[Yosemite Sam]

I'm not going to get into the Cyclops/IH built tractor debate primarily because the original poster was asking about the difference between a 129 and a NEW grass cutter.

I feel quite confident that if you spend 6,7,8K on a new Cub Cadet you will be very happy with it and it will give you years and years of faithful service.

However if you are thinking of spending $2500.00 or less on a new grass cutting machine you will get just that (a grass cutting machine that will last you for a few years) and then you can throw it away (where ever away is) and go buy another and start the cycle again.

OR you can take $2000.00 or less and restore your 129 to better than factory new, and use it for the next 40+ years, then your kids and grand-kids can argue over who gets Dad's antique garden tractor.

To me, this is a no brainer.