Getting Back Into Cub Cadets - 1450 or 1210?
 

It's been awhile since I have had a CC due to health issues, feeling some better for the time being and thought it would be nice to get back into a garden tractor to tinker with. Two I have been looking at are a 1450 and a 1210 both hydros. Which is more versatile? Which would you prefer out of the two? Better tractor of the two? Thanks for any assistance you can give.

Sorry, I just realized I placed this in the wrong area. Is there anyway to move it to the correct area?

I'd rather have a 1450. Honestly if I was going a QL I'd really want a dual stick 1650, but going with the criteria you said, I'd go 1450. I prefer those over a 1210. I prefer an IH cub cadet.

Thanks for the information. Which of the IH CC's would you recommend? Can be manual or hydro transmission.

The IH 1450 would be my choice, too! The 1210 is a MTD.

It's also only 12 HP and has manual lift

If you want a hydro, Look for a 1450 or 1650 w/dual hydraulics

Gear drive, a 1000 or 1200

Thank you for your advise. I wouldn't mind having a gear drive, thanks for those suggestions also.

Or better yet a 169

This whole "it's MTD/CCC built, so it's inferior" is quite laughable. The 1210, and the other 82 series were engineered and designed by IH. There were some mechanical improvements made after the CCC acquisition. To me, the 82 series was the zenith of Cub Cadet tractors in terms of construction, reliability, drivability, appearance, and ease of use. The Cyclops era was a step in the wrong direction with the vast use of plastics, and the styling, but still a very solid machine. Now, after the demise of the Cyclops/82 series chassis in 1997, the "MTD is crap" argument does hold merit, because the designs going forward were made with a focus on cost savings for MTD, and lack of durability and quality for the consumer.

I'd pick the 1210 all day, every day.

I, for one, am not impressed with the plastic dash panel, what's left of it that is, on my 82 series!!

That model needs a positive flexible hood stop IMHO.

Yes, that is a deficiency. All units with some use will have grooves worn into the plastic from hood contact, and if the unit was outside a lot, the plastic will get brittle and crack. Beyond that, there is little plastic to break.

the 1210 has a better chance of not needing a bunch of work with the engine mounting since it already had the upgrade to the cradle.

1450 all the way. Cast iron rear end and hydro deck lift. Better dash construction and stouter hood.