I regret buying my 1250 without looking at it before I got it. Lol It did come with a #2 tiller though.

I had my 1450 for two hours and decided I didn't like the steering, it has been torn apart ever since. Should be back up and running by the end of the week, although I say that every week. I have to say I will know what I'm looking at the next time I buy one. They really aren't that hard to work on, if you don't mind losing skin off the knuckles. Setting up the hydro adjustment with it running was a fun one.

Thats exactly what happened with my 1250 I wanted to replace the steering column because it was trash and I ended up pulling the engine and replacing the mounts! Lol

I have had 4 or 5 129's and they are probably the ideal IH cub cadet for someone just starting out. Seem to have just the right amount of power at 12 hp and just the right size to get comfortable with, along with the ease of finding parts for and easy to work on. This just echoes what others have already said, so I think you will be happy with its performance. Keep in mind that it is a 40 year old machine and will likely need some work to perform like you want it to perform.

Cub Cadet 123

You can't go wrong with a good 129. It's the Ford F150 of the Cub Cadets...dependable, hard-working, and almost everybody has one. I use mine more than all my other Cubs put together.

I will say this...if you buy a Quietline, make sure that the oil pan is bolted securely to the ISO mount frame rails, and that the ISO mounts are not complete junk. Broken hood hinges, loose hydro lever, and missing parts (like side shields, muffler box tin, grilles and emblems, etc) are all things to look out for too. All that stuff is easy to come by and relatively easy to fix, it's just nicer to start with everything than add it. BTDT...MANY times.

My mounts aren't that bad yet, I'm going to take a break and run it for awhile before I get burned out. (Right after I cinch up the steer axle mount, reseal/refill the trans, rewire the lights...)

The 129 will be a great tractor for you!

~!
 

There is a reason that my 1250 aquired its name: 1250 Nightmare. It is, however, an affectionate name. When I bought this Cub, it was my first. It had all the problems that everyone discusses, bad steering, motor mounts that were shot, a modification of the engine cradle that needed to be made. It also had a hard life; having been left outside, grills knocked out, no side shields, etc.

Fast forward, I have fixed all the stuff that I have found to be wrong, added a better hitch, lights, new front tires, new seat, and a few other goodies. I think it is a wonderful toy. I enjoy it very much.

The 129 is a nice tractor. It is an older series, but still a heavy workhorse that is proven to be strong and long lasting. You wouldn't go wrong with a 129. They will have their issues, just as any 40 plus year old piece of equipment will have. Parts are readily available from Cub Cadet, as well as used and aftermarket parts.

There is a 129 that is for sale in my area and it is darn tempting!