Looking for XT3 (real world) feedback!

wsar10 · #1 09-27-2017, 11:42 AM

Hello gentlemen,
First a short back story, I am a fan of the old machines we usually rescue or restore 1 or 2 a year. I enjoy the old machines for the obvious reasons that we all know, and will continue to have a few around. However I am now wanting something new.... With back issues the PS and power lift and easy operation appeal to me, wife and kids now wanting to mow seems safer and easier on a new machine, warranty, one machine to mow and use for work (mainly snow plow) are among the top reasons for something new. I prefer JD and old Cubs so I started with looking at new JD's then I found the Cub XT3 which is thousands cheaper then an equivalent JD. The XT3 (GSX) fits my needs and then some, its actually overkill for me (at the moment) but I have learned its better to have more machine in case you need it plus we are always looking to new projects (camp property, cleaning snow for family members and elderly neighbors, bigger garden etc). I am looking for info on the XT3, REAL WORLD user experience....

-How is yours holding up?
-Common issues?
-Does the plow mount in a manor that uses the electric deck lift?
-What is you overall thoughts or concerns with the XT3?
-Anything else I should know before buying?
-Did you put Ag tires on yours? If so is it really better to plow snow with Ags or just chains on the turf tires?

I am sure I have more questions, just looking for user thoughts NOT salesmen thoughts from the dealer...

J-Mech · #2 09-27-2017, 12:01 PM

Junk. Cheap. Go buy an 1864. I'd far more recommend the Deere than anything CCC makes now.

CubDieselFan · #3 09-27-2017, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Junk. Cheap. Go buy an 1864. I'd far more recommend the Deere than anything CCC makes now.

Great advice. I own a 1864 and it is my main grass killer. I do not know anyone on here off hand that has even bought a XT3. There have been a few threads on the ones and twos. Not even sure what I would buy if I were looking to get a new mower. Kubota maybe?

wsar10 · #4 09-27-2017, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Junk. Cheap. Go buy an 1864. I'd far more recommend the Deere than anything CCC makes now.

Why the negative thoughts on the XT3? I am looking for reason or facts here... not just a blanket review of all new machines. A year ago I was of the mindset that I will NEVER buy something brand new as they are junk, flimsy, don't last etc. etc. However some things in life have changed and after tons of research once you get into the (overpriced) GT's they are not laughable in terms of work ability.

After looking around for a month the XT3's are VERY competitive in their class and pricing, meaning compared to other brand new "garden" tractors that are rated to engage ground.

I still have a few old machines and will continue to work and play with them. Currently I mow with a JD 185 (its a lawn tractor but it is from the beginning of the end of heavy duty LT's, its a great little machine that now works like new) I would probably currently plow with my Cub 125 (I am certain I do not have to explain the reality of the 125... it is a beast (respectively).

EDIT:
I might add, a few years back I bought a Cub super series (I think it was a 1863) and it was a great machine but I bought it to flip. I found it while rescuing a Cub quiet line (1450, if I remember correctly) but these were still manufactured by MTD (the 1864, that is). I took it with the IHCC that day becasue if I bought both he would give me the Quiet Line for $300 (needed motor rebuilt) and the other only cost me $500, so I knew I could sell it for around $1000 and make the money to re-do the 14hp Kohler on the quiet line Cub.

CubDieselFan · #5 09-27-2017, 12:35 PM

Sounds like you have already made up your mind to buy one. Did you say that you had a 1864 or 1863. It is hard to tell the way you have it written. If you had a 1864 you had a way better machine than the XT3. The 1863 and 64's are not supers. They are GT's.

wsar10 · #6 09-27-2017, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CubDieselFan

Sounds like you have already made up your mind to buy one. Did you say that you had a 1864 or 1863. It is hard to tell the way you have it written. If you had a 1864 you had a way better machine than the XT3. The 1863 and 64's are not supers. They are GT's.

Yes as mentioned in the first post I am pretty much sold, just looking for owner feedback.

Yes again, I have had several machines that are probably a better machine. I buy, sell, rescue, restore, flip all the time. I am just looking for something brand new at this point that I can multi-task with, and to get anything that is heavy duty with CC it seems as the only option is the XT3.

Oak · #7 09-27-2017, 05:52 PM

I like the new machines but before I would blow $6k on a air cooled belt driven attachment tractor I would spend a little more on something like this.

https://altoona.craigslist.org/grd/d...276904055.html

Then you could use it for 15 years and sell it for about $2k less than you purchased it for. The Kubota's hold their value and run forever.

OldSkull · #8 09-27-2017, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oak

I like the new machines but before I would blow $6k on a air cooled belt driven attachment tractor I would spend a little more on something like this.

https://altoona.craigslist.org/grd/d...276904055.html

Then you could use it for 15 years and sell it for about $2k less than you purchased it for. The Kubota's hold their value and run forever.

Good find Todd! I agree, no way I pick a garden tractor if a "Lew priced" good SCUT like that cross my path.

CubDieselFan · #9 09-27-2017, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oak

I like the new machines but before I would blow $6k on a air cooled belt driven attachment tractor I would spend a little more on something like this.

https://altoona.craigslist.org/grd/d...276904055.html

Then you could use it for 15 years and sell it for about $2k less than you purchased it for. The Kubota's hold their value and run forever.

We have a winner.

zippy1 · #10 09-27-2017, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oak

I like the new machines but before I would blow $6k on a air cooled belt driven attachment tractor I would spend a little more on something like this.

https://altoona.craigslist.org/grd/d...276904055.html

Then you could use it for 15 years and sell it for about $2k less than you purchased it for. The Kubota's hold their value and run forever.

DING, DING, DING, we have a winner.

To the OP, I know you asked for real world reviews, but in "my" opinion, and it's only an opinion, you would be money, and tractor ahead to go this route.