How to value a cub?

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Daron65

New member
Hello, Being very new to the cub obsession, how do you experienced owners place a value on a tractor when buying?
:help:
I have learned with collecting Wheel Horse tractors, location has a great deal to do with value. Also condition. But, it seems there is an enormous gap in prices of cubs. I have seen them for sale from $600 to $6000.
What is a fair amount for one that is running and fair condition, without implements?
Any other advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you, Daron
 
A general answer for many hobbies , I believe . Location and condition seems to be the most important factors. The next in my opinion is completeness, Are there lights , draw bar , wheel weights , rock shaft etc ? Cruising Craigslist and the classifieds will give some indication of local values , maybe ! Some asking prices on those have little to do with reality as asking price and selling price can be quite different. It will take a little homework to get a feel for the values in an area . Knowing someone that will share that information with you would be a great help in reaching that goal.
 
Shane Nelson":jsxyr0c4 said:
It's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, that goes for Cubs and everything else.
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I would add at the moment for the price the seller needs/ willing to part with it.

What things were selling for last year or 5 years ago have no bearing on now. The seller's situation plays in. Do they have to sell? moving? death in the family? need the cash? Does not need to sell - just thinking about it.
 
I've found that worth or value of a Cub has more to do with your wants and abilities than it applies to sheet metal and cast iron.
 
Daron65":32qmtyh4 said:
How do you place a value on a tractor when buying?
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Inspection, test drive.

How many dollars is it going to take to get the tractor into/up to your expectations.

Implements included with the tractor and their condition.

Edit. If you are planning on a work tractor, get one with the implements you want. Some implements can cost almost as much as the tractor.
 
Daron65":2a35cy1v said:
What is a fair amount for one that is running and fair condition, without implements?
Thank you, Daron
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I'm in South Carolina. Lots of cubs here, and still very sought after for gardening. I see you are in Pennsylvania, where there was no shortage of cubs either. So I'll go out on a limb and state that in my opinion and experience, a decent running cub can be bought for something between $1200 to $2200, and the difference would depend on items like Redfin pointed out; completeness, tire condition, sheet metal condition being the most important.

I own 3; we paid $1200 for a non-runner that came with a bunch of implements; that was too high in retrospect, but the son rebuilt it into a first class cub that he will likely never sell again. I paid $1300 for a runner with a belly mower, that is still performing that duty 11 years later with no major money being spent on it. I paid $1500 for the last runner, it came with fast hitch, FH plow, FH C-2 mower, cultivator frames and a few sweeps.

I would likely never pay more than $2500, and that one would have to look and run like new. However, in some states, others will tell you that's the starting price for Cubs. Here in SC, the Cub is the second most desirable Farmall, being beat out by the 140. Those are at least double in price, and way more scarce as far as tractors for sale. People don't let them go.
 
I appreciate all the input. I am continuing to search. I'm am going to attempt to be selective and use your advice.
 
Rick Spivey":3s9sdbtm said:
I'm in South Carolina. Lots of cubs here, and still very sought after for gardening. I see you are in Pennsylvania, where there was no shortage of cubs either. So I'll go out on a limb and state that in my opinion and experience, a decent running cub can be bought for something between $1200 to $2200, and the difference would depend on items like Redfin pointed out; completeness, tire condition, sheet metal condition being the most important.

I own 3; we paid $1200 for a non-runner that came with a bunch of implements; that was too high in retrospect, but the son rebuilt it into a first class cub that he will likely never sell again. I paid $1300 for a runner with a belly mower, that is still performing that duty 11 years later with no major money being spent on it. I paid $1500 for the last runner, it came with fast hitch, FH plow, FH C-2 mower, cultivator frames and a few sweeps.

I would likely never pay more than $2500, and that one would have to look and run like new. However, in some states, others will tell you that's the starting price for Cubs. Here in SC, the Cub is the second most desirable Farmall, being beat out by the 140. Those are at least double in price, and way more scarce as far as tractors for sale. People don't let them go.
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I'm 100% with Rick on this one.
 
The more you look and see prices the more you set a value to you. Sometimes you see a cub and say I want it because you are comfortable with the price and your ability to deal with any issues it has or you are just tired of looking and want to get started in the cub world.
 
Around here the ask on what's claimed to be mechanically sound Cubs, with touch control and rock shaft seem to be in the $1,200-$1,500 range. Often times rear wheel weights come with the tractor at that price point. If someone gave it a rattle can paint job it's "parade ready" and they're likely to ask upwards of $2500 for the same tractor.

Think about what you're planning to do with the tractor and try and buy one with the implements, you'll likely save money. In particular, cultivators are expensive when bought loose. If you're going to just pull a trailer it only needs the draw bar. If you're planning to use implements it'll need either the manual lift or touch control system.

If you're serious about working with it and anticipate much in the way of implement changes consider finding one with the Fast Hitch (add $2-300 to the price point). Swapping draw bar mounted implements takes some time.
 
I have generally heard cubs put into various categories:

1. Non-runner: engine frozen --- scrap metal prices (but if parted out, you can make some $$)
2. Non-runner: engine free --- $400-600 (if eng needs rebuilding, could cost $800-1400!)
3. Runner, but UGLY and no implements --- $800-1200
4. Runner, decent looking, maybe mower --- $1200-1800
5. Runner, good looking, maybe mower &/or implements --- $1500-2200

All the above assume the tractor is "complete" (except maybe a battery box ~$100). Any problems, like a repaired bolster or finals, cut hood, no hydraulics, etc, would require reduction in value. There are things to look for when buying a cub, and perhaps someone can provide the link to that post.

This is a total WAG (wild ass guess!) but +/- about what I have experienced. If you are unsure of what you think one is worth, post some photos, and folks here can scrutinize it to see if there are obvious problems. Oh, yes! Tires/rims are a consideration, too. You can spend the cost of a new tractor just on new rear tires and rims! Some folks have bought entire tractors JUST to acquire good ones on a bad tractor. So many things to consider. With a bunch of implements included, you may find yourself with a "free" cub if you don't need the implements and decide to sell them.

Good luck!
 
Rick Spivey":1cq4d7d9 said:
Daron65":1cq4d7d9 said:
What is a fair amount for one that is running and fair condition, without implements?
Thank you, Daron
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I see you are in Pennsylvania, where there was no shortage of cubs either. So I'll go out on a limb and state that in my opinion and experience, a decent running cub can be bought for something between $1200 to $2200, and the difference would depend on items like Redfin pointed out; completeness, tire condition, sheet metal condition being the most important.
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As someone in PA I'll go along with that in general terms for a decent Cub without implements. When I bought my current Cub 2 years ago I paid $1900. It was in really nice condition with new rear tires and working hydraulics. It did need some work (new battery box for instance) but nothing of a serious nature. I would suggest searching Craigs List regularly in your area and set up an automatic search on Auctionzip for farm equipment auctions then check the results for any Cubs being offered. There was an auction just a few weeks ago in the Lancaster area where several Cubs were sold at decent prices.
 
Thank you all,

Since I do need to sale a few of my wheel horse tractors (sorry to my redsquare friends LOL) to make room in the garage, I do think it is a good idea to make sure I get one with at least a bottom plow. I would like to use it to plow my garden plots. I will continue to look on craigslist around the area.
 
Daron65":2p7t7r6h said:
...... I do think it is a good idea to make sure I get one with at least a bottom plow. I would like to use it to plow my garden plots. I will continue to look on craigslist around the area.
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Best to be familiar with what makes a complete plow package, Not unusual to be missing some of the linkage and parts. Sometimes it's expensive and difficult to find individual parts. Welcome to the Forum.
 
Just some more "experience" here. If you intend to garden with one, I'd look hard for the fast hitch, and at least the plow to go with it. As stated, one of my 3 has fast hitch, and that is our "go-to" for the garden. It is super quick to change between the plow and a disk harrow, both of which we find indispensable. It will cost some more money than a cub without fast hitch, but is worth it in convenience. The fast hitch plows are fairly common; the colters seem to go missing, and are expensive to replace; but if you have an established garden, not necessary. We don't garden anything that really requires cultivators, the tiller handles that work.

All of this to reiterate the advice above, determine what you really want to do with the cub, and then try to find the majority of it in a single package; You will spend far less money and time that way.
 
Value has many many factors. As others stated the obvious like condition, completeness, cosmetic, etc. By now I'm sure you have an idea of a normal price range. Biggest factor in deciding after that is how bad do you want it, what's it worth to YOU. How far do you have to drive to get it. My biggest bit of advice is if it don't run and you don't know why then its typically not a good idea to pay over 500 for JUST the tractor. Obviously if implements are included that can potentially greatly change the value.
 
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