What do you think of this 1863?
 

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/grd/4171287487.html

I just talked to the guy and he might be interested in doing some kind of trade for one or two of my machines I currently have. What do you guys think? I know there is a lot of 1864 love but what about the 1863? Duties would include mowing, pulling a cart, snow blade or snow thrower/blower, and possible a rototiller. Thanks!

Ryan,
I believe the 1863's had the hydrogear hydros in them. I haven't heard anything good about these hydros. The 1864 had the Sundstrand hydro and we all know how bullet proof they are. Not to say it's a bad tractor or anything, but take that into consideration. Some guys have prolly run the tires off a 1863 without any problems. Good luck and keep us posted. :beerchug:

Under edit: The 1864 has powersteering also and the 1863 doesn't IIRC, otherwise identical.

That's what I'd heard, they didn't have the same hydro. The guy says it has just over 800 hours on it and when he got it, he pulled the motor and replaced the 2 crank seals and a couple other little things but I don't remember what he said he replaced :bash2: In either case, it had one owner prior to him and it's still go the original documentation so I think it might be a good find. I just wanted to see what the other Super/1863/1864 owners out there thought about it.

IMO if it ain't an IH cub it's a POS. I'm sure there are a lot of arguments against this, but this is just my view.

Ryan, as far as attachments go, the tiller, is a no go. (Without major mods.) The blower, is a no go (without finding a way to really slow it down.... a lot). And the blade, is a go.... with some more parts for the lift mechanism. I will echo what Josh said. You don't hear a lot of good about the Hydrogears. 1864= much better tractor. :beerchug:

For just mowing and pulling a cart it would be a good tractor for you and a snowblade can be easily fitted but everything else will cost you some money to do. A 451 or 551 blower will mount up but they aren't usually to cheap and you would need a Cat O hitch setup for the tiller and the tiller which are pretty expensive. Can be done just depends on how much money you are willing to throw at it. My 0.02!

My opinion. First off. I think the Cyclops tractors were far and away the best cubs made as for as user friendly (and I've owned all of them) so we get that out of the way.

If that 1863 is as good as it looks, buy it NOW! If you go to Home Depot, you'll spend a lot more and get a lot less.

I have several 1641's with the same, less desirable hydro. It's never been a problem for me. No question, the 1864 is king of the Cyclops series. If you buy the 1863, maybe you'll get lucky and find a clapped out 1864 and can change the hydro/ps over on your tractor.

There's a lot to be said for finding a tractor that hasn't been stored outside and doesn't need stripping/repaint and all sorts of corroded electrical connections fixed.

Guys
I’m not going to get into one of these “What is the best Cub” arguments, BTDT. I’ve owned or worked on everything from the O’s up to the 2000 series. They all have good and bad points. You need to ask what do I want the tractor to be able to do and then look for what fits the application. I am also not going to get into another is this worth it deal. I’m done with those. Done with my rant.
:beerchug:

Just a question, but what can the 1863 do that your 1450 or 682 can't do? What do you really gain in the trade? 1450s and 682s are pretty nice tractors.

Looks like a nice tractor and priced fair if it is what he says. That tractor will mow better, has a better engine, tighter turning radius, better drive line and is more ergonomicly correct then any series before it. They say the Hydro-Gears don't hold up as well as the Sunstrands but I never had a problem with any of mine yet so I'm not sure I would put the tiller on it. Good luck!:beerchug: