Do you buy cubs to just ROLL them or restore them?
 

I noticed there is alot of people like .... ETC ETC that just go around asking what things are worth to just resell them.
How Many actually keep them to restore and use them still?

Its a catch 22...I have never sold one to make money from it, but I have sold them or traded to thin my collection. I also use all of my tractors to some capacity....

If it wasn't for other members, or Joe Blow on Craigslist selling a cub to put money into his pocket, I might not have a few of the Cubs I enjoy so much today...

I agree that there are some outfits out there that buy and sell solely for profit...Like Joes on e-bay..but its a fine line..those of us that tear people apart for parting out a machine, are the first ones in line to buy parts from them to make ours complete....

Did I make that confusing enough...lol

Jeff (teet)

I picked up my Cubs with the intention of keeping them. I only moved one or two, but that was out of necessity, not the intended purpose originally. I don't think there's enough profit in these to buy them with the intention of reselling them. Certain models, i.e. CCO, 100, etc. have more of a following than other models, but for the most part only Cub Cadet enthusiasts are interested enough to buy some of the other models. You would almost have to get them free or at a great deal to actually make a profit. And I hate to see these machines parted out, though I know it's a necessary evil at times.

I see your point.
I see the new trend of people that just buy from Craigslist and then run to the Forums to ask what it is worth.
I actually talked to a woman that was selling a cub cadet 582 last week for 250.00 that started right up she said.
She told me the guy that bought it relisted it that same day for 1K!!!!!
She told me some people have no morals.

I buy with the intent on using them. Too little money is made in the end, buy flipping them.

There have been some folks I have emailed on Craigslist on both sides of the fence, selling too low, and selling too high. I hate seeing people getting taken when they don't know what they have.

GreenMeanie, I fail to see how you can come to those assumptions about people. Perhaps you are referring to the topic posted yesterday about the 102 and all of the attachments. Is there something wrong about asking how much attachments are worth? Would you just go out and buy a used car without asking around to see what other ones are selling for?

There is a fine line between finding a deal and taking advantage of someone. If someone is selling somthing for less than market value that is there problem not mine. Now if I were in the suituation with the older lady not knowing and planned to resell it I would say something. I plan to keep any units I buy, I'm a collector now.

I buy with the intent on using, but I can't keep them all. I've had about 50 of these things, and the most I ever had at once was 24 or so. I've bought quite a few that would have gotten parted had I not bought them. I've fixed quite a few of them up and resold them, usually not making very much $$$ but I've at least been able to make this hobby self-supporting. I've found a few that I made a fair amount of money on because they didn't go for much at an auction and there was very little wrong with them. It's also taken me quite awhile to figure out what models I actually wanted. At first I wanted a 122, found a 100, decided I wanted a gear drive and a hydro, found an 1810, got a 128 to replace the 100, found a better 128 to replace that one, added a smaller hydro (125), replaced that with a 1450, then a 1650, then a 782, sold the 1810 when I got the 782D, sold the 128 when I built my 582, and then added an 1872. About 30 other tractors funded all of that. No way would I have been able to afford a 782D and 1872 back when I got into this. Still haven't found the right IH-built 782 and 982, and I wouldn't mind a 1572 or 1772...

This thread really has a lot of different topics going on all at the same time and I can see it becoming self destructive pretty quick.

My 2 cents:

First and foremost, we do not take advantage of the elderly no matter what, period!

I have no sympathy for the guy who thinks these are "throw away grass cutters" and says "I dunno, it wouldn't start so I went and bought a new one" or some other such BS thing (Including "My wife says..."). He obviously doesn't care, so I'm not gonna cut him any slack.

Parting them out:

For me, that is a really tough call. I have 6 or 8 of them here now, that could be parted out, for various reasons. When does one "deserve" to be parted? I realize that for some to "live on" others have to be parted, but where is the line? I have bought some in the past. knowing that I was going to cabbage parts from them, but I can't leave the rest of it set around forever waiting for another donor, and seriously, how often are you going to sell a grill shell for a 1X4/5 or 1X6/7 anyway. I also can't keep buying them, just to keep them from being parted or scrapped. And yes, you can't buy one, "rob" the parts you want and then sell the rest. Terry's 123 is a perfect example of that (absolutely no disrespect or slamming intended Terry) it is a pretty nice looking tractor but it's either too far away from those who do want it or it doesn't have the parts left on it for someone who is close. As far as the people who buy perfectly good running machines, with full intention of parting them out (you see ads on epay all the time... "Came from a good running... ") I can't post what I want to say about those people or I'll end up like "MurphyCC"...

If I had my way, I would buy all the Cubs I could find, make them run/drive then sell them (as a "restoration project") for what I have in them, just to keep them in circulation. It's too bad that (around here anyway) you can't buy one, put a little money into it and then make any kind of profit.

I really do hate seeing them parted because, I really enjoy these old tractors and there are only so many left and there will never be any more.

To keep up my hobby for the past 4 years I've had to buy and sell a lot of cubs,Wheel Horse's,and John Deeres. After all the cubs I have bought and sold,got for free,many did not run, you take the risk to buy one that does not run,move,is a piece of junk,need work,need parts,and buying parts.I have gone to countless auctions,drove countless miles,and have spent many hours getting these to cubs to run,then posting them on evil pay,listing fees ect.,putting up with no shows on Craig's list,ect,but nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing a father and son,and this has happened a few times,buy one of my tractors.They start restoring them,sending me pictures and telling me how much fun they get out of their new hobby. I have met the nicest people at the shows and swap meets,and have made many friends at them.
I have saved many from the salvage yard and I price the tractors to keep the parters at bay.Out of about a hundred tractors that I have come across,I parted only 7.I don't make a lot of money selling these,maybe $100,200 a pop.I won't quit my day job,but i will always buy a cub when I get the chance. I have restored a 107,70,1211,and an Original.After all that is said and done,I've collected 25 the best cubs,implements and accessories.

i dont buy or sell. If i didnt get my 104 for free, i wouldn't have any. I got my 1200 in even up trade for a p.o.s. dynamark 12 hp riding lawnmower... a pushmower when it got stuck on a leaf... i just recently acquired a 124 and a 107 which both have been sitting forgotten in the woods for maybe 15 years. guy offered me both of them if i come get them now, before he scraps them, as he was cleaning up his property. I have high hopes in my 104 (no engine) becoming a 124, and running this week, as i have some time off work. I wouldn't buy one ... but i wouldnt sell one or most parts, because i have to keep stuff i cant make to keep the 104 and 1200 running. I hope there's grass to mow in heaven, cause that 1200 is coming with me.

Well
 

I'm still a newbie to the cub scene. Only caught the "fever" this past June, but the disease has progressed very rapidly:beer2:. In 5 months I acquired 2 Originals and a 71, cc36 blower, cw36 blower, 2 decks(Original), 42" deck, 1A tiller, blade, Haban sickle mower, IH rake & blade, & a bunch of other misc. cub stuff. Not to mention all the new parts I've bought since then and the countless hours spent working on them. I can't see myself parting with any of my cubs or implements, Duke you got lucky:biggrin2.gif:, anymore! If I run out of room in my shop to keep everything I'll just look for a bigger place:beer2:

This is a good topic but no need to throw someone under the bus. People ask prices because they are unsure if they are getting a good deal or not. The parters/flipper (they buy low and sell high) people have a pretty good handle on what the current prices are and don't need to ask if something is a good deal or not. They know what the local and online markets bring so no need to ask. JMROY to me is like myself a collector of cubs and doesn't want to over pay. There is nothing wrong with that.

I'm like most here and buy what I like and intend to keep what I've got. There is a market for parts but I just hate seeing running tractors (no matter the name brand) parted out. I'm not set up to do full restores but all of my cubs are housed in the garage next to the mini van and the kids toys. One day I'll have a detached garage and will be able to start restores but until that time I'll keep my cubs in the best running shape that I can. I use what I buy.

I know how lucky I got Jude! Thanks once again!

Good points, Mark. I really don't want to part out that 123 and would like to see it live on. I have thought about pulling the engine, hydraulic pump and 3 point hitch from my latest 104 and putting them on the 123. But I'm getting very partial to 104s. So I am hoping someone will want the 123 and allow it to live on.

And yeah, I would love to buy all the Cubs I see for sale also.

I'm by no means an expert, or even have a huge collection. I would like to!! I personally feel it's always hard to "price" a cub or attachments just due to geographic location differences. It seems like up north, out west... CCs tend to bring a lot more. A $600 NF in PA, OH, wherever might only bring $300 in NC, SC, wherever... It's like vehicles. My parents got a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited over the summer, they found the sticker price $2,800 cheaper in NC than in any dealer in southern WV and no one here was willing to barely budge on prices either, so where did they go... Lake Norman....

I think it's good that there are people out there who are willing to part some machines out. In all honestly at least I know around here it's more profitable to send it to the scrap yard... People either A. don't want to take the time to part it out, take the time to list, take the time to ship, blah, blah, blah... B. could care less and if they could get $150-$200 scrap value so be it.

I've bought quite a bit from Joe's on ebay for my 'O'. I've had several nice conversations with him via email and he would love to sell stuff whole, but a lot of times on ebay he won't even get close to what he gave for the tractor, so he parts them out. If you notice a lot of the nicer tractors he does attempt to sell whole first, then part only as a last resort.

Some people do have the sole intentions of buying stuff to sell it, fine by me. If it can supplement their income and help make life a little easier, more power to them. If they are trying to sell stuff for outrageous prices and DO sell it, well either the buyer was that desperate, really, really wanted it, or didn't have a clue. That's not the sellers fault, unless they were purposely being deceitful. I know a family who constantly tries to "flip" everything. They are the types that go to yard sales and then resale the stuff. Their kids are grown and they are out buying baby stuff trying to make a buck. They admit it, but they aren't trying to re-sell stuff at crazy prices either. Just trying to live the dream a little better...

My .02! :)

Good topic. I have lost money on both Cubs that I have sold but they are in a better place now. Both have gotten restored, which is something that I am too apprehensive to do.


MurphyCC:beerchug:

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Where is ol MurphyCC. Scott right? Havent heard from him in a while.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
BTW, I collect these babies and love every minute of it. The only reason i would sell, would be to further more promote my addiction/ hobby.

I will part one in a second and not feel bad about it. I will not part a good running operational machine though. The cubs I buy almost always have something wrong with them, other wise they would be asking more money then I will spend on them..

I do it for a couple reasons. I really want 2 supers. I cannot afford to go buy two supers. So I buy 82 series tractors, keep the parts I need and try to sell the rest. 95% of a super is just a regular 82 series. So you get the idea there.

Secondly, Is I have 2 pulling tractors that I need to build, so my daughter and I can have some fun together. Of course they are going to be 82 series also. I still have 3 years to finish them but it never hurts to get started.

I do not do it for profit to say , but to fund my cub projects. I will not sell a part that I would not use on one of my machines. And I would prefer someone to make me an offer on the whole machine minus the parts I keep. This would save me time and help someone else out to good start most times.

But everyone needs to remember one thing. If no one was selling parts from these machines, there would be no parts for these machines, and allot more of them would be going to the scraper.

Well said jbollis.
I had two 149s, one an everyday user and the other needing an engine but still a nice tractor. I came across an 1860 and decided to combine it with the 149 as a project. So once finished the left over parts that I don't want to keep will be sold. I will also be cutting the 149 frame up to use. I am making something that is not original with combined parts etc... Does this make me bad for destroying a perfectly good 149 to make what I want? Also, I needed parts bad such as PS, front rims, etc... from a superCC. A very nice CC collector sold me the parts I needed at a very fair price. If it wasn't for him parting out that tractor I wouldn't have what I needed to make my little project. And making what I want makes me happy and is something I can afford.
Just think if you had to buy all new parts for your tractors, most would be sitting in the woods rusting away. I say part them if you can't sell them for what they are worth. And for the guys buying to resell, go for it. If you can make a buck good for you. That is capitalism. Also, they are finding tractors that we aren't finding and putting them on the market as whole units or parts, both in which we need.
I do agree that it hurts to see a nice CC get parted out but who here wouldn't buy the parts just because it was "wrong" ? We would be all over getting those like new parts, correct?
OK, my rant is over. I love you all no matter if you are parting or trying to get $2000 out of a "restored" (with rattle can) 100, 169, "0" etc. Just don't take advantage of grandma unless she isn't so innocent after all.

I have asked several times on here what a tractor is worth because I just wasn't sure if it was a fair deal or not. I am from PA where Cubs are everywhere and have lived in Georgia for the past 18 years where Cubs are hard to find and cost more. I know its hard to compare prices in different area's but, I always like to know what the going price is. We are all in this hobby (obsession) together to help each other out any way we can. I also don't mind telling someone what I paid for something if it helps them make a decision. I do not part any tractors out but I would rather see that then going to the scrap yard. I only ever sold one Cub and it was a pos 1405.

I pay too much for everything!!!
I sell every thing eventually, cheeper than I payed.
I figured I got my money out of it by USING IT!!!
I like trading too!!!!

ive had "cub fever" for over a year now and have only sold one tractor and parted one tractor. the only way i can see selling them is too replace them with something better. so i sold my plain 100 and got a 100 with creeper, lights, fenders and weights thats in better shape. the 122 i parted was pretty well shot. i then sold the hydraulic lift, creeper and lights out of it to fund for the last batch of tractors i bought. but all in all i buy my cubs too use and hopefully someday restore a couple of them

i buy mainly to keep. ive had a few dud tractors that i could not get to work right, got fed up with them and sent them down the road. but they soon got replaced by another tractor. im looking at buying a Cub Cadet 100 loaded with a snow blower and deck right now. THAT im keeping :biggrin2.gif::biggrin2.gif: probably will send the Bolens down the road. one of the speedex S-19s i sold to my neighbor. my other speedex is staying as well as my 2 cubs. hopefully soon, 3 cubs.

oak, depending on where you are located in GA, if you go to craigslist-north west georgia and search "cub cadet", there was a completely restored "O" for $700. i don't know if it's still there or not, if it wasn't so close to christmas i would have to go look at it my self, i ask my daughter (13 year old) if that "O"would be something she'd be interested in from santa, boy, did i ever get a weird look!!!! LOL jeff

Jeff, I saw that O and I should have jumped on it. That was a good deal. I think its gone from what I've read on another forum.

what a good question
 

I also wandered if people bought them to flip them. I look on ebay and ic SO many cubs 149's in particular just sold for parts. I starterd collecting or shoud i say hoarding them. I started because my dad bought a 149 new in 73 i think and i used it to plow snow when i was young. And now my dad is real ill but everytime i bring a new 149 or 169 it peps him up. its kinda sad that people just get them and resell usally trying to rip off people. I have picked up over the past yr 3 149', 3 169's, a 59m chipper shreder, 3 a2 tillers 1 a1 tiller. When i see something on craigslist i tell temm the truth about how much they are worth. I seen a very nice #1 trailer that an old gentle man had and he only wanted 100.00 for it . i was the 2nd caller and told him what it was worth. I saw a post on here that a guy picked it up for 100. if it was me i would have paid what it was worth... And have paid more. just last week i got a a 169 for 300 dollars and told him i would give him 500 just on principle...

I do both, to a point. I have 7 now, soon to add 3 more, maybe 4. All but my 1200 run and are used, with the exception of the 123, which is going to be my first real restoration... I hope. The 1200 Is a parts machine, as the transmission has problems, and I stole parts from it for the 1650 snd 1250 anyway. I tried to sell my 782 for 150 over all the money i had in it, but it wasn't suitable for the job the buyer needed it for. If I had the opprotunity to sell, I would, but only to keep the hobby going. Prices up here fluctuate a lot. People are reasonable, and 550 for a non running tractor in good shape from honest folk is more than reasonable. I buy every cub for sale that I see up here, and all but 2 that I know of havd been through my shop for repair by my small engine business started by this hobby. That's just my .02

2 weeks ago I found a deal on Craigs list, a whole nose w/lights, mule, deck w/new belt, 2 rear fender & 3 NEW blades. all for $ 125.00. Tractor was NOT for sale. I phoned him & drove right up to get it. Final deal was $ 100.00. I've been looking for lights for my # 122 for over 4 months. Found them on e-bay & all went over $ 80 to 120 $$$$$$ & more. This was his Fathers tractor that was in the 1st. stage of restoring & passed away last year.:(
The guy was going to transform the body of the # 122 into a choo choo train, & just wanted to get rid of the extra parts that he won't ever use. He knew there was a following for the Cub Cadets but it was plain & simple, he knew he could get more by listing every individual part, but ?????.

The reason he let it go for $ 100.00 because he just wanted the parts out. Just OUT! He took into consideration that I drove 1 1/2hrs to get it. Knew that I had a # 122 & wanted dem'dere lights (they work also).

Did he know what they were really worth?????????????

So all's fair in play & war when a deal is made. But when a person try's to pull the wool over someone & take advantage of their nature by unfair means is where I also draw a line.

My opinion only,

Nik,

The guy who bought it is one town over from me.Belt drive anyways...

parting
 

This seems to be the topic of late on several forums ,not sure if its the same topic starter or not.
We part quite a few here and I always say if you want good parts you have to part good tractors.In the 10 years I have parted tractors and 10 years prior to that 67-69 Camaros I have never had a request for a worn out part in fact most people especialy on ebay expect new for pennies on the dollar.

We usually get 7-8 calls a week for good running engines (I don`t want to do anything to it but drop it in and go) a week .Mostly of late magnum 18s.New ones are over $2000. if you can find them.The only way I know to get a good running engine is to part a good running tractor,there isn`t a lot of profit in rebuilding nor is there much market for rebuilt engines and its quite costly which is why so many want a used one. We also sell lots of hydros,engines,rock shafts and other parts to dealers that have customer machines in the shop and new parts are NLA so used is the only choice or scrap the machine which happens a lot more than you think.

We also have many customers that the dealer informs them the part is NLA and the customers locate the parts used and sends to the dealer to install and save the tractor. We look at it as wee can save quite a few by parting 1? how many of the ones we part would end up in the scrap pile?

As far as making profit what is wrong with that? that is what pays the bills.Do you think for one minute that your employer doesn`t make a profit on your labor,every business I know of needs profit to keep the doors open ,your local dealer included.Guys buy these tractors (me included) and put many hours ,fuel and ware on vehicles,time to clean,take apart,store,pack& ship,answer emails,Yes we make a profit.

I think the biggest harm done to this hobby is guys drag one home and post pics and what they paid for it then a week later its for sale in pieces or together for 3 times what they paid.some things are best left un said

When I got started in this I was able to buy a machine ,clean,paint,rebuild etc and sell complete and make a profit,times have changed and I can`t get $500. out of a good running 149 anymore but I can sell the 14 hp engine for $400. all day long,or the deck for $200.I have had to adapt to the changing times or move on. Fact is many people just need a part and do not have a trailer,time to pick up or place to store another machine so they are happy to just buy what they need and not a complete machine.

We buy and sell quite a bit from craigslist,ebay,and the forums .I always love when I buy a machine and the owner tells me how many people emailed them and tell them its worth double or they are asking twice what its worth but have no interest in buying it,they always say if its worth twice then why couldn`t I sell it for all I was asking?

I think if everyone thinks of the tractors they have owned and fixed up and all of the parts they have bought used to keep there machine going that that would not have been posable without good parts it doesn`t seem so bad parting.

I agree 100%. It really grinds my gears when people post something like 'Hey! I practically stole this tractor!' and then there it is in the classifieds for 4x what they paid for it. If you buy a tractor to resell immediately, DON'T brag to everybody how little you paid for it...everybody knows what's going on...

Good post Rich. I know I've got several items from you and you're exactly right.... if you can part 1 machine to save possibly dozens.... You've always been more than fair and deliver sight unseen better than expected parts. Next time I'll be sure to request a worn out part! :biggrin2.gif:

parting
 

Thanks Gary ,Your a valued customer

RICH, please don't raise your prices yet. I still need 2-3 more trips worth of parts. For now.

As for flipping cubs, I bought my first one on fathers day and got another for parts, but can't part it cause it's too nice:biggrin2.gif:. If someone can make a dollar, I say go for it. I would love to see them all saved, but without some paying the ultimate price, many others would die.

Sorry, thanks for correcting.

This is an issue for all old stuff hobbyists. My other project is a '70 F350. On that forum we talk about the same thing. I personally have scrapped two old Fords. They were both very worn out old trucks, but parts from them have kept mine and a couple others going too. I still have tons of parts from the trucks I scrapped that I am still looking to get rid of. The bone yard is essential to keeping old stuff going, and the people that run them for a living deserve to make some money. I've sold some of the parts I kept from those trucks as scrap because I had no place to keep them. The guy who finds and parts out stuff has to take them apart, catalog the parts, advertise them, pack them and ship them. How can anybody not expect that guy to try and make a few bucks? Buying and selling parts or whole machines is what keeps the hobbies going. There are a lot of good people out there providing a service to our hobbies. There are probably a few dirtbags out there too. I think that eventually the market will sort them out.

do you buy cubs to just roll them or restore them
 

well said, flatbed ford

I just found something somewhat funny browsing on epay... A few weeks ago there was a "one of a kind, never for sale, sold, made, best thing ever...." cub listed. The seller was true, I had saw this tractor on a few sites and it was one of a kind home brew. However his one of a kind started out at $12,000. I just gave it a quick "ya right" and browsed on. Well, I see today the same thing, same owner, and it's re-listed starting at $3,500. BIG difference trying to get $12K vs. $3.5K from someone. And I'm supposed to believe the bottom fell out in a couple of weeks?