Just got a 3206 !

[darkminion_17]

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=47880

Looking good so far, Oak is the 3000 series guru. Do you have the plastic cover that goes over the battery area?

I had a 3204 with a bagger and a 44" deck, you always have a free hand to drink your beverage.
Here is the thread .

[Steve62]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=47880

Looking good so far, Oak is the 3000 series guru. Do you have the plastic cover that goes over the battery area?

I had a 3204 with a bagger and a 44" deck, you always have a free hand to drink your beverage.
Here is the thread .

Hi, I just saw your post. I'm glad you asked about that cover, no I don't but I had seen THIS and was thinking this probably fits the 3206. Is that correct ?

Yeah I already found how nice it is to have that power steering !! And tilt ! I love this machine, I didn't know what I've been missing all this time with my JD. I had a great 4 wheel drive Kubota years ago but no tilt, no power steering and no "GO pedals".

I'll check that thread link out tonight, thanks.

My new spindle bearings arrived today as did the new axle seals. But unfortunately the spindle seals were just shipped today, almost a week after purchasing them. I'm really disappointed I won't be able to finish the deck this weekend. I got a new belts too. I found another supplier of those seals and other parts located here in Florida. USA Bearings and Belts Prices on the seals are pretty low !

I also found the dif-lock cable is completely froze up, this is probably a good thing as the PO obviously didn't use it much if at all. I've got a new cable on the way. I need to find the info on proper use of this dif-lock. I never had to be to concerned using it on the Kubota, never caused any damage.

Steve

[darkminion_17]

Yes that is the part.
I have a 3235 now and the hunt is on for a set of decent tail lights, and a new set of front tires.

[Steve62]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

Yes that is the part.
I have a 3235 now and the hunt is on for a set of decent tail lights, and a new set of front tires.

Haha, same here, I don't know why the rear lights were missing on mine, no sign of damage at the openings. The lights are expensive I think, around $60 to $70 each that I've found.

And I want to get some new front tires too. But my next priority will be removing all the body panel, stripping all parts off the deck (again) and sandblast, prime and paint all. Then find decals and new seat. It seems to be in excellent mechanical condition now I want it to look as close to new as possible.

Got to find the correct primer and paint !

I'll order that baffle, thanks again

[Dirty Steve]

Hard to find certain 3000 series with more than one tail light. They just vibrate out and get wrecked. Some of them only had stickers/reflectors there.

[Steve62]

I guess that's what happened to them. Yeah I've seen pics of some with only decals across the back.

I just saw on TOS some pics of a guy with his 3204 with ripper teeth on the rear, lots of weights and a bucket on the front. Are these drivetrains that tough ? Is there much difference btwn the 3204 and 3206 ?

I don't plan to use mine as an "earthmover", just curious and hopeful they're that tough. Maybe drag tree sections and limbs, etc.

[Oak]

The 3000 series are pretty much the same. There were different engines and a few minor differences but pretty much the same machine. The 3204 was built from 2002-2004 and has a Kohler CH20 in it with a cast iron rear. The 3206 was built from 2000-2002 and has the same engine. If your tractor was built (yours isn't) before November 1st it had an aluminum rear but from then on they were cast iron.

The 3000 series were sold as a true garden tractor capable of doing ground engaging work. All the attachments were shaft driven and the 40" hydro tillers are awesome they say. I don't know because I've been looking for one for 5 years now and can't find one.

IMHO they are not as heavy duty as the machines before them but there are also a lot of improvements they made over the ones prior. Once I got the hang of using the foot controlled hydro for mowing I haven't mowed with an older machine.

[Steve62]

I appreciate all the info ! As for the foot controlled hydro (GO pedals), I didn't even know about them until I got the JD LT150 but I can definitely say that I'm completely spoiled and will never buy a machine without them !! But the LT was a toy compared to this CC.

So you all think this 3206 can easily handle dragging some logs ? Not enormous trees, but cut into reasonable sizes. And of course not doing stupid things like having slack in the chain and slamming the pedal down. It feels very strong and handles the landscape rake great.

I ordered the air baffle, I guess without it the engine heat keeps getting recirculated in a loop. Thank you for making me aware of it.

[Steve62]

Wanted to update on this. I've done several things to my 3206, drained the hydro, replaced axle seals, replaced filter and refilled with Rotella.

Did a quick cleanup, sanding and repaint. Will remove all panels, sandblast and properly repaint later. Changes PTO belts, and other small maintenance items.

Replaced deck spindle bearings and seals, changed gear oil in the deck drive.

Converted headlights to LED. MUCH brighter !

Added removable spray tank mount with switch on the dash.

I also got the blowout in front of the deck solved, it was blowing out a lot of crap and covering the top of the mower deck and everything else when mowing in dry conditions. I fabricated a baffle based on the JD's I've seen. I had no idea if it would work but it works absolutely great. Virtually stopped ALL debri/leaves blowing out ! So I thought it might help to post a few pics.

I also ordered a brand new OEM carb from Griggs, haven't installed it yet though. I think I need to replace head gaskets as it smokes on startup but I love this machine !!

Thanks again for all the help and advice !

[Gompers]

Looks fantastic! Those are great GTs. IMO the 3k series is probably the ultimate CC GT ever built. There are lots of reasons not to like them if you’re an old school GT purist, but they are really solid tractors (with a few issues, like any of them had).