Need help: New CC XT1 Enduro vs. Used CC 129
 

I could purchase a new (on credit) CC from Home depot .. this one
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cub-Cadet...GT50/205617449

or get a used CC like these:
Cub 109, Cub 129, or Cub 1650

I want to use this tractor to:

1- mow 3 acres once a week of relatively flat ground with plenty of bumps, some uneven areas, and a large septic hill.

2- pull a pull-behind field mower (swisher 44") twice a year (3 acres of field)

I am in MN

Is the one at home depot dependable and capable of pulling the pull-behind mower (strong enough differential)? Are these as good as the other (like the older) models?


thank you

The old and new models aren't in the same league. Matter of fact, they don't even play the same sport. Do yourself a favor.... buy an older tractor. Now, you can go back to the 1X8/9 series if you want to, but it's fairly easy to find a Cyclops tractor in good shape. I.E. 186X, or 1641 or similar.

The new CC GT 50 vs. LT 50
 

I'm looking at home depot and i see these 2 models

XT1 Enduro Series LT 50
XT1 Enduro Series GT 50


Is the GT a higher quality one: i.e with a thicker deck, axel quality, transmission that is repairable? or is this basically crap like the rest of the tractors at the big box stores (like the LT 50) ?

Thank you so much, I had a feeling that was the case.. hmm

could you please help me understand all the model numbers? I have this "model number" question posted in this post here: http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...903#post430903
Thank you

Does everyone else agree, go with an old one??


I can pay more if i used a credit card for a new one.. and pay less if i have to pay cash for a used one.. so the budget for an old one is $500 to $1k can I get anything reliable in this price range?

Do you have a local dealer other than Home Depot?

Yes, you can. But even in that price range, know that some work may be needed. You will be buying at least a 25 year old machine. Craigslist is your friend.

Anything made after the early 1990's is basically crap. Some on here say the 3000 series machines are good..... but that group is a small one.


Hey, seriously, you have 2 threads on the same topic..... no need for that. I'm combining two of them for simplicity to us, and also moving them to the proper section. :beerchug:

Thank you guys! :beerchug:

so, I'll limit myself to anything made in the mid 90's and older...

what's the oldest i should go?

I can do some repair (no welding though) but due to lack of time repair would be slow going.. I need something that will be reliable and not end up broken more often than running.

Go with an older machine in decent shape. For 3 acres, I'd really want more than a 128--not knocking it because we have one and it typifies to me an old school Cadet. Yeah it will handle the work load, if you have the time. Like was said, search CL. Don't be afraid of the Supers either, if you find a steal on one of them. Just be careful buying a fixer-upper---you can get more money in one than you realize really fast. I'm really loving my 1811, I'd certainly recommend that or a 1810--or their older versions, 6 and 782 providing they do not still have a series 1 engine---preferably a replacement Magnum engine since you say you have a large hill to deal with(boy I just opened a can of worms there:biggrin2:) Several guys on here are "Cyclops" gurus and can tell you what models to look for.

For the sake of not needing as much work, I'd look for something like an 1811 or an 1864. Those are different series, but same size and hp, but the tractors don't look anything similar.

Since you're new to this, look for something like this:

Attachment 87217

Problem with this series may include a tired engine, so look for a low hour machine.



Or this:

Attachment 87218


Problem with this series is the electrical system sometimes needs some work, and the rear ends tend to have developed leaks. Look for a clean machine, or one that has been stored inside.

I would recommend as the others. Go older, "if" you are willing, and able to work on them occasionally. You may have to pony up when you bring one home, and work some bugs out of it, then you'll have a fine machine for doing your chores around the place.:beerchug:
I used to be nothing but IH Cub Cadet's for tractors, but have found the CCC and even early MTD cub cadets are a great machine, in fact my Cub Cadet 782, and 2372, and bought and sold 1811 are real nice tractors.
Just try and find something with lower hours. Check the rear attachment areas for broken bolts, wollowed out holes, broken or cracked housings...
Ask me how I know, seems I brought in a 1811 that had some of those hidden things going on.:biggrin2:
Check out the condition of the residence, and the vehicles they drive, and sometimes that'll tell you a lot about the care/maintenance that was done on the machine... :beerchug:

I found a Cub Cadet 1650 for $200
CL post says "it runs good".
See images
https://images.craigslist.org/00p0p_...pF_600x450.jpg
https://images.craigslist.org/00O0O_...3g_600x450.jpg

Cub Cadet 1250 post says "Runs with 44A deck" - $375.00
https://images.craigslist.org/01313_...NJ_600x450.jpg

Cub Cadet 1100 - post says "very nice restoration. Last ran two years ago but stored inside. 4 speed peerless transmission. Set up right now for off the lawn oval track racing. Runs about 23 mph. Have the original parts to put it back to stock. Can be put back in less than 2 hours. Great original lawn tractor" - $300
https://images.craigslist.org/00e0e_...Bc_600x450.jpg


and a 109 , but the 3 above interest me more.
Cub 109 "runs good. 12 hp Kohler, I extended it and made a little box" - $200.00
https://images.craigslist.org/00N0N_...TF_600x450.jpg
not sure if this is capable of towing due to the extension and a 109 is less powerful and older than the others

which of these would you recommend?

see photos

Dear God! What's your budget??? I have gotten thing free in better working condition... And you wanna mow 3 acres a week?? Keep looking its out there...

Budget is between $300 to $1000

the 1650 is no good?

I do have a Poulan now that is 44 which i use to mow the 3 acres (not all in one shot) ..

I am thinking of using the pull behind Swisher that is 44 to help lower the stress of mowing on that or this Cub ...

The cub's main job will not be mowing but going into the field with uneven ground and pull behind the field brush mower.

I would never recommend a newbie to the Cub hobby to get a quietline tractor, those tractors have rubber mounted engine that may require alot of extra money and time to repair properly, it would be one thing if you were already familiar with Cub's but I don't recommend them as a first Cub. I would recommend something from the 1x8/9 series or something newer like an 1811. Quietline Cub models are 800, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1250, 1450, 1650, like I said before I would avoid these models for your first Cub.

What he said. 1811 is a good choice. 1864 will have some nice features like hydro lift and power steering. You got quite a bit to mow there and some creature comforts will be nice. Do some shopping and you will find a model to your liking.

I was looking over the tractors you posted and here's my opinion on them.

1650 -It looks like a beat POS that wasn't taken very good care of.

1250 - from what I can see it looks in decent shape but if it has engine mount issues it might get expensive and time consuming.

1100 - don't even think about it, the 1100 is just a lawn tractor dress up to look like a Gt.

109 - looks to be in below average condition but it has a 12hp engine installed and no motor mount issue to worry about. Does it come with a deck?

I agree with Tim's post. I'd keep looking.....


Look for ones like I told you to look for.


If you think you have to pick from the ones you posted, the 109 looks the best..... but again, I'd keep looking.

Your looking for something to cut 3 acres, and it sounds like you're in the same dilemma I once had. Forgive me if I ramble here... but I have experience in this area.

I have 6 acres, 2 acres of grass and 4 acres of field and some wetlands that I can mow when it's dry weather. I had a troy bilt pony that was gifted to me. It could not handle the 2 acres. I was always working on it. Based on that experience, I would stay away from anything from a big box store. I also had a swisher pull behind 60" to take the load off, I was worried about the transmission in the Troy Bilt. So I got a Jacobsen GT10 to pull that around. Ended up maintaining two engines for one job, not to mention extra space taken up in my garage. I found a 50" deck for my Jacobsen and decided to try mowing with that deck and the swisher on the offset so I could cut about 100" at a time. That worked pretty well but I would have a lot of stuff to go back and do later because when you turn it leaves a big gap of missed grass (or in my case weeds). I also could not go very fast because it pulls hard on the extension bar of the swisher on offset and I ended up bending it. So I sold the swisher and started mowing with just the 50" deck and I can mow the 4 acres in under 2 hours now. I also have an 1864 that I use for the main 2 acres with a 54" deck, and I mowed the field part with it in about the same amount of time.

I gave $250 (I think? or something like that) for the 1864, and it leaked from everywhere. Engine oil, rear end. I replaced all the seals in it and the gaskets in the rear. I probably still don't have $600 into it at this point.

All I'm trying to say is any Cyclops with a bigger deck like a 48" or 54" deck would be good. Or even an 82 series that isn't tired out, doesn't have a Series I engine, would do also. They're nice comfortable tractors for the long ride.

Yes, there are issues with the QL's, but when worked out, they will flat out beat having the old 128 series, and such! I'm not a fan of the later plastic garbage crap garden tractors, especially with plastic hoods, and the proven, weaker aluminum transmission case.

Take it from me, that model 1100 is in fact a very capable tractor with its Briggs and Peerless. But not what you need. We have an '12 Cub Cadet LGT1050 with 50" deck that makes fast work of 3 of our 5 acres, and has a nice cut. But, the IH 1100 clearly has a stronger looking transmission.



Buy the new Cub Cadet! Then buy that IH for 2-300 $ and you'll be good to go!

Could always paint this yellow.... Oh wait it has a Cub engine and cub throttle cable.... power steering and dual hydraulic sticks...

Not many options on the market
Found this, way over my budget but I want to know what you think of it:
its a 2182
https://lacrosse.craigslist.org/grd/...273132971.html


this one is also over budget .. guy says in the listing that it has lots new parts.. it has a rear PTO which can come in handy (i can attach a pull behind PTO mower)
its a 982
painted red
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/a...254622973.html

If i dont buy the Swisher, i could spend $2 - 2.5k cash on a tractor if it is solid and will last me years.

thank you

$3500 and $3750! :bigeyes::bigeyes::bigeyes::bigeyes::bigeyes:


How about: https://lacrosse.craigslist.org/grd/...234544464.html

that's a good looking one wow.. it's some distance away, but i'll drive if i have to.

any idea how much this one weighs? so i can see if my trailer is strong enough esp with a long commute.

Roughly 880lbs. http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-trac...adet-1864.html

another one
https://rmn.craigslist.org/grd/d/cub...274004444.html

WTH, all the ones priced reasonably are 50+ miles away.

I am in Forest Lake MN 55025

50 miles isn't far for something good.

Unfortunately the one you found is 140 miles away

another good one 100+ miles away https://rmn.craigslist.org/grd/d/cub...274004444.html

nearer to me i found these
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/c...196449162.html
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/a...243862907.html
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/a...265231620.html

Dang! That 2182 has a new engine and lookey real nice. 54 inch decks mow reeeal purty too. :bigthink:

IMO I'd rather have an old one that's built like a brick and is a tank that I can do a little bit of work than one that I have a payment on. The 129 will likely be around way longer than anything new too.

I never cared for the 1X8/9 series much, and think yellow and white Cub Cadets should stay that way, but....I like a 1X8/9 series painted up like an IH '66 series tractor.

Yup. I love my 54" deck.

Way overpriced. At least by $1500.



Overpriced also. It is painted red, but most all of the '82 series was painted red from the factory, just so you know. NO, you cannot get a rear mower for it from just anywhere. You have to get a 2000 RPM PTO style mower. You can find them, but they tend to cost more than you can get a new 540 RPM PTO mower for. Plus, you say you'd rather not travel, and no more often than those mowers come up for sale, you may have to go 800 or more miles for one. On top of all that, it's not like you can drive anything bigger off the rear PTO than a 60".... and you can get a 60" belly mower for that tractor.

If he goes down to 2900 i might do it and get that! it is nice yep

Offer them 2500.00 first. You can go up but not down.

Sorner, i have thought about this, the maintaining of 2 engines, if i got the Swisher..

But I also felt like the Swisher field and brush mower would be able to take on some beating that i could spare my tractor the beating of a field, stumps, occasional rocks and let that field and brush mower (claims it can handle obstacles) deal with these things .. in that case my cub doesnt even need to have a mowing deck if i could just pull a swisher with it and then i'll keep my poulan 44 as my regular mower till i run it into the ground

Seriously.... it takes jack sh!t to pull a swisher. If all your going to do is drag another mower around, buy a Honda 4 wheeler (ATV).

yep i have considered that option. an ATV to pull a swisher for the field and keep the mower i have now for the rest i already mow now.. the idea of a tractor sounded better because they are more functional than an ATV on the property in the long run.. however definitely an option. Isnt a cub cadet better than an ATV .. less pricey.. more reliable.. needs less maintenance?

I would say ANY heavy lawn mower/garden tractor is better suited for slow work than an ATV/UTV. Maybe I've just never had one that was built for SLOW work at a very consistent speed. I can't see where an ATV would need more maintenance. Ours are some of the most bullet proof and neglected (but not abused) pcs of machinery here.

I've never been around a Swisher, are they that much heavier than a lawnmower? To me its just a lawn mower deck with an engine on it--doesn't look to be built for rough mowing (stumps, holes, rocks). When I'm in that kind of terrain out comes a small tractor with a 3pt mower--and not the cheap kind built for a 2 acre yard.

John thanks. here's what this says
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Swisher-4...44BS/204799539

Rough Cut Trail Commercial Tow Behind Mower

The Swisher 44 in. 11.5 HP Trailcutter is perfect for any big mowing job. Backed by the power of 60 plus years of design experience, this mower is designed to dramatically reduce mowing time. The Swisher Trailcutter easily attaches to your ATV or lawn tractor and is the ultimate time saver for large jobs. This model will cut brush up to 3 in. in diameter. It features Two 16 in. pneumatic sealant filled tires, two heavy duty swinging blades and a convenient single-point cutting height adjustment with 4 in. range. The remote operator control console lets you safely engage and disengage from a distance. Heavy duty work requires Swisher’s heavy duty Trailcutter, 50 state compliant.
11.5 HP (344cc) Briggs & Stratton recoil start engine
44 in. welded, 11-Gauge steel tow- behind cutting deck with rear discharge
Remote operator control console
Single-point cutting height adjustment 4 in. range
Universal articulating pin hitch, adjusts left to right
Heavy duty stump jumper and two break away swinging blades cut most stems up to 3 in. in diameter
Two 16 in. pneumatic tires
Steel bumpers


so... swisher vs. a CC on an uneven and neglected / overgrown field that's mowed once-twice a year only ? I'd hate to damage my CC by using it in an environment it wasnt meant for or is too much for an older tractor to handle <- is this thinking correct or am i not giving CC the trust it deserves.. just thinking about "knowing what the right tool for the job is"

I have two 60" Swishers, destroyed the tow hitch on both of them. replaced the hitch's with U-Haul tow bar hitch's other than that that work very well.

As far as buying an XT-1 goes I suggest that if you do decide to do that I'd buy it from a Cub dealer or you will be screwed when you need service

The older stuff is better as long as you understand that you will need to do some repairs and as long as you have the ability to do them. :beerchug: