Thinking about buying a 154

[tmays]

There's a machinist here in town that has a 154 that he wants to get rid of. It's a 1977 with a Woods 42 mower. It was originally used by the school for mowing. Uses no oil. Hydraulics work fine and don't leak. Mower in good condition. He fabbed a 3 pt hitch and a DB turning plow for his garden. Turf tire on back. All tires are cracked but usable. He bought a brand new set of turf tires when he got it because tires were cracked when he got it. He never replaced them because old ones worked just fine all these years. He's had it about 20 years himself. "New" tires have been stored under a leanto all those years with no sun. Of course they may show cracks when aired up, but look very good as they are.

Here's where y'all come in. I know nothing about the 154. Are they pretty reliable? I realize the engines are reliable. He wants 1200 for it. He's the friend of a friend and right now I'm the only one it's being offered to. He has offered to let me pay him as I can so I'm not going to haggle over price. Does that sound like a fair price? Thanks

[SONNY]

Bout $900- $1,000 here will buy a ride and drive with factory 3-pt and blade---OR 60" woods mower!---one thats been sitting for ages ---$450 tops.---they are NOT plow or bulldozer tractors!---they are strictly lawnmowers!---(clutches and sloppy driveshafts will strip out if ya overload them!) ---IF it has the 6-speed trans,---makes the value go up! thanks; sonny

[RaymondDurban]

I agree with Sonny with the price, and the usage. They are big, nice, well built lawnmowers. They are also a bigger pain to dissemble and repair than the traditional Cub.
Oh, and if he claims that it's a '77 and a 154 model than something's amiss with some numbers. The 154's were made from '68-'74. By '77, the 184's were being produced. If its in fact a 184, then it's probably worth a few dollars more than the range that Sonny quoted.

[Harold R]

I have a 154 and it's not too easy to work on as are the FCubs. I paid 400 for a non-runner, but it turned out to be a great runner...just needed a new coil. The main problem is the clutch/brake......it all works off the same pedal....and for me has been a thorny thing to adjust. It also has wheel brakes off the right pedal....but I never seem to be able to remember to use them. It has a different feel...mainly because you sit in the middle...not off set. I have a Woods LB-44 deck and it mows well. The PTO is on a separate shaft and has a push/pull lever....mine is still working good.....but if it goes out....I wouldn't know where to start. It's not my main mower any more and I have considered robbing the engine for a future project......but I've heard rumors that the crankshaft isn't drill for a pilot bushing. I'm going to keep it around....but I won't be getting another. I've mowed with Fcub loboy's with a Woods 59 and regular cubs with Woods 42's and the 154 with the Woods LB-44. If I had to pick one....I'd go back to a standard cub with a Woods 42......just seemed to get the job done without breathing hard.

[RaymondDurban]

.....but I've heard rumors the the crankshaft isn't drill for a pilot bushing. I'm going to keep it around....but I won't be getting another. ....

Harold, I can't speak for all 154's, but the two I have, both cranks are drilled for a pilot bushing, as was the one that Bob McCarty has that we installed in a regular Cub.
The one that I'm working on now is the first, and last, numbered LoBoy that I'll be going through!! My other one will be for parts.

[Harold R]

Hmmm....that's good to hear. Maybe it's the 184's or 185's that weren't drill.

[Boss Hog]

Tom, The 154,185 and 184 helped break IH as far as I am concerned, hard to work on , poor design, The PTO is problematic. good parts for a F Cub though

[tmays]

Thanks for your help fellers! I think I'll pass on the deal. Actually when I first went to look at it all I knew was that he had a loboy. I was hoping for the offset loboy and it was the 154. It's actually the first running 154 I've ever seen. Thanks again!