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What model do I need?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 2:52 pm
by Bill Hudson
Folks,

Yes, I realize the correct answer, to my question, is "All of them," however that answer, no matter how true, is unacceptable. Please let me explain.

Our daughter has a small yard that does not require a large riding mower. She has a problem with walking, therefore, a hydrostatic rider is a real necessity. What model (older, I don't want one of the MTD ones) Cub Cadet will provide a reasonably long trouble free service life. She will be using my 1450 with a snowthrower to handle the winter chores. I would plan to put it through the Cubhouse this winter to get it in excellent working order.

Your thoughts/recommendations/suggestions are welcomed and encouraged.

Thanks a bunch.

Bill

Re: What model do I need?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 3:33 pm
by ebax
We've got a CC 129 hydrostatic and two manual transmission models, a 124 and a 1200. The 124 was our lawn mower until the 129 was bought. For mowing the hydrostatic is perfect. Any of the 129, 149, 125 models are from the IH days and are built tough like Cubs. I've even mowed weeds with the 129 that I normally would have done with a Cub and 42 inch belly mower. These little machines are tough and built to last a lifetime (mine anyway).

Ed

Re: What model do I need?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 5:19 pm
by Eugene
ebax wrote:Any of the 129, 149, 125 models are from the IH days and are built tough like Cubs.
Throw in the 105. My suggestion also. I have a couple models of CC hydrostatic transmission mowers they work great. Actually, the great part is that the wife likes the hydrostat and won't drive the manual transmission Cubs.

If you pick up one of the hydrostatic transmission Cubs, pick up a 2nd for parts. Most I paid for one was $400- with a decent running engine, mower deck and snow blade. Lot of times you can find one at auction for around $200-.

Re: What model do I need?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 7:21 pm
by gitractorman
Having owned many of them, I would shoot for a 129, 149, 1250, 1450. They were the highest production models, so there's lots of them around. Also, because the tunnel cover comes off (opposed to a 105, 125, or 123), they are INCREADIBLY easier to work on. The mower decks for these tractors were better than the older ones, and in my opinion, the wide frame cadets are just a bit tougher than the narrow frame cadets, with the frame being heavier and the front axle being heavier construction. Since you already have a 1450, it makes sense also to stick with a wide-frame machine so that implements will interchange.

I really like the looks of the 682 and 782 tractors as well, and they're just as toughly built as the 1x9/1x50 tractors, but am NOT a fan of the KT-17 engines. They are REALLY bad about oil stravation and blowing one cylinder. They will still run in this condition, and actually sound pretty good, with one cylinder firing, but engaging the PTO will kill the engine. Based on this, I would not recommend these tractors.

I also love the 125, 105, 123 tractors, and have owned several, but they are definitely harder to work on without being able to access the hydro and drive shaft from the top. The 124/125 is probably my favorite of all the Cub Cadets ever built, and I've had 4 of these, but as a working machine, they could not compare to the 149 or 1650 that I owned.

I left out the 169 and 1650 tractors on purpose. The 169 was the lowest production Cub Cadet ever, so they're tough to come by, and really bring a premium. The 1650 was a normal production tractor, but they bring a premium as well, and there's really no reason for it. A 1250 or 1450 will do anything that a 1650 will do, without problem.

There you go. Just my $.02 worth.
Bill

Re: What model do I need?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 8:20 pm
by beaconlight
Don't want to hijack this on Bill but I thought of gitractorman as we passed through Grand Island for a family funeral in Lewiston last weekend.

Re: What model do I need?

Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 8:09 am
by Smokeycub
Bill, Long story short, I would go with a 149 or a 1450, especially since you already have a 1450 and for reason the others have stated.

Re: What model do I need?

Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 9:17 am
by Bill Hudson
Thanks for the input, very much appreciated. Makes perfect sense to go with a 1450 because the stuff interchanges. Now why didn't I think of that? :roll: :roll:

Bill

Re: What model do I need?

Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 10:56 am
by gitractorman
Bill,
any of the wide-frame cadets will accept each other's implements, so don't get stuck on a 1450. If a nice 129, 149, or 1250 comes along, any will work with each others implements.

Bill

Re: What model do I need?

Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 10:59 am
by Bill Hudson
gitractorman wrote:Bill,
any of the wide-frame cadets will accept each other's implements, so don't get stuck on a 1450. If a nice 129, 149, or 1250 comes along, any will work with each others implements.

Bill


Thanks, Bill. That simplifies things a good bit.

Bill