What to offer for a 129?
 

I went to look at a 129 the other day. I don't want it for myself, but an older lady I know is in need of a cheap reliable mower and I thought it would be a good one for her. It is not currently running and doesn't have a hood or grille, but it has always been inside and looks to be in decent shape. It looks like it shouldn't take too much to get going. We're located in eastern Kansas if it makes much difference. If it was for me I would just go with my gut feeling on making an offer, but it isn't me that will have to pay for it this time.

Thoughts????

Have any pictures of it?

With any of the old Cubs, I'd be more concerned with what the cost will be to get and keep the tractor up in good shape vs what the initial cost is. Not to mention, who is going to provide the free labor.

Unless you have a good handle on the above, I wouldn't consider recommending an old Cub to a woman looking for low cost grass cutting.

JMO

in the condition you describe id have a hard time going over 150-200, i say that because the cost of the missing parts will add up and theres no way to tell exactly how much its going to cost to get running and any needed repairs once you get it running. i wouldnt recommend a tractor as you describe to anybody, if it ran it would be a different story because once you get it running there could be a whole list of problems and it could turn into a money pit. id try to find something turn key even if its more money, you dont wanna be the guy that talked her into a piece of crap.

I'd look for something like a nice 2165 for an older person, just my 2 cents. Your results may vary. :beerchug:

You're right. I never though of it that way. I think I'll pass.

Sounds like a $100 parts tractor to me.
129's are all over the place.
Now, that being said, could be a lot of good usable parts on that rig.
Now .....................if it were a 169..........................

Yeah......RIGHT!!!!

I have found that the most trouble free tractor CC made has been the Cyclops series. Especially the second designs. Compared to the older ones, they have much more robust decks, pullies, belts, bearings, clutches, etc. and the engines (for the most part) are twin cylinders with good durability records. They are also vibration free.

You said the 129 didn't have a hood or grill? There's lots of Cyclops out there that don't have one either.

I've bought five of them in the last year from $100-$250. Only one was good only for parts. The rest are now good running grass cutters.

I just think one of this model would be best overall for your friend.

PS. I have owned every series garden tractor IH and CC has made except the red ones but some of the yellow ones had red brothers so I have just a little experience on this deal.

I'd never recommend an older cub to someone who can't wrench. They're wonderful machines, but they're all beat to death by now and are more of a "passion" for us than a reasonable investment.

I just priced out the cheapest new Craftsmans hydro I could find my my elderly neighbor. It was $112/mo for 12 months on their financing, interest free. with IN sales tax added.

That said... I'd pay $300-$450 for a 129 Cub, with a solid 44A, if it was a good tractor. The 1x9s are my favorite so far, so I'm biased.

At $200 I'd bring it home as a "can't lose" so start there if you want.