Yes keep looking they are out there.

What is everyone’s opinion on the/this Cub Cadet HDS-2185. The one in the link obviously needs some work as it has some rust, missing wheels and hardware on the deck, and missing headlights. I would be interested in your thoughts on this mower as well as the HDS-2185 in general. Thanks,
http://eastnc.craigslist.org/grd/5350784538.html

That one looks like it has seen better days. We like those for the engines, to transplant into an older tractor. If the engine does not use oil, I would buy it for the parts.

If it runs decent that is a good deal. May need a little TLC but it's worth more than the asking price just for parts assuming that the engine runs well.

Thanks for the replies. So the engine, if in decent shape, is a desirable unit how about the trans is it a serviceable, repairable unit worth acquiring if it is currently working properly? Is it safe to assume a HDS-2185, in decent condition, is a reasonably desirable mower? Thanks,

2185 is a 2000 series. OK machine but not nearly as tough as the older tractors. Pretty much run them till they take a dump then sell the remaining good parts. CH18 Kohler in decent running condition is worth the asking price for that tractor. If you take care of a 2185 it will run a long time, how well that one has been treated, who knows? No Warranty Expressed or Implied. :beerchug:

This is the before and after on a 2185 that I picked up a couple years ago. Plan was to part it out but I patched it up and gave it to my BIL. It's still going and when it comes to maintenance he is a total A-Hole. Muffler was destroyed and I was not about to spring for a factory muffler for a tractor that I was going to give away so that's why the muffler is sticking out of the hood.

I saw this second one tonight and am now considering maybe checking into both of these 2185s next week. Does anyone have any thoughts on this endeavor? Thanks,
http://eastnc.craigslist.org/grd/5350784538.html
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/grd/5357293785.html

Well, I was going to be a little surprised if that second mower was still around by Monday but I did expect it to be around long enough to make it worth posting. The search goes on.

This one is probably too far for you. I wonder if you wave 5 benjamins in his face if he would take it?:bigthink:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/grd/5350287195.html

There is no reason to limit your search to Cub Cadet. You can find the exact same machine with a Bolens, Troy Built, Yard machine, or MTD name tag. All are made by MTD and to the same specs.