Candidate for tractor of the month 782

[Jb4249]

This is my 782. I’m submitting it for consideration for candidate of the month. I bought it with an engine with broken rod and hole in the crankcase. I have an M18 Kohler to re-power with. I’m still trying to decide if I’m going to repaint or just clean it and run it as is. Any input on that is welcome.
Thanks, Ted in KY

[Radioguy41]

Well, after I restored and repainted the last three tractors I found I had become reluctant to put any of them to any serious use. I just finished up restoring a 1957 Cub LoBoy and already I find myself hesitant to work it so this CC 782 of mine is going to remain in her working clothes then I won't feel so bad if it gets dirty or scratched. I guess a lot depends on whether it's going to be a garage queen or a working girl.

[garydee]

I felt the same way after restoring my Dad's 1641 when he passed away. So, I bought another one just like it and restored that too. Then I bought an 1864 and restored that one!

I have been mowing with the 1864 for 3 years now and it still looks pretty good! I blow it off with compressed air each time after using it. At the end of the season, I remove and power wash the deck and paint it if it needs it, touch up and lubricate as needed. I love using the 1864! These tractors, especially the older Cubs were built to last and were meant to be used.

I occasionally take Dad's tractor for a spin when my grand daughter comes to visit. She loves to ride on it and steer it (with my help). I also use both 1641's with my tow behind sprayer and cart. I have a snowblower and mower deck for the 1641's but I have yet to use them since restoring the tractors.

Use them gently, treat them well and they will look like new for many years to come. The enjoyment you get from riding them will remind you of the satisfaction you felt when you finished restoring them!

[Sergeant]

If I restore a Lawn or Garden tractor, I'll still use it. But It will never mow the grass again. Mowing is what really gets a tractor absolutely filthy. If it's a Garden tractor, I'll still use non-powered Tillage Implements and powered tillage Only for cultivating during the growing season, as well as a Front blade (non-snow removal). I made the mistake once of using a restored tractor for snow thrower work. Mechanically, it was fine, But cosmetically, it needed a new Paint Job on certain areas after 15 years.

[garydee]

It all comes down to using your equipment in the appropriate manner to ward off problems. For example, I never mow when the grass is wet or even damp. Late afternoon is best or on a breezy day. After blowing snow I brush all excess snow off and store my tractor in a heated garage so it dries out quickly. Everything still looks like new! Equipment is meant to be used!

I suppose after 15 to 20 years most equipment will need to be restored to further its life. That's part of the fun!

[Sergeant]

Originally Posted by garydee

It all comes down to using your equipment in the appropriate manner to ward off problems. For example, I never mow when the grass is wet or even damp. Late afternoon is best or on a breezy day. After blowing snow I brush all excess snow off and store my tractor in a heated garage so it dries out quickly. Everything still looks like new! Equipment is meant to be used!

I suppose after 15 to 20 years most equipment will need to be restored to further its life. That's part of the fun!

Well, in my previous house, I didn't have a heated Garage or Barn/Shed. I have a Zero turn now, so there is no need to mow with them Now But I don't have any trailer Queens except for the Cub Cadet Original & 60 RER Plus a Simplicity Wonder Boy and JD Sabre Most tractors I restore them enough to be used. With Mowing, it really doesn't matter what the Grass conditions are; Grass will get In places even if the Grass is dry. Even after blowing it off after each use, grass still gets Into places.

But when You Have this Many Machines. You really can keep them Pretty clean. as I don't Mow with them. But Most still get used In the dirt

Cub Cadet Original

Cub Cadet 60

Cub Cadet 70

Cub Cadet 106

Cub Cadet 1450

Cub Cadet 2182

Cub Cadet 3208

Cub Cadet XT3 GSX

Cub Cadet SX 54 Z-Force

Ingersoll 3016PS

John Deere Sabre 1542HS

John Deere 110RF

John Deere 112SF

John Deere 140H3

John Deere GX335

John Deere X748

John Deere 2025R TLB

Simplicity Wonderboy

Wheel Horse 416H

White GT2055

I only Mow with the Cub Cadet SX54 and XT3 GSX and Most Have there Mowing decks On shelves