way up in high can some one help me
I have a 1976 IHC Cub 185 Lo-boy tractor with a US Navy name tag on the left rear fender. How do I find out more information about my tractor? It appears that it was purchased new by the Navy.
Thanks!
Hello, I have an “INTERNATIONAL CUB LO BOY” according to the serial # plate which was nearly sand blasted to an illegible state, I can only read the first 4 numbers of the serial # which are ” 1397 “the next # is either a 2 or a 3, & I cannot see any indication of what the last number should be. It has a “J” after the serial #. It had a nice fresh red paint job when I bought it around the year 2000. I have since found little spots here & there of yellow paint which makes me tend to think it was sold as a municipal model. It had a belly mower mounted on it. I am wondering what the “J” means, according to a different site the serial # corresponds to 1951.
I have a cub farmal the serial no. is 199548. J. I think it’s a 1957 but not sure and also is it a 152
1 have a 154 cab low boy anyone no went year it us then ser no on lift side of motor i find is 251641 r8
I just bought a 1960 IH Cub. It runs fine as was garaged for over 30 years until I started it up before purchase. Needs cleaning but not much else other than changing fluids. Using it for a three-acre field behind my home. Ran fine but the mower (I think it’s called a Mott flail mower). Problem could be me and the way I’m handling the machine. I’ve sent off for a few manuals from Steiner as I am completely ignorant about tractors other than I like riding this one. Anyone know what the problem might be with the PTO assuming I’m not the problem
looking for a pair of rear turf wheels for 154 cub low boy 13.6 x16 don’t need tires
I do not show that we have rims with these dimensions – have you checked with Miller Tire in Ohio?