 Gary: I am not sure anyone has the definitive answer as to why Cubs are so desireable. I have 3, want many more, and I cannot tell you for sure why they are as sought after as they are. However, with that said, here are some of my observations: IH designed the Cub for a maximum lifespan of 7 years. That was 60 years ago, and 58 years ago, production began. IH produced 247,000 give or take a few of the Farmall Cub and International Cub Tractors before production ended in 1979. IH produced 25,500 International Lo Boy Tractos before production ended in 1968. IH then in 1962 introduced the Numbered Cub Series (non-offset) which were similar to, shared many parts such as engine and other sundry items. These were not at popular as the Regular and the Lo-Boy, but almost 50,000 of the Numbered Cubs - 154, 184 and 185 were produced before production of these ceased in 1980. IH designed the Cub for farms under 40 acres, which meant many small farmers could replace their horse or their mule with a tractor and either remain profitable or increase their profitability whilst lowering the time required to maintian their farms. Also, IH designed, built, and also licensed or entered into production agreements with 3rd parties to ensure that suitable implements and accessories were available for the Cub. This aided immensely in the versatility of the Cub. IH also kept the Cub simple. Nothing overly fancy, nothing that most of the farmers at the time could not handle in repairs provided they followed IH recommendations in the Owner's Manual and Preventive Maintenance Manuals. These Cubs are really easy to fix -- ask me -- I am mechanically challenged.. I am a cabinetmaker, not a mechanic... :-)) IH also produced a 4 cylinder engine - the C-60 which could provide 8 hours of work on a single tank of gas -- approximately 8 gallons. Very cost effective, especially in today's markets. IH introduced the Cultivision design with the A and B, and incorporated it in the design of the Cub. This made truck farming much easier and much faster for the small farmer... still a great idea and one no one else is using... why boggles my mind... but that is another story. Also, the Cub has been used widely for many chores from farming small truck gardens, to maintaining highways (mowing), street sweeping, landscaping, estate work, golf course maintenance and the list goes on... To my mind, one of the important aspects to the Cubs desireability is its longevity and its sturdy construction. Also it's ease of operation. Check out the Cub Manual Server at www.cleancomputes.com/Cub/index.html. There are brochures, ads and other interesting bits of info on Cubs which may help answer your question. By the way : Bet you can't just have one! ? :-))
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