Is this a good deal? and what are they like?

KiwiUSA · #1 07-28-2018, 03:51 AM

Hi all,

It has been a while since I have been on here so I hoping this is the right forum. I have the chance to get a 1978? 1250 Cub Cadet. It comes with snow chains and a snowblower, it has a 44'' deck.

I believe this is part of the quiet line of tractors. I had a 105 model in the past so I don't know too much about this model, is it worth the $375 asking price? I am looking for a reliable tractor for mowing and snow blowing. thank you for reading.

cooperino · #2 07-28-2018, 07:26 AM

Really depends on running condition. If it runs well and mechanically sound I would consider that a good deal. If it has a blown engine or trans I would consider it to be too much.

Terry C · #3 07-28-2018, 07:46 AM

Seems ok if it runs. It looks really good if you ignore the seat.

Came from a store I used to go to with my dad.

ironman · #4 07-28-2018, 09:32 AM

personally, I have paid more for worse and less for better. The thrower is the sweetener if it has no issues. It's a quietline tractor so you gotta be concerned about the motor mounts. Grab the motor (when it's cold, of course) and shake it around. If you get alot of movement or can bang it around you've got work ahead of you. Try negotiating him down. Also check the deck for rot where circled.

You should keep in mind that you are buying more of a project than you are an instant work horse. Even if you don't go about making it look purdy, these tractors take time, patience, and money to get them back to operating like they did in their glory days. So unless you like to fiddle and tweak, don't bother with it.

Cub Cadet 123 · #5 07-29-2018, 09:49 AM

The price isn't bad, but as Ironman mentioned, see if you can get it down a little, maybe $325. I would inquire how the nose got cracked (ie. did it get a big hit that perhaps did more damage?). Overall, not a bad deal!

BTW: Great to hear from you again on the forum!!!

Cub Cadet 123

sawdustdad · #6 07-29-2018, 11:29 AM

I'd pay that for it in a heartbeat. That would go for closer to $500 around here. Assuming it is running. Not running, that would be $300. The snowblower goes for $250 by itself.

ironman · #7 07-29-2018, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiwiUSA

I am looking for a reliable tractor for mowing and snow blowing. thank you for reading.

A couple of things you should keep in mind about the opinions that you will get from the members here about "a reliable tractor" is:

A. Many of the members here have multiple tractors that they use for specific duties, one for mowing, another for snow removal, maybe another for gardening. So "reliable" to them becomes less important because you can always go to your other machine should a problem arise.

and

B. Many of the members here know their machines so well inside and out that when minor issues arise, they don't consider it a "reliability issue" because they usually know exactly what's wrong and how to fix it quickly. In other words "no big deal"!

You have to ask yourself if you fit, or eventually can fit into either category before getting onto a 40 year old tractor that you hope to be "reliable". Not trying to sway either way but hope that made sense.

sawdustdad · #8 07-29-2018, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironman

A couple of things you should keep in mind about the opinions that you will get from the members here about "a reliable tractor" is:

A. Many of the members here have multiple tractors that they use for specific duties, one for mowing, another for snow removal, maybe another for gardening. So "reliable" to them becomes less important because you can always go to your other machine should a problem arise.

and

B. Many of the members here know their machines so well inside and out that when minor issues arise, they don't consider it a "reliability issue" because they usually know exactly what's wrong and how to fix it quickly. In other words "no big deal"!

You have to ask yourself if you fit, or eventually can fit into either category before getting onto a 40 year old tractor that you hope to be "reliable". Not trying to sway either way but hope that made sense.

finsruskw · #9 07-29-2018, 11:45 AM

Check to see that all the engine, muffler and side tins are all there and in place
Check for free play in the steering, front wheel hubs & front axle for back, forth and side to side play. All fixable, but the front axle snug up is kind of a pain.
I'd want it to have a C.I. oil pan as well.

If you really like the looks and feel of QL, go for it, I would.

Good luck!

bllwnkl · #10 07-29-2018, 03:51 PM

I now have two 1250s. I did tons of work on my first one just fixing stuff that was worn. I learned a lot. Received an enormous amount of help from this forum and I now know my tractor very well, so I'll know what to expect from the second one. I love them! I'm old school and prefer these old machines. (My first one is 42 years old). You will have to address issues as they arise but IMHO you won't regret it. Best of luck with your decision.