Hello from tri-city area Michigan

[HemiMoparGuy1981]

Hey Guys,

Long time lurker, but just now joined. I've always wanted to get into a Cub Cadet. Dad was going to buy one around 92 when I was 11, but we walked into a dealer that sold Cub Cadets AND Polaris 4 wheelers...naturally we were more attracted to the 4 wheelers. After a bit more shopping around, and he talked to mom, we decided 4 wheelers would be more fun, and Dad said if we get 4 wheelers I'll have to wait till next year to get a tractor, I agreed to push mow the lawn for another year.

Well finally 5 years later I told him I was NOT push mowing the lawn anymore...I was a teenager with things to do, I made a sacrifice for the entire families benefit of enjoyment, and I was always the one who had to tune up and maintain the 4 wheelers and get them all ready and loaded up to go up north ever since we got them, even on times that I was unable to go because of work or practice or something.

He finally went out shopping again, but ended up with a Ranch King Pro with the thought he can buy 3 of them per 1 Cub Cadet and they were both made by MTD so it must be just as good. I griped and argued that a Viper and a Neon are the same cuz they are both made by Dodge.

That thing has been a HUGE POS since day 1, but still keeps functioning, it's always small stuff that goes bad with it, burnt through pulleys like nobodies business, a starter went out in unreasonably short time and I didn't start and stop it very much. Can't get the transmission adjusted so reverse works in more than a creeper mode with the fenders on as the lever will not go back far enough...I've had it all apart made adjustments MANY times and it worked fine for about an hour before it moved all otu of whack again, no bushing appear to be bad or anything either. The steering got all messed up and nothing appeared to be worn, but it started turning left A LOT sharper than right, I made adjustments and nothing worked so it'd last. Just yesterday I went over to mow his lawn cuz he is out of town, and the steering gear is now stripped to where it takes about 3 full revs of the wheel to move the tires 1/4 turn. It still runs beautiful as it is a Kohler motor, but EVERYTHING else is crapping out.

That's just what I remember off the top of my head...I highly doubt a Cub Cadet would have hardly any issues let alone ones like this even by now. I mean there are still ones MUCH older still ticking around...All of the neighbor's who had Ranch Kings are now 2-3 tractors past them now. Dad's still keeps barely going cuz we only mowed with it as we used the 4 wheelers for the grunt work.

So anyway, I have been very attracted to the look of the ~90-97 2000 series tractors as well as the 82 series. In fact I am contemplating a 982 that is for sale not too far from me, but it seems a little high priced at $1200. I also have started taking a liking to the Case/Ingeroll tractors as I consider those like a step sister to Cub Cadet, since Case bought IH (even though it was after CC was sold to MTD).

I currently have an 83 Bolens 1668 1600H Eliminator. I have it because a friend had it and was ready to sell it when I moved out of my dad's house and I needed something quick, and the price was right. That and my uncle had one just like it and was a nice good tractor for him, he only didn't like it cuz it was so thirsty for gas with a 16 HP Tec...mine has a 16 B&S I/C. But I'd really like to get into a Cub Cadet and sell the Bolens.

Well, I think that is a long enough introduction...stupid insomnia

Thanks,
Eric

[HemiMoparGuy1981]

I know this is someone's pic on here, but gotta say, it's getting my blood boiling

[Poor 104 Owner]

On the cub hunt!!! You may find that one just doesnt cut the mustard when it comes to yellow fever. I personally prefer the older cubs I have a 104 that is a work in progress. Lookin for that sweet deal to get another (or more) at a steal. I had a Raunch king myself for a while and yes every part on them is trash except the motor. I have had more belts get just mangled for no reason than you can shake a stick at the deck pivots but the main drive pulley stays in place with only the idler / engage pulley to guide it at all. I would like to get some(read as ALL) attachments for the 104 but they are like finding hens teeth that are in my price range

[HemiMoparGuy1981]

This is the one I am tempted to go look at near me. I know it's not yellow for the yellow fever...but I LOVE the red. I also have an orange fever for a couple Case GT's as well. I hope I don't get banned for saying that LOL. Mostly because I consider them step sister's or half sister's or something cuz they are sort of "related" because of a "merger/marriage". And I like the hydraulic PTO's...makes it for real easy implements like a log spliter or chipper, or other things that typically would require an extra engine due to needing more than a shaft driven PTO can offer. So you're right on the one I posted not cutting the mustard. But it is a start, I have NO intentions of stopping.

[Cubcrazy]

[Iluvtruks0]

982's are hard to find around here. I cant remember ever seeing one listed locally on Craigslits. If the one you posted has the side panels and a mowing deck to go with it, and runs, then I think you would be fine at $1200. I saw one sell a couple months ago for $1900 and it didnt have the front blade.

Good luck with your hunt and Welcome to the site!

[ACecil]

Glad to have you!

[Methos]

Eric

Welcome to the addiction!

[CaptMax]

Good to see I have a neighbor who has good taste in tractors. I'm located in the Tri-Cities as well.
CaptMax

[johncub7172]

Nice to have you! Seems like the 82 series gt are a little hard to come by around my way. I did see a few very nice tractors for sale here in the for sale section. Good luck with the hunt for a Cub Cadet tractor!