My 1864 has been great, I've owned it for 5 years now. Very solid, rugged tractor that turns very tight so it mows like a smaller machine. You're going to love it.

When you say you have to fiddle with it to start, what are you fiddling with? Just the brake? I'd suspect the seat safety switch as well as the brake.

Concern about rear tires
 

Weaverama, your right about the engine and power seering. I do wounder if I'm going to have a problem with the tractor type tires and weel weights, I havent had it in my yard yet. I was told I could switch for the turf tires on the 1862. I dont think there would be a problem but do you know? I know what you mean about the "yellow fever" I have an old 530 Case CK with back hoe and loader and a 555 John Deere loader and I love them just like my kids. Once it's in your blood it never goes away. It's good to be around folks that understand that. I'm thinkng about that 1862 already.

There are several of us that have AGS on our mowers with no problems. If you think you'll have to do pull a plow with it I'd keep the AGS if not switch him or try for a bundle price with the 1864 and 1862. My wife's uncle has 1862 and 1864 (with factory cat0) for years and loves them. I'm saving my pennies to get the 1864.

Turf tires usually equate to crappy traction and spinning tires causing more yard damage than the ags. Everything I own has ags that are liquid filled and I no yard damage ever.

Starting problem
 

Dave, I'm sure I'm shifing my weight on the seat and messing with the brake at the same time.I was also woundering if there might be a safety switch between forward and reverse. This may be the day I have time to fire up the heater in the garage and do some checking. Not a good feeling when you want to show a friend your new tractor and it takes several minuets just to get the starter movin. Thanks for the suggestion on the seat and tires.

There should be 3 interupts on the starter circuit, the brake safety switch, the seat safety switch, and the pto safety switch. That tractor is old enough to not have a reverse safety, plus even if it did it would only shut off the pto, not the engine. Here's what I'd do. First, though least likely, hold the key to start and flip the pto switch on and off and wiggle it, just to be sure that's not the problem. Next, again holding the key to start, bounce on the seat a bit. In my experience the seat switch is the most prone to problems. If you fold the seat forward you'll see a bar with the 2 seat springs on it, the switch is under that, you can hear it click when you push down on the bar with your hand.

My 2084, very close to the identical machine electrically, has an intermittant start problem. I've ignored it because I just turn the key a few times and it starts. I don't know if it's ignition switch or starter solenoid, but I do know it has nothing to do with the safeties. So, it's possible you have a problem with power running through the key switch not energizing the solenoid.

Started looking for the starting problem with my 1864 and found several things not right. Two switches under the seat and neither hooked up or crossed over, there must be a jumper somewhere but haven't found it. I dont think that is the starting problem. Trying to trace the wires from the seat I removed the floor pan and saw a switch hanging low and just to the right of the ignition switch. 3 wires on it a small button and a long hin leaver that would activate the switch by depressing the button. I have no idea where this should be mounted or what it's for but it could be my problem since I couldn't get it to tun over at all last tine I tried. I know pctures would be a big help and sorry I don't know how to send them at this time.

Did you try flipping the pto switch on and off??? maybe the N safety switch is either sticking or not making contact also....just things to look for...easy ones first.

Randy

Here's the guide to post pics. You might have to resize them if they don't upload.

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=1024

That sounds like a reverse safety switch, maybe there was one on your tractor. I'm sure you tried cranking the starter while depressing that switch, but I doubt it is your problem.

I wonder if you have a bad ignition switch, they do go bad. I believe all the current for the starter circuit goes through the switch, not a great setup. Maybe someone here will tell us how to jump it out, or test it, I'm not sure how.