Is a Cub Cadet right for me?
 

I'm a newbie and just found this awesome forum. Growing up I mowed 5 acres for a neighbor using her Cub Cadet. I remember from the manual that it was a 1969 model, had the hydrostatic transmission and the deck was raised and lowered electrically. I guess is was a 147?

Jump forward 35 years and I just retired my 1996 Craftsman mower. Shopping newer models and I am amazed at how much plastic is used these days....they feel and look very flimsy. I remember the old Cub Cadet and how solid and reliable it was...and how it looked like a tractor. It even had a PTO.

Rather than buy a new mower, I am thinking of buying an old Cub Cadet. I definitely want one like I rode those many years ago. My yard is 1.5 acres and here in SC we mow almost year round. I want hydrostatic and the electric deck. Would a 146 or 149 fit the bill? Some of the attachments would be interesting as well. After 40 years how reliable would a Cub cadet be and what is the parts availability?

Looking on craigslist I'm not seeing anything that fits the bill. Other than craigslist, ebay, and here what other places should I look?

Thanks!

Thank you!

I'm not well versed in the models so I can't comment on specifically which Cub you should look for, but I strongly agree with your sentiment that an old Cub is the way to go. I only have a half-acre, but since being told about Cubs last fall (and subsequently finding a 104 nearby) I've had a great time working with mine. As you so well point out, they look right, and they run right. I cut grass with mine, and recently got an old plow and harrow so now I'm working on my vegetable garden. I'm starting to look for a blade to push a little dirt and gravel around. I'm north of you in the Old North State. Be patient and keep looking. Cub is the way to go.
Conig

I have owned cubs since the mid 70s and the one I bought then still runs well. I don't mean to say that I have not done anything to it but for a machine that was made in the 60s it has mowed hauled wood and blew snow for many years and is still ready to do it some more. That model is a 102 and for a 10 horse engine it really kicks grass.

I'd say you are a perfect candidate for a Cub.

Or three.

John

Bill-

Amazingly enough, most Cubs haven't aged a bit in 35 years. Today, I put my newly aquired 70 to work down at the power lines by my house, and was downright impressed with how much power the 7hp K161s still has after almost 50 years! (68xxx s/n) It chewed through thick wirey grass and went up hills without stalling or bogging down. The 70 is the smallest of my fleet but has the same big heart as the larger Cubs and looks like it will be happy to work all summer long.

The 147's can be harder to come by with a functional electric lift, especially in the south, and the wiring harnesses used in the 1x6/7 series was a weak point- lots of fraying of the insulation and shorted connections, etc. I just replaced the harness in my 147 over the winter and it brought the tractor back to life! The electric lifts can also be troublesome IMHO if used repeatedly for snowblowing/plow lifting etc... wormdrives are expensive and can be hard to find.

The 1x9 series is my favorite overall. I've mechanically redone 3 149's and they are a stout machine with the 14hp K321 and hydraulic lift. I have an early build one (401913) that is the crown jewel of my collection and will do anything I ask of it.

The best thing about these Cubs is that even after 50 years they still hold up, parts are readily available, and the support and interest in them on this forum is second to none. Bonus: you can work on the whole tractor with about 7 or 8 hand tools!

A Cub is NOT right for you - SEVERAL Cubs is right for you. The wife will not understand, but she'll know where you are! (in the shed/garage, playing in the yard) The yellow fever can hit hard, even down south - ask Vince!

Any Cub Cadet is a good Cub Cadet, but I would recommend a 129, 149, 1250, 1450, 1650, 682, or a 782. All of these are hydros and except for the 129, 1250, and 682 all have hydraulic implement lift. The 129 and the 1250 had hydraulic lift as an option but is hard to find. Any of these cubs will do whatever you want them to do.

Thank you for the replies. I definitely want hydro drive and deck lift.

I've noticed there are red cubs and white/yellow cubs...what's the difference?

I have stated many times before and well... Here goes again.

Go buy yourself a an old Cub Cadet, Spend around $2000.00 restoring it to like new condition (including your initial investment) (about the same money that you would spend for a 4 or 5 year grass cutter) and you will have:

1) A classic piece of American History

2) A real, honest to goodness GARDEN Tractor, that will not only cut grass
but push a blade, pull a plow, and till your garden.

3) The prettiest wife on your street.

4) And a tractor that your kids will be fighting over when you're gone.

With a little maintenance and up-keep your Cub will last 40 + years. OR you can go to home depot and spend 2K on a grass cutter that you can throw away in a few years.

Still not convinced??? Find someone who has an old Cub Cadet... While wearing heavy leather gloves, walk around behind it and lift the back of the tractor off the ground. Then go to Home Depot and do the same thing (at HD you can omit the gloves) there really is that much difference. Probably better reverse that order, after lifting the Cub your Chiropractor may not let you lift anything for awhile.

The choice is yours, but I personally prefer to spend wisely!

Good Luck

Before deciding too quick, you might want to order this book. Most everyone here owns it or the one prior to this one. It will discuss all models and the changes from each generation to the next. Well worth the investment and time.

http://www.greenmagazine.com/shop.asp?cat=all&id=156

Always remember, even though its really hard to not like a Cub, there is a possibility you might not like a certain model/feature on a model. Dont be afraid to buy another model if you dont like the one you got.