Cyclops Common Problems?

Numbnuts · #1 02-22-2016, 01:11 PM

My wife's beloved LT 1430 is done for. She loved that tractor and now I' looking for a replacement. I have a 782 with an M18 and but it scares her! I'm thinking about one of the smaller GT series like the 1340, 1440, 1541, etc. Are there any specific problems to watch out for on these models? Did MTD go cheap on the hydros or transmissions? - thanks

J-Mech · #2 02-22-2016, 01:55 PM

Those models are not physically smaller than a 782, just smaller HP.

CubDieselFan · #3 02-22-2016, 03:10 PM

The first cyclops with the better Sunstrand transmission was the 1864. The others 1863 and down, had the Hydro-gear. The 1864 has power steering. I think she would enjoy using the 1864.

J-Mech · #4 02-22-2016, 04:21 PM

The 1862 had a Sundstrand hydro..... So did the 1541 and the 1340.

Sam Mac · #5 02-22-2016, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Numbnuts

My wife's beloved LT 1430 is done for. She loved that tractor and now I' looking for a replacement. I have a 782 with an M18 and but it scares her! I'm thinking about one of the smaller GT series like the 1340, 1440, 1541, etc. Are there any specific problems to watch out for on these models? Did MTD go cheap on the hydros or transmissions? - thanks

I can see this thread going bad so I guess I'll jump in. As the others have commented about Sundstrand VS Hydrogear pumps that is all good and well but I think the over looked point is that your wife is scared of your 782. All of the Cyclops tractors that have been mentioned are for all intents and purposes from an operators point essentially the same as your 782 except that they have a plastic hood. The 1340, 1440, 1541 are pretty much a 782 with plastic skin and different engines. I would suggest that you let us know what your budget is and what your wife is comfortable operating. Off the top of my head I'd suggest something in the 2000 series like a 2165, 2186 etc.

Edit: What ever you do I suggest that you let her try it out before you buy it. If she is not happy, you won't be happy. BTDT.

Numbnuts · #6 02-22-2016, 05:11 PM

One thing that the wife liked about her 1430 was the tight turning radius compared to the older wide frame cubs. I know the 1430 was an LT, but how do the GT 1340/1440/1541, etc. compare? Do they have a tighter turning radius than the 782, 1650, etc. ?

jimbob200521 · #7 02-22-2016, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

I can see this thread going bad so I guess I'll jump in. As the others have commented about Sundstrand VS Hydrogear pumps that is all good and well but I think the over looked point is that your wife is scared of your 782. All of the Cyclops tractors that have been mentioned are for all intents and purposes from an operators point essentially the same as your 782 except that they have a plastic hood. The 1340, 1440, 1541 are pretty much a 782 with plastic skin and different engines. I would suggest that you let us know what your budget is and what your wife is comfortable operating. Off the top of my head I'd suggest something in the 2000 series like a 2165, 2186 etc.

Edit: What ever you do I suggest that you let her try it out before you buy it. If she is not happy, you won't be happy. BTDT.

I agree with what you said Sam but want to add one point: yes, all those machines are 99% similar to a 782 but aside from plastic panels and a different engine, they also have some creature comforts that his wife may like; tilt steering wheel and an adjustable seat are about all that come to mind (outside of power steering) but that may make all the difference to her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Numbnuts

One thing that the wife liked about her 1430 was the tight turning radius compared to the older wide frame cubs. I know the 1430 was an LT, but how do the GT 1340/1440/1541, etc. compare? Do they have a tighter turning radius than the 782, 1650, etc. ?

The 1864 is probably your best option then, power steering and a turning radius pretty darn tight. But all the models mentioned will have a tighter turning radius compared to a 782 because the Cyclops series of Cubs have a front axle that is swept forward allowing for not only bigger decks but a tighter turning radius, as well. It won't be zero turn good but it'll still be pretty good.

CubDieselFan · #8 02-22-2016, 05:46 PM

I should have asked, what is it about the 782 that scares her?

Numbnuts · #9 02-22-2016, 06:13 PM

CubDieselFan, her 1430 Kohler was quite a bit sleepier than the M18, and she always ran it full throttle. The first time (and only time) she used the 782 she had the throttle up and it took off like a rocket. I had the hydro linkage adjusted perfectly so it wasn't that. She's just scared of the power, and that's fine with me -- I don't want her to run it up the side of a tree. Also ... she kindof has a 'bad driving record', likes to run over stuff like bricks, rain gutters, garden hoses, etc. lol

aagitch · #10 02-22-2016, 06:21 PM

If power and hydro take off so to speak is an issue, then most Cyclops may not be an option. You may have to look at a current LT model.