3184 questions
 

My dad and I happened to run across a 3184 that looks to be in good mechanical condition yesterday that he thought he might be interested in to replace his current mower. The problem is, I know absolutely nothing about anything after the cyclops models.

Now my questions are:
#1, Are there any reasons why he wouldn't want a 3184?

#2, What should we be looking for when we look it over better?

#3, Will all 2000 & 3000 series attachments fit it?

#4, He really likes how my 1864, with 54" deck mows. It leaves a much nicer cut than his LT1046 ever has. Will it leave as nice of cut as my 1864 as long as everything is in good condition and properly adjusted?

Thanks for any input you might have.

3000 series machines are pretty good machines but as with all Cub Cadets they can have issues.

The 3184's that I've seen all have the model 209 44" non striping decks. I own 2 of them. I prefer the model 289 (48") or the 290 (54") striping decks. They have a Kohler Command 18HP engine in them and have the non-locking rear differential. The early machines have the aluminum rears and the later have the cast iron rear ends. They were built from 2000-2001.

3000 series attachments are unique. They are all shaft driven off of the vacuum style pto and no other series will work on them without heavy modification. I like the vacuum pto system.

The good.....
They are easy to get on and off of because of their design.

The foot controlled hydro is a great setup and I prefer this for mowing and the power steering is also a nice feature.

I have a non fan assisted bagger on one of mine and it works great for fall leaf cleanup.

Watch out for.....
Oil leaks on the rear end of the machine including the spool valve.

Missing parts in the engine bay. I've seen a lot of 3000 series machines missing the upper air baffle (part #731-3231A) and the intake boot around the driveshaft. Both of these are NLA and getting harder to find used.

Test drive it if you can. If the reverse is slow, pull up on the forward foot pedal while going backwards. If the reverse speed increases it is due for new pedal bushings.

Does it drive straight? If it wonders it may have a worn steering cylinder.

The headlight panel is often broken or missing.

All in all they are pretty good machines but it comes down to price and condition. If you can, post a pic of the machine.

Thanks Oak! I think he is going to try to buy it.