The Tough International Harvester Cub Cadet Compact Garden Tractor

"The original Cadet met the requirements for a tractor as far as design specifications were concerned," Harold says, "However, the belt drive detracted from the feeling that this was a true tractor."

The IH team convinced Kohler to change its 10-hp engine's mounting base so that it would fit between the new frame rails. Add styling changes – including a new grille, hood and brake system – and in late 1963, the Cub Cadet models 70 and 100 were released – ironically without the shaft-driven mower, which proved too expensive for most consumers.

In July 1965, IH replaced the Model 70 with the Model 71, the Model 100 with the Model 102, and introduced a new 12-hp Model 122. The new models retained the narrow frame, but styling changes included a new hood and grille for all three versions. The Model 102 and Model 122 also received two-piece angular fenders that bolted to the footrests as standard equipment. Fenders for the Model 71 were optional and resembled the older, rounded two-piece design.

By fall 1965, IH added the Model 123 to its garden tractor line. This 12-hp tractor was the first with a hydrostatic drive. The Model 123 had a Sunstrand Co. hydro system coupled to the Cadet's differential through a reduction gear. The cast iron transmission case served as the hydraulic fluid reservoir.

International Harvester introduced a new line in 1967, with a modified hood, instrument panel and grille. A quick-attach system for mounting implements was the key addition to the line. The Model 72 replaced the Model 71, while Model 104 and Model 124 replaced the gear-driven 102 and 122 models. The Model 125 replaced Model 123, and the Model 105 was added as a 10-hp hydrostatic version. Again, fenders were standard equipment on all but the Model 72.

Additionally, Cub Cadet models 73, 106, 107, 126 and 127 were introduced in 1970 to replace the 72, 104, 105, 124 and 125 models. This line featured a one-piece stamping that integrated the fenders and footrests into a single piece, and a raised panel stamped into the hood. A new 14-hp hydrostatic Model 147 was also introduced, which required frame modification to accommodate the larger-sized flywheel and blower housing of the 14-hp Kohler engine. This trend toward larger engines spelled the end of Harold Schramm’s narrow-frame design when the series was replaced in late 1971.

Harold says that the styling changes were generally made to update the Cadet's look and to call attention to the line's updated or new features. Narrow-frame Cub Cadets were introduced on a 24-month cycle, but the latest significant change to the Cub Cadet had to be completed within 20 months. Needless to say, Harold and his dedicated design group met the deadline.