newbie with a question
 

I've never owned a Cub Cadet, but am looking for one to skid logs and pull a small trailer in the woods. I'm looking at 2 deals right now, one is a 147, the other is a 122. Can any experts tell me which model would be better suited to heavy pulling?

Thanks!

122 is manual correct. I would go with that for real heavy pulling over a hydro unit. I am no cub expert though so some other guys will chime in I am sure. The bigger factor is the condition and completeness of each as well as options.

Yes, it's a manual. Logically I'd think a manual tranny would hold up better, but I see guys around here swearing by their hydros.

The deals I'm looking at are -

#1 for $750 - a pair of 147s, 1 running, the other for parts. Includes wheel weights, chains, tiller, plow blade, 2 mower decks, and a trailer.

#2 for $450 - a 122 and a 127, both are taken apart and soda blasted. No acessories. The guy selling was going to restore them and use for tractor pulls, but got laid off when Hostess went tits up and needs some cash.

I'm inclined towards deal #2, but there's a pile of goodies that come with the 147s.

Hydro vs Gear Drive... A debate that will never be settled.

I think there is no correct answer to your question, both are work horses to be sure.

Gear Drive or Hydro, they will both pull the toung out of a wagon, providing you don't run out of traction.

If you get one, in a very short time, you will wish that you had gotten the other as well. My best advice is to go ahead and get them both now while they are still available and avoid all the issues involved with that whole "hind sight" thing.

For what its worth, if I were going to drag logs out of a damp slick floored wooded area, I would probably reach for a hydro first. If the ground were to be dry and pretty solid, I might just try a gear drive though.

Oh the great debate: H vs. GD.......:biggrin2:

Either deal would probably work for you. Me, I'd go for the hydro. Never owned one, but I hear 147's are nice tractors. You get two of 'em, plus a ton of other stuff. The other deal fetches you a GD and Hydro. Hmmm....... What to do......... Good luck on the decision and keep us posted......

For what you are looking to do I'd go with the the manual. You're spending less for what you need it for and from what it sounds you're getting two working tractors, one gear and one hydro. I'm sure you could it a little cheaper being he probably needs the $$ and just laid off. I know it sounds bad but in these tough times are when you can get good deals.

You don't need the accessories for your job.
1. Offer $600 on the 147s and then part out the accessories.
or
2. Offer $400 on the 127s. If they are complete, you will have a choice of manual or hydro. Then, if you want to purchase a mower later, you still can.

If it were my choice it would be the pair of 147's. You woud be getting everything you'll need for gardening to snow plowing or dirt moving, plus a parts tractor.
The other two need to be put back together, and who's to say if everything is there, or what kind of shape their in being in pieces.
I've got a 147, and it's a workhorse, not that the 122 isn't, but the 147 is, would be my choice:TwoCents:

I have a 122. I've been amazed at the power this little tractor has. I try to dream up things to do just so I can ride it. Can't say anything about the 147, never had one, but I don't think you can go wrong with any running tractor with the words CUB CADET on it.

i have a 127 that i use all the time witch is the smaller version of the 147 correct me if i am wrong but i think about the the only difference is the 127 has a 12hp motor and the 147 has a 14 hp motor my 127 is a best i can pull a full size pick up truck with it i pull logs with it and pull wagons full of wood i have taken and put a hitch ball on it and pulled a 5x10 flat bed trailer around with it up large hills and all and not had a problem so i would go the 2 147 with all the atchments

I'm biased, but I'd take the 147s. Also, the others tractors being in pieces would make me run the opposite direction.

Good morning! The better of the two deals lean in my favor to the 147's . Here in the picture to the left, you see a 71 pulling a 2k yard roller. I think the manual models are a bit stronger, but that is not to take any thing away from a hydro model. I would not mind a hydro in my line up some time. Good luck!

:Welcome2:
Good luck on your choice!

Get them all and become instantly like the rest of us. Some ready to go and some in various states of dismantle. I would then go looking for a real puller--a SUPER.

:Welcome2:

I would go for the 147's. I have one and it's a great tractor. The 147 is a bit heavier than the 127 because of the bigger engine and has a built in weight box under the seat that can be filled with chains or whatever for extra traction. I would'nt worry about the hydro being tough enough. I've hauled some super heavy loads with mine and it does'nt bother it one bit.

I've hauled my buddy's 16 ft car trailer loaded with firewood (a good amount too) with my 123 a couple different times and the only problems I had was keeping the front wheels on the ground the only downfall of a hydro is they suck a lot of power to get em going but you shouldn't have that problem at all with the 14 horse. As far as my gear drives go they have done the same stuff as both my old 782 and the 123 but I had a problem with the clutch slipping . My vote is on the hydro basicly because of the better speed control

Id go for the 147's Take the parts you need off the part tractor and part out everything but the plow blade, weights and chains, and the mower deck. The plow blade will be helpful in the winter and in the woods. You can use it to clear brush off of trails and push the logs around.

Youll end up probably breaking even on the deal if the extras are in good shape.

Here is my opinion on what to get:

I'd jump all over the 147. I'm also biased. That being said, I like the hydro vs. gear drive (not trying to start a debate over either) I like the bigger engine, and I have never cared for the styling of the 122. As far as reliability goes; we've put dad's 125 through so much stuff throughout the years (125 is a hydrostatic) pulling a 15 ft boat, 16 ft pop up camper etc around at times up hills and knock on wood no problems yet.

Wow! Thanks to all for your opinions. Several suggest getting all 4 tractors (my wife said the same thing), but I already have a boat addiction, and am up to my butt in projects.

I'm leaning towards getting the 122/127 deal. This will give me both manual and hydro tractors. Going to take a trip and check them out tomorrow.

Well either way you can't go wrong being they're all cubs. Good luck and keep us posted.

I know when my wife says buy I buy.

If my wife said "buy all of them" I'd be gone and back with them before the screen door shut.

Wifey saying go buy them all must be a trap of some kind. She probably wants a new fridge or something.

Ain't that the truth. :Work:(Honey do list) :biggrin2:

If you're buying the ones in pieces, try to make sure everything is there. Of course, might be some bolts, etc. missing. Just make sure the major parts are there. Good luck and let us know how the deal goes.

Be suspicious.

No! Not admiral ackbar!

May the force be with you:biggrin2:

I picked up the 122 and 127 basket cases today. Both machines had been soda blasted, and from what I can tell, 99% of the parts are there. Going to start rebuilding the 122 this weekend.

Thanks to all for your valued input.

Congrats on the pickups!:beerchug:
More pics please!

what mike said:beerchug::biggrin2:

Congrats on the pick ups. Be sure to post some pictures!