New here: buy Cub or Model A???

I know nothing about an A. Appears they were built until the Cub came out. Then Tractordata doesn't list them any more, just newer models. I see 3 hp more with the A. Lots of similarities between Cub and A's.

I could use something to partly restore and use in our windbreak and for jobs requiring a smaller tractor. Mostly harrow/drag cultivator...whatever else I can think of.

What are advantages/disadvantages of Cubs vs Model A's??? I know there is somewhat of a cult following for Cubs and I admit I like them a lot too. (or, have one of each !)

I have a photo of this A if I knew where/how to send it for someone to evaluate.

Thanks,
Dennis

If you restoring a tractor purely as a show tractor, I see little difference in which way you go. Cubs do have a big following, but A tractors have a following as well. If your looking for a tractor that can do some work as well by all means go with the Super A and hydraulics.

Super A, 100, 130 and 140 were probably the most under rated tractor of all time. you could put them in the field along side C, H, M, 300, 450, 460, etc. and both from a dollar invested and horse power rating point of view, they will out perform the pack. Even when I farmed with tractors in excess of 100 hp, there was still a place on my farm for an offset Farmall. And remember this, when you step up to the parts counter those little tractors, all makes, are quite easy on the pocket book.

You can not put Super A hydraulics on an A.

Dennis

The three were built by IH, Ford and Deere. IH built the A, SA, 100, 130 and 140 over a 40 year span 1939-1979, close to 1/2 million if you total all. Ford built over a 1/2 million of N series. then Deere built M, MT, 40, 420 and 430, again much like the Farmall and Ford, same basic chassis over an extended period of time. Other companies also produced some great little tractors like Allis D-10, Cockshutt 20, Oliver 44, MH pony and Pacer and Ferguson, but they didn't touch the production numbers IH, Ford and Deere did. Personally I've always hated the N series Ford, but I also know just by it's design alone it would be a much better tractor to power my Woods belly mower. It wouldn't break near as many ornamental tree limbs off as my Super A does. It may also have an edge on horse power at the mower blade. But then, by gosh, did you ever see anything as sweet as an Allis D-10 or D-12, right off you have the center line design, with the crop clearence of a Farmall. I realize Deere, Cockshutt and MH all have center line drive and clearence, but they are not as beautiful as the Allis.

Thus my recomendation is buy Farmall Super A, Ford 8N, Deere 420, Allis D-10, Cockshutt 20, Oliver 44, MH Pacer and a Fergie 2085. Buy them all then you'll have all the baces covered, it may destroy my back balance theory, but man what a collection you'd have.

So that kicks out Ford and JD for me. Following the advantage of large production numbers I think your initial recommendation of the Super A, 100's, etc., is well founded and logical. I also think all this drops the Cub way down on the list considering the needs I have and the Cub's disadvantages. And it sounds like my large windbreak here in wheat country could use a low profile machine just like your apparent needs.

Thanks again,
Dennis

IH made As up through 1947. Then they replaced it with the Super A, which has higher HP and hydraulics simlar to the Cub's.

Dennis

The serial number should be on the inside of the left-hand seat bracket, stamped on an aluminum plate.

Cubs are OK, but if you want to use any PTO driven equipment, stay with the A unless you have access to Cub-specific attachments. Cub PTO's turn backward and at engine speed, not 540 RPM. And when it comes to pull-type implements, an A is about twice the tractor.

The disadvantage of an A is the lack of hydraulics. This was corrected on it's replacment, the Super A.

Never thought about looking for a foot throttle, but I'll check next time I drive by it and look at the builder's plate now that you've told me where it is.

At this point the owner mumbled something about wanting $1,000 for it, but I'm not sure. All that street sweeper gear under it is pretty massive and I am not sure what else it could be used for.

Too bad hydraulics can't be put on them, but then the Cub I'm looking at has none either. But on the Cub, I could convert it to hydraulic. Guess I need both tractors. My wife will love that.

Dennis