Need help choosing my first CC tractor
 

Hi all,

I have been enjoying garden tractor collecting for years (mostly Gravely and Wheelhorse) and finally, after seeing so many CCs at shows, etc. want to add a CC to my collection.

I tend to gravitate to the look of the 86 thru 149(?) series, but know from my experience with other tractors there are always models to steer clear of and options/features to look for. To me, as a newbie, can you help me (just in general terms) select a good model as my first CC.

I plan to use the tractor to pull a yard cart, maybe push snow with a blade (we don't get much snow here), and likely mow occassionally too. Thanks!

Check this out;

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...336#post344336

And hey, :Welcome2:

I think that only you can decide what models you like the best, part of your decision will depend on what attachments you want to use with it. I tend to like the 82 series the best for everyday workers, but I also have a 100 that I restored that sees tiller and yard sprayer duty. I also like the looks of the 86-169 models. I had one years ago and wish I had never sold it. Good luck in your quest for a CC. It is like a disease once you get started. And welcome to the forum.
Tom

The only thing I've really heard of to "stay away from" is concerning engines on some of the later lawn tractors. Something about the oil delivery on inclines.

But any K series engine on an IH Cub will treat you well. Otherwise, I like the wide frames with their quick attach implements. I have a 149 and 1200. Personally, I like the look of the QL the most.

One thing is for sure, whatever you get, you'll get all the answers you need for it here.

I've got an old Gravely walk behind my dad used for years sitting under my porch. It's next on my list, as I really need a walk behind brush hog...

:Welcome2:

I don't think you could go wrong with any Cub Cadet.. They are all nice well built machines...

I like the 70/100 series... super easy to work on and still utter rugged simplicity and good lines!

But i'm also with you on the early wide frame series!

Just find one and go with it.. you can't go wrong!:beerchug::beerchug:

Hello Gravely67! Welcome aboard OCC!

In my opinion, the model 125 seems to catch my eye, as the pinnacle point in the IH Cub Cadet era! Manufacture seemed to have gone the distance when it came to details, and performance. Especially, when they are factory complete, and lived all their lives inside the garage, !

I agree, all the IH products were made very well. The transmissions derived from the 1948 Farmall Cub farm tractor, equipped with the four cylinder c-60 gas powered inline engine. You'll "understand" once you park your IH next to the Wheel Horse, lol!

Best advice is to find a model you like and buy/build one.

My first IH Cub Cadet was a 149. The engine was in several boxes when it can home. My Son needed a 4H project and engine from the 149 became his project. Grandpa and Son built the engine. That was 16 years ago. Main use for my 149 is heavy duty-ground engaging type work. This is my Number 1 plow tractor at plow days. Biggest problem I had with my 149 is breaking pins in the driveshaft at plow days. The solution to the problem was a narrower tire.

The 86-108-108-128-109-129-149-169 series are easy to work on and can be hard working tractors. I own a 86 (puller), 128 and two 149s. This series was the first one that had a removable driveshaft tunnel.

To me the best looking IH Cub Cadets are the 100-70 series. I like the look of the grill-hood and the round fenders.

To me, nothing says classic IH Cub Cadet like a 128---three speed and 12hp good enough for most jobs and it has a nice look to it.
Love the 6 and 782 series, but finding one of them without a blown and replaced engine is a little difficult and engine parts are more expensive. My 982 is great, quite the beast but buying parts for Onan engines can be expensive and sometimes a treasure hunt. Moving forward to the CCC built machines from the 80's on up, lots of refinements making great machines better---the engines are still a little pricier to work on.

The 1x9 1x8 wide frame models are... well you cant go wrong. They are like the 06 series, where you just dont have to wrench much on them, and when you do its simpler, and cheaper.

Id love to have a nice 149 tripple stick

Thanks everyone for your advice, comments, and suggestions.

Is an 86 model the same except for the motor as a 128--meaning same tranny, same rear axle size, etc. There is an complete 86 with mowing deck fairly close by that I might go look at. Thanks again!