Now I have a little red 382?
 

I was just out looking a hoard of tractors, lots of make/models but one that caught my attention was a little red Cadet 382 with a deck, looks to be complete but rough, no idea when it last ran. So just curious if anyone has, or had one in the past and how you liked it.

I going back tomorrow with a trailer and an offer to clean him out, probably over a dozen tractors in various condition, mostly smaller machines, a mix of 70s, 80s and 90s, mostly its just a collection of parts machines and since I repair and sell 10-12 tractors every year as well as parts I think there may be a little profit here, and maybe a nice little Cadet.... just because Im down to one these days and thats a Loboy.

I have a 111 I painted for my son that's basically the same tractor but gear drive and it's a neat little toy, the worst part is its a little light in the front and stopping and starting on a hill can be a bit of a thrill.

They were a rather popular machine here and quite durable. Even though they were "cheaper" in design they were built way better than the comparable sized crap you see today at the big box stores. If you are tall, the seat may be a little low. We put some spacers under the seat springs on the one my dad has. Look for damage to the hood where it hinges, I think they were prone to breaking. I've seen on here where the hydros started to go, that caused a lot of them to get parked I feel. I want to say a couple guys here were putting heavier oil in them and it helped. I seem to remember the deck spindles didn't hold up quite as well as on the larger Cadets. The dealer dad worked for only sold the 382, 582, 682, 782 and 982. He didn't mess with any of the other 82 series (well there was the one 582 special). Get it cheap and bring it home, post some pics!

This one isnt a hydro, I think its a pre CCC model although I cant be sure without checking the serial, and I didnt want to show too much interest in any particular tractors because I want the package deal. The 382 caught my attention just because I dont see many red Cubs around here, and its mostly complete. I'll post some pics and probably have more questions.

He sounded quite negotiable and we're real close to a deal so Im going with two trailers tomorrow and would still need to make a second trip, fortunately its close to home.

We had the Yeller and white model 76 when I was a young-un and it did very well for it's size. It had a pull start briggs with a three speed trans. As was mentioned, pretty cramped up for leg room, and the hoods attachment point was a weak link... I believe the deck was 32".

Finally managed to get this little 382 home, its part of a package deal and probably will be a few weeks before I get it in the shop.

Nice! Looks like it may still have the original engine.

Real Nice, That's the first one I have seen other than in literature. Good luck with it.

I agree, looks really good.

Originally I thought it was a gearbox until I saw it again yesterday, motor turns by hand but the carb bowl was off so I wont know much more for a week or two, I have a few other quick and easier projects on the go trying to get mowers for sale before the grass starts going green, older ones like this I like to take a little time with.