New guy- Looking at a 1450

jeepinmike · #1 02-09-2010, 05:38 PM

Some of you may have seen this on Mytractorforum too...

Was talking about how my old 80's 12.5 HP Craftsman II getting pretty rough the other day. Co-worker happened to mention that he had a 1450 in his mom's barn. Took a real quick look at it, it appears to be in good shape (tin is all there and good, no leaks, needs front tires). He said it was serviced regularly, even when his father got a new Cub to replaced it (it is obvious that his father was meticulous). The deck (not sure size) has some rough spots and at least 2 small rust holes. I really don't have a lot of info on it otherwise (year, hours, so on). Might talk to him about getting it out and running once the weather is a little better.

Doing some research in the meantime. Found some posts that people are happy with theirs, and that there are some known issues, but nothing that good maintenance doesn't prevent. Know it is a IH Cub, mid 70's - 80, quiteline, hydro, and shaft driven.

I don't have a lot of lawn, just under .5 acre. So this would be pretty big, but I do work my tractors a bit. I am more interested in getting a good old tractor and doing some minor fix ups, then a newer one. Especially from a $$ prospective. I really do not have the time to be scouring the ads and dealers for a good used machine so I was just going to buy a new one. I don't have a large budget, so I would end up with a lower model Sears or equivalent. Since he brought up this 1450, I figure it might work out to my advantage.

Assuming the deck can be patched, do these mow nice? Might pick up some implements down the road, but right now it would be on mow duty and general yard work (gardening, landscaping, moving trailer around, rolling).

So any info on what to look for, advice on the deck, and ideas on gauging worth would be appreciated.

Thanks!

camarokidz28 · #2 02-09-2010, 06:03 PM

mrcubcadet · #3 02-09-2010, 06:09 PM

I have mowed with a Cub Cadet 1250 with a 44 inch deck (which is just like a 1450 but a 12 horse Kohler motor instead of a 14 horse Kohler motor) and it did a nice job, the only thing you might want to do is put multcher blades on the deck to help it chew the grass up better, because it has 1 big blade and 2 little blades. Also, could you take pictures of it and post them on here? Because #1 WE LIKE PICTURES, LOL, and #2 It would help us get a better idea of what would be a good price for it. Hope this helps at least a little :biggrin2.gif:

Thanks,
Conner

wshytle · #4 02-09-2010, 07:18 PM

I run a 1250 with a 44A deck and it mows just fine. The blades are all the same length, not one big and two little blades. You find that on the 38", 42", and I believe the 48". I'm pretty sure the 44" and the 50" decks that came with QLs had the three matching blades.

Enjoy the 1450.

bignastyGS · #5 02-09-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wshytle

I run a 1250 with a 44A deck and it mows just fine. The blades are all the same length, not one big and two little blades. You find that on the 38", 42", and I believe the 48". I'm pretty sure the 44" and the 50" decks that came with QLs had the three matching blades.

Enjoy the 1450.

My 44 inch deck has 3 same sized blades...

jeepinmike · #6 02-09-2010, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcubcadet

snip..
Also, could you take pictures of it and post them on here? Because #1 WE LIKE PICTURES, LOL, and #2 It would help us get a better idea of what would be a good price for it. Hope this helps at least a little :biggrin2.gif:

Thanks,
Conner

duh.... here are the two I have. Note: the side covers are included.

Working out a time for me to take over a jump box and an air tank over and get it running and out. I will also see how the deck looks (you can see it in the background of pic 2)- thinking a little sheet metal and some pop rivets, or if I can get some time on my buddies welder, I could get the deck fixed up nicely. I had thought of making a plug and adding some mulching blades to the ol' craftsman....would be a good mod for this one since I will be working on the deck.

wshytle · #7 02-09-2010, 10:57 PM

That tractor has been taken care of nicely. I predict your craftsman will be sitting out by the curb with a for sale sign in a matter of days. Go through the tractor with a set of wrenches (after you get it home), sharpen the blades on that deck, get a battery, change the engine oil, check the hydro oil and I'll bet you'll be mowing. It has hydraulic lift and if it has the rear lift that will be a plus. The headlights are a nice addition as well. I don't have them on mine...yet.

That looks to be either a 44" or 50" deck and the blades are all the same length. You can get mulchers but I'd use what"s on it if they're decent. Be sure and give a good wiggle to each of the deck spindles. You shouldn't get any play but a little play will just be noisy until it goes. Just grab the blades while it's off the tractor and check. You might want to take the cover off of the deck and check the idler pulley too. It probably needs a little cleaning under there anyway.

Good luck and good find.....Wayne

jeepinmike · #8 02-09-2010, 11:02 PM

Thanks wshytle, but it isn't bought yet......though it seems more and more like I should not be passing it up.....

Any idea on asking price?? Assuming of course that there is nothing major going on with it?

wshytle · #9 02-09-2010, 11:31 PM

If the engine proves to be good and doesn't smoke like crazy I wouldn't mind giving a good price. It's been taken care of so this tractor will still outlast a brand new craftsman and maybe two or three. You'll have to put a little money in it for starters like a battery (assuming) and an oil change but I'd guess you will be adding things and getting it in top shape. This is a tractor whereas your craftsman is merely a lawn mower. The craftsman can pull a lawn trailer but even that can destroy the trans because, like I said, it's a lawn mower. The hydro in the 1450 may whine and growl some but that's to be expected to an extent. It wouldn't hurt to change the hydro oil and filter right away if there are no records just so you will know where you stand. Hytran isn't real cheap but I wouldn't use anything else. It takes right at two gallons and don't forget to get a new gasket for the rear plate because that's how you get the old fluid out.

My advice would be to get this tractor as cheaply as you can; you will love it. Also, ask the sellers about any accessories other than the deck that might be lying around. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Happy cubbing!

wshytle · #10 02-09-2010, 11:32 PM

One more thing.....get a manual and read it. You can download it from this sight I think. I know the information is here.