New from WI

[Nubuilder]

Thanks for having me here.

I have a LT1050. It runs great, has low hours (to me; approx 500), and got an amazing deal on it 8yrs ago. 2yrs ago we bought a house with 1.5 acres to mow along with having a kid at the same time, so my time allotted to mow is not that much. I hate to get rid of it, but hoping something bigger would reduce mowing time.

I'm casually looking for something with a 60in deck. As far as what I'm using it for is pulling a sweeper & thatcher (spring & fall), and a lawn roller (spring only). It won't be doing any snow-related work. A locking diff isn't of much need either.

With that said, I was initially looking at the 3000 series, only because it seemed they were a little easier to find with a 60in deck. I haven't really made up my mind as to which exact model. Air vs water cooled seems to be the biggest difference. Not sure on the iron vs aluminum diff.

I found a 3225 for sale for $750 with 320hrs in decent shape, but possibly needing carb work. The wild card though is that I also discovered/found a 2182. The 2182 is twice the cost and in pretty good shape. I do like the Kubota engine in it, but the hand-operated speed control seems a bit odd to me (I'd probably try to find a way to make it foot operated).

My dilemma is this....what's the best tractor with a 60in deck?

I'm not looking to spend a fortune. I just want something that will be a solid mower for years to come (reliability and cost rule out the 5000 series with its lack luster transmission history, or so it seems).

Any input or insights would be greatly appreciated. I'm not familiar enough with all the models to know what all is an option.

[R Bedell]

Welcome to OCC........

[Nubuilder]

Just an update.

The 3225 sold.

I called on the 2182. Gentleman says it has 1,500 hours. He's had it 1 season/year. He bought it from a forestry office who supposedly did all the scheduled maintenance per what the service manual called for. They were the original owner. He's changed the oil and says the coolant is as green as could be. Selling because it is too big for his needs.


I'm really leaning towards trying to go after the 2182. The hours don't seem too outrageous.

[ol'George]

Forestry service - run hard put away wet. Only serviced when broken.

[IHCubCadet147]

Welcome to OCC!

[Nubuilder]

Originally Posted by ol'George

Forestry service - run hard put away wet. Only serviced when broken.

Do you think so? I would have thought being a state/federal entity, that they'd have a maintenance department and they'd be on top of scheduled maintenance.

What should I be on the lookout for or ask questions about/request pictures of?

The seller said he'd send me anything I'd like, including a video of it running.

[SS5150]

He told me he bought it from the park district.

Looks good. I've heard engine parts are getting difficult to source? I can't confirm that as I've never had a Kubota myself.

[Nubuilder]

Originally Posted by SS5150

He told me he bought it from the park district.

Looks good. I've heard engine parts are getting difficult to source? I can't confirm that as I've never had a Kubota myself.

I was under the impression it was used for around a building or something, not several sites.

Any parts specifically you've heard that for?

[finsruskw]

The 2182 is a "Super" Cub model.
Go over the plastic parts well looking for broken and missing tabs where the side panels "snap" into the retaining holes in the grill and cowl.
Check for loose and worn steering components.

[jcubtroy]

Welcome too OCC.