What's it worth?
 

So I've got cub fever pretty bad and I've saved some cash lately and I'm wanting an original. What would be a fair price for one in not-perfect shape, with a mower deck and a 10 hp, rather than a 7 hp? Also, it has no lights or fenders. the ad said it runs and is used to mow. Any advice is appreciated!!!!

It all depends how bad you want it.
Here in WI and the real "world" couple hundred bucks at best. Price could be better, or even less pending on the time it was built.
I've personally paid $50 for a complete non running tractor, that I had going in a couple hours. $125 for the one I "restored", $100 for another complete non running one with snowthrower...
You get the picture, if the sellers price is more than you want to spend, walk on to the next one...

I believe Cub Cadet Originals are worth more with their original engines or the replacement 8 hp engines. The 7/8 hp engines had more than enough power to do anything that would be expected from an "O"

It is difficult at best, to put a 10 hp engine in an Original. The 10 hp engines and fuel tanks are much taller than the 7/8 hp engines and the gas tank mounting or hood is normally butchered in the process. Please understand that I have seen pictures of Originals with 10 hp engines installed that did look alright, but that is very much the exception rather than the rule.

"In not-perfect shape" can mean many things, pictures would be most helpful.

I'm pretty sure I would steer clear of an "O" with a 10 hp engine, unless it was VERY well done or I needed it for parts. If this were my first "O", I would wait patiently for a nicer one to come along. Don't let this guy take your money just because you're antsy for a classic piece of American history, there are A LOT of pretty nice Originals out there for a reasonable price.

Good luck to you.

Another concern with the heavier engine might be the frame where they tend to crack at the rear.

If it runs, mows, and looks half decent it may be worth buying but without the original engine its not worth much, especially if anything has been butchered. The condition of the tires needs to be considered also because new ones could cost more than the tractor is worth.

Big question is 'How bad do you want one'

IMO... they are cute little tractors that are too small and light to do anything very well, more of a novelty toy than machine with a purpose. If your looking for a toy project fine, but if you need a lawn mower you should find something more modern with readily available parts.

Thanks everyone for your input. I will probably just wait for another "o" because I don't want to chance something being mangled on it. There's only one picture on the listing, so it kinda makes you wonder why :bigthink: I live in the Chicago area if anyone comes across a decent "o". Alos, I would like to add in the fact that the seller wants 500 dollars for it. In myh opinion, its only with 200 at most

I would let that guy sit on that one. Offer the 200 in a couple of weeks
He's not going to sell that for 500(at least I wouldn't give that for it)

yeah I know. Its been there for quite some time so I'm thinking I'll offer 200 later on. I'm only 13, so this is my spring break and this is "cub week" at my house with me and my dad. Mom isn't exactly jumping up and down excited LOL

$200 might be stretchin it a little on that one, doesnt look like a well cared for machine, he might have just splashed some paint on it to dump it.

Be patient with your search. You live in a very good area for Cub Cadets. Illinois was blessed with IH dealers in the '60-'80s so there a lot of Cubs floating around in our state.
I live 200 miles south of Chicago and in this area you can find about any model Cub. Just be patient, I'm sure a tractor will find you!

Send "mom" to our forums and let us help her see the light! :D Of all the things that my boys could have / might have gotten involved with over their teenage years, the good clean fun of hunting for an old garden tractor and dragging it home to tinker with would be at the very top of my list for them.

I get renewed hope in the next generation of our country every time I read a post from a kid like you. Sure, do your schoolwork first, but after that happy hunting on your first Cub Cadet. You can really learn a lot from this hobby, and once you've got your first tractor up and running, you'll end up with a useful machine. You might even make some money on the side with it by mowing, sweeping leaves or snow plowing for neighbors.

Good luck and keep us updated!

:American Flag 1:

They just keep getting younger and younger these days! I'm a year older than you Cuban. And I agree it is a fun hobby. Better than my eyes in a cell phone all day. My first cub is an original. With the 7 horse. It doesn't see a lot of work, but I do get it out and drive it on a nice day. They are fun little machines. Have fun. Where I live, there pretty hard to come by. I was lucky and I hope you are too.
Good luck,
Noah

Hi guys,
This is Cubfan79's dad. I thought I'd get on here to give some more insight about this little guy that I'm so proud of.
He bought a cub cadet 123 for $50 with a worn out motor. He pulled the motor out, tore it down. I sent it to the machine shop, they bored, turned crank, new guides etc. He ordered a rebuild kit. I picked up the machined parts on my way home on a Friday. Sunday, he woke up and completely assembled the motor in the basement. The only thing I did was install valve springs and carry it out of the basement when he was done. He set the valve lash, set the points, torqued everything to specs with a torque wrench he asked for for Christmas.
We put the motor in and at 7:30 that evening , it fired up! Ran strong , broke it in over the coarse of the week, Retorqued head, rechecked lash, couple oil changes. Has about 10 hrs on it and runs smooth, smooth.
About a month ago ,he came to me with an idea. He said a friend had an old mower in his back yard that he wanted to pull home and get running. He wanted to give it to a fellow classmate that he heard couldn't afford a mower. His words to me were, "I can do this. It is how I can contribute."
He worked on it everyday for over a week from 5:30 a.m. until school and then after school. My wife asked me to tell him to stop working on it before school because he goes smelling like oil LOL. He got it running, got the deck on and functioning. Actually fabricated a new steering column as the old one had broken. He cut a piece of swing set tube that happened to be the exact diameter, cut it to fit, drilled holes to bolt in. He waxed it and delivered it. They offered him money and he said no, it's free.
He has gotten a reputation for working on small engines. Just last week, he was asked to get a cub cadet 1541 running that had been donated to the little league for dragging the baseball field. He towed it home with his 123 , tore it down and started the usual checking for fuel, spark. He found a rodent had climbed in, got caught in the flywheel/starter and died so it was locked. Once that was cleared , he found a wire that was bare, it happened to be the kill wire shorting out killing spark. He taped it up, it fired right up. He did a tuneup, changed fuel/oil filter, spark plug cleaned carb and returned to the Lions Club.
These are just a couple things in the last month. I could go on and on. We have friends who's children refer to him as "kind Sam" He's an extrodanary kid, not just because he's mine. Anyone who has spent just a little time with him walk away with the same opinion.
Thanks for advising him and encouraging him.
TheSaturnV, your video series on your 147 actually inspired him to tear down our 100 for a complete resto. We have alot done, powdercoated but a long way to go.
Those videos were awesome.

Tell Sam to keep up the good work.
Saturns vids are quite good.

Well thats a cool little story 'Dad', and you've every right to be proud. Its nice to see a young lad taking an interest in a hobby where he will learn some things of value, Good Job on both you and Sam;)

We need more kids like that !:American Flag 1: You are right to be proud !

C&O2-10-4

Very cool story!

Cool story, and good to see a young man getting grease under his fingernails.:beerchug:
You have a fine young man there in Sam.:bigthink:

Thanks everyone for all the support! I'll keep everyone updated on my projects. I didn't know my dad had posted on here until yesterday and let me say it was great to read.

Keep up the good work, but I'm with your mom, don't go to school smelling like a mechanic, there's plenty of time for turning wrenches after school! Of course my dad would disagree, he had to go milk cows before going to school. (of course he had to walk a mile each way uphill to catch the bus also).

Great hobby you have!

I think "Kind Sam" is a nice tittle for a movie don't you guys? This story can be classified in the same league as the movie "The little red wagon".

I sure pay to see a movie involving a young boy story like yours!

You have a amazing kid sir! :ThumbsUp:

Thanks!! Not a bad idea either :bigthink:

Ok, so now htat ive decided on an original that I'll be buying sooner or later from Zippy1, what should I do to it? I was thinking the options are to part-to-part restoration, a custom "farmall cub wanna-be" painted red with small mods, or just clean and clear coat it with 2 part clear coat from eastwood? Any input is wanted, and also what red paint is correct to a farmall cub anyway? I would like to repaint my farmall too if I ever get the chance.

that*, sorry I'm not the greatest typer

If/when you buy it.. it is your to do as you wish, Im sure everyone here will support you regardless of what direction you go. Good Luck with it;)

CubFan79

Lew just post this: http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=43338

IT's in your "Backyard" Jump on it right now! You can't go wrong at this price.....:biggrin2:

GO for it you thank Lew later!

Man, I agree. It's not an "O" but rear pto, a/g's, & wheel weights. Bargain price. CUBFAN, cut school today and get over there and grab this thing.
(don't tell mom I said that)

Hahahaha, I would go get it but I need to get rid of something first or it has to sit outside. I really only want the trans, tires, and 2 sets of wheel weights.

I'll probably decide based on condition when I get to see it. Probably will just run it like it is for some time because everyone knows you can't kill a cadet.