A "what's it worth" thread CC 1250
 

HI, guys. New to Cubs except for a non-running 86 my MIL gave me. Looking for a back-up mower... Local estate auction this coming Saturday (8-17) has a 1250 hydro in the sale, with front blade and a mower deck. Hours unknown, from a small picture of the front of it looks to be in decent shape. It has the blade on it now so I suspect they were just pushing snow with it and using another machine to mow grass.

What are the features of the 1250? Good machine? What would be a fair price assuming reasonable hours and it runs? Any help is appreciated!

I'd pay $450 to $500 for a complete and good running 1250 with a blade and mower deck. $350 if it isn't running but will turn over by hand at least.

I am a noob but since nobody else has spoken up yet...

From a functional stand point the 1250 is a hydro trans with manual lift. Manual lift probably isn't a big deal on a deck or blade but for some other attachments most people seem to prefer hydraulic lifts. It is a quietline so the big thing I have seen talked about is the iso engine mounts. If let go for to long I believe oil pan damage can occur. Other than that it should be a typical hydro wide frame so maybe check the hydro trunion, creep in neutral, and that the hydro lever holds position. Other things would be slop in the steering system, you can also pop the access panel between your legs and check the driveline couplers and hydro fan.

If you care I think the engine side panels may be hard to find in good shape if they happen to be missing although it seems like this is purely a cosmetic issue.

Price wise I would say that is all up to you. If you have little time to look for a tractor/deal then you will be willing to pay more than someone who is just sititng back waiting on a good deal. My other advice especially if you are in a hurry is to check out local classifieds and see what else is available in your area currently and then gauge the price by that.

Last piece of advice and this applyies to cars, bikes, tractors, etc is it is often worthwhile to pay a bit more up front to get a better starting point, it typically ends up cheaper in the long run.

I'd say no more than $500 total for it, assuming it's in good shape and everything works. I say this because the most I've paid for a machine is $350 and that was a 682 with deck and blade. Then again, I got a heck of deal but still. It's an estate sale so history will most likely be unknown. Could have been babied with new ISO mounts, regular maintenance, etc. Or it could still have the original engine oil in it with the original rotted motor mounts, you just won't know till you see it. That being said, the 1250 is a solid garden tractor, many here will swear by them. I personally have never had a Quietline but again, a good thing to check is the ISO mounts. Other than that, most other things can be fixed/repaired fairly easily and not usually too expensive to do so. Good luck!!

Oh, and :TTWWP:

Edit: If it's been sitting a while, the carburetor may be gummed up with old fuel which is not by any means a deal breaker. I actually find it fun now to rebuild carburetors and take something that didn't run, and make it run. Clean fuel, fresh oil, and a clean carb will go a looonnnggg way with these machines.

B sure to check n c if the PTO is in working order, r completely junk, maybe the reason why there is no mower deck on it this time of year! Personally 450-500 tops , if it's in great condition! But that's just me.

$300 to $350 would be my top bid.

This....A auction is probably the single worst place to buy something like this. Keep an eye on craigslist. You will find a better deal.

Politely disagree. There are great "deals" to be had at auctions.

Arrive early...take your time to look it over...ignore what other people might think of you by looking so closely at it...seek out the owner or a family member who knows something about the mower and ask them for the history.

I've found PO's at auctions more than willing to spill all the beans as to what's right and wrong with something.

If you arrive early enough, ask the auctioneer if you can start it up.

Bottom line: a lot of the info you seek can be discovered prior to the auction by just asking the right people.

Good advice!! :ThumbsUp:

I was not trying to discount the possibility of getting a good working serviceable mower at an auction. I was more or less trying to say the potential for a good deal is slim. Or at least that is my luck. Every time I go to an auction to buy a mower they always seem to sell the thing at the end of the day and it goes way to high. So I've wasted a day.