... with a banjo on my knee
 

I'm a new member from AL. I'm considering buying my 1st cc and have enjoyed reading this forum. Ya'll have a wealth of knowledge that I hope to learn from. I'm looking at a cc108 gear drive and a 149 hydro. I've not found a lot of info on the 108, however, the 149 seems to be more popular. I'm looking to buy an older cc for grading gravel, ball fields, and riding arenas with a DR power grader. I know that hydros are more user friendly, but that ground-engaging equipment (GEE) are harder on the trans. Hyd. oil temperatures run hotter and I don't want to abuse the machine. The 108 is probably a little slower, however, would the gear drive be a wiser choice for GEE? Would the trans last longer under that type of stress? I've noticed that the gear driven cc are commonly used for tractor pulls, but I've also read and watched videos of the 149 hydro's doing some tough jobs as well. I intend to install a Johnny Bucket on the front. I've been reading this forum for several hours and have been amazed at some of the things ya'll are doing with these tough little tractors. The creativity that some of you exhibit is really neat. I want to thank you for taking the time to read my post and I look forward to reading your opinions and experiences. Thanks

Welcome to OCC. The 149 should handle the GEE's fine. GEE's arn't usually as tough as a tiller and a good cub will handle a tiller just fine. The best answer though is to buy both of them! :biggrin2:

:Welcome2:

:Welcome2:

Either cub will do what you want but the 149 might have the hydraulic lift if you ever really want to engage the ground with a plow or tiller. The extra HP's are nice to have as well.:beerchug:

:Welcome2: Glad to have you!

Bamacub

:IH Logo::Welcome2::IH Logo:

I use my 149 for all types of projects. The hydro's are strong. Never had any problems.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...d3-5-09006.jpg
Dragging my yard roller.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...tshouse002.jpg
pulling branches.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...ggravel003.jpg
Pushing gravel with the front blade.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...4-10-10001.jpg
Grading with the rear blade.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...4-13-10005.jpg
Plowing gardens.
It will hold up to what ever i through at it.
I myself love the hydros. Others here would'nt have one if you gave it to them :biggrin2:
Try them both if you have the opportunity, see if you like one over the other.

Awesome pics, Diz! I really enjoyed them.

I like gears, and I like Hydros. I will have to say though that Hydros with the lever on the column ( direction controlled by hand ) are awkard to me. To me, Hydros need to be foot controlled. My Cub is a Hydro, On of my Wheel Horses is Hydro, both hand controlled, and both awkward. My John Deere 325 Hydro is foot controled. This leaves both hands free to steer and control implements such as a mowere deck or push blade or loader. This setup makes perfect sense to me. I may convert my Wheel Horse hydro lever to a foot control setup. I need to spend about 200 dollars for that project. Still thinking it over.

Thanks for the help!
 

I appreciate those of you who responded. Thank you for the pics of your machine in action. Ya'll have me leaning toward the 149. Thanks again.

If you are choosing your 1 tractor (or first of many tractors as the disease of collecting is contagious around here!!) I feel the hydro is the better choice.

My family (me, wife and 2 daughters) prefer gear drives. I have a hydro, but, I am the only one who will drive it.

My wife and daughters all drive gear shift cars, so I guess it is partly what you are used to. :bigthink:


This 10HP gear drive (same as a 108) will push (or pull) more than my 149, but, it would never mow with the 149!!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...009640x426.jpg

They all have their good points, thats part of the fun of having a few!! :beerchug: