Tell me about a 3204, please

[aarolar]

Originally Posted by thenrie

I just posted on the 682 thread that it looks like that's what I'm going to do, although I may not go with the pre-packaged Vanguard re-power kit. Then again, I may. I'm going to see if I can stick my K341 in it for a temporary fix, while I shop around for a good replacement motor...or until I get my 1650 finished. I just decided I really like my 682 and I really don't like the new models. They look like plastic toys and I'm not real sure they will be around in another 30 years, like my 1650 and 682 will be. I just have a hard time laying down that much money on something that doesn't need any work! I know. My wife doesn't understand it either.

Power steering would be nice, though...Maybe a 2072 some day.

Thanks for the help and interest, guys.

Just take your motor to a reputable small engine shop and tell them not to call you back till its like new. Reinstall and continue on for another 10-15years. I don't know about your area but look for someone who specializes in racing go cart motors or motorcycle engines.

[IH Cub Cadet]

Originally Posted by thenrie

I just posted on the 682 thread that it looks like that's what I'm going to do, although I may not go with the pre-packaged Vanguard re-power kit. Then again, I may. I'm going to see if I can stick my K341 in it for a temporary fix, while I shop around for a good replacement motor...or until I get my 1650 finished. I just decided I really like my 682 and I really don't like the new models. They look like plastic toys and I'm not real sure they will be around in another 30 years, like my 1650 and 682 will be. I just have a hard time laying down that much money on something that doesn't need any work! I know. My wife doesn't understand it either.

Power steering would be nice, though...Maybe a 2072 some day.

Thanks for the help and interest, guys.

I feel your pain. You got work to do, but need a tractor to get it done, but don't want to rush in and do something you might regret. I've come to the conclusion with my own fleet of various color tractors, including a 1650, that these things are always going need some tinkering of some sort. Sometimes major, sometimes minor. Bottom line is that one tractor needs to be something myself, my Wife or boys can flick the switch and go - no fiddling required. Last year I bought a lightweight Cub Cadet LTX1042 for my crew to use - especially my Wife. Foot controls, easy on/off, etc. That little tractor has been GREAT!!! I realize it ain't no IH or SGT, but for mowing, it does a teriffic job and takes the pressure/fuss off my fleet of heavy metal tractors. Just a thought, you might find a low priced rider to get your mowing done and in doing so give some breathing room for your 682 and other fine machines.

Good luck,
Bill

[thenrie]

Great suggestions all.

MWShaw, thanks for your generous offers, but don't hang onto anything on my account right now. I'm just too indecise. I'm in options overload mode.

There are so many ways I can go with this. Only one decision is made. I'm not gonna rebuild my KT17. No sense throwing good money after bad. Wife wants a tractor I don't have to be working on all the time to keep it operational. Not that she ever uses it, she just hates it when I have to interrupt the "honey-do" list to work on a tractor. My daughter does most of the mowing, but she doesn't mind driving my old 682. I need a tractor that will do more than just mowing.

What do I have? I have a 682 with no motor and a 1650 in the process of a rebuild. The hydro on the 682 whines a bit, but functions. Don't know about the 1650's hydro yet, as I haven't had it running to test it. I know the 1650's K341 runs, but don't know about the hours on it.

Options?
- Stick the K341 in the 682 and get it operational. Then shop around for a replacement motor while I finish up the 1650.
- Buy a newer garden tractor and part out the 682. Finish the 1650 and sell which ever of the tractors I like the least.
- Repower the 682 with a 18hp B&S setup from Small Engine Warehouse.
- Buy a newer LAWN tractor (the ones that don't do anything but mow) and use it until I get both the 682 and 1650 operational and sell the new lawn tractor (I like old stuff).

Man, this gives me a headache.

[aarolar]

Personally I go with the last option seems to be a win win meaning you get to keep both ih cubs

[thenrie]

Well, here's the last news on this thread.

In the end I decided the 682 was in need of a complete overhaul, rather than just an engine, and I don't have the time right now. My 1650 is close, but not close enough. I still have to prep and paint parts and reassemble it. Even then, I have not yet tested the hydro to see if it works at all.

So, in the end I shopped around and ended up buying a JD 425. I really tried to find a Cub to fit my needs, but in the end the JDs are just much more common around here and this one answered what I need at a price I could do.

So, the 682 will be on the block whole or for parts as soon as I get the 1650 done.

Oh well. Ya do what ya gotta do.

[inspectorudy]

You bought a JD425 for $2000?

[thenrie]

No. Got it for $2500. Tried, but the guy knew it was a good price and knew I drove a long way to see it. I figure it's pretty comparable to a 2072, except for wheel/tire size. Luckily the 425 has the same tire size as my 682, so I can take the ags off the 682 and put them on the JD. Glad for that, because I got the JD stuck today. Pulled my 4wd Dodge 3500 DRW into the yard to pull it out, and got the truck stuck. What a mess!