Cost of things
 

Hello all.

I have been looking for a suitable tractor for snowplowing with. Yosemite Sam gave me a list of tractors that he would consider. I've been watching the for sale posts and haven't seen much. I also have been searching cl and find some options. For the most part, they are most likely in need of some work. My outlook is: first and foremost mechanically sound. Cosmetically in decent shape.

This leads me to ask all of you that have greater knowledge than I.

For a minimum 12 hp Kohler engine, approximately what would the cost to rebuild it be. I have enough skill to do it, but simply do not have the time. So, I would have it done by an outside source. I know this is a pretty wide parameter request, so I am only looking at ballpark numbers.

Next on the agenda is Hydro lift. I see a lot of decent looking machines, but they all seem to have manual lift. Can a manual lift be converted to hydro and about what would the cost be. I might consider doing that one myself.

Next. If a manual transmission is available, say a 126 for example, but doesn't have a creeper gear. Can one be installed and again what would that cost be.

I see a wider selection of choices on cl but 95% of them have the manual lift issue.

I am going to post a wanted on the forum, but though I might want to know some dollar costs beforehand.

Thanks
Mike

To rebuild a 12hp correctly your probably in the $600 - $800 range, if somebody says they can do it for you for less than that then they must be cutting corners or they like to work for free.

If you want hydraulic lift then you need to find a hydrostat tractor that came with it, you can add hydraulics on but it will be costly. Creepers sell in the $200-$250 range and if you plan to pay someone to do you'll be looking at $200+.

Thanks Tim. That's the type of info I am looking for. I would have no problem with the cost of a correct rebuild. I've always have a "you get what you pay for" attitude.

Tractordata shows the 127 & 147 had electric lift. Any thought on those?

Otherwise I have to focus on the 149, 169 & up models. Buying a respectable tractor and simply having to do the motor rebuild without allowing for anything else puts me to a point of seriously considering MJsoldcub's restored 169 he posted about awhile back. That way, I would know that all of the mechanicals are in tip top shape and the cosmetics are showroom. I wonder if he is still on the fence about it?

I put the cart before the horse this weekend when I picked up a nice condition QA42 blower. Now I have to get real serious about a tractor for it. At a buck fifty I thought it was too good of a deal to pass up. Only 5 miles from me.

Thanks again for the info.
Mike

Mike, it needs to be a QA42A for your wide frame.
I hope that's what you bought.
If you do the engine job yourself, it should cost you in the 250-350 range.
I've done 5 now over the last 3 years and that's about what it runs for machine work & parts if you go with after market stuff.
Where you at in WI??
Nice show coming up in Portage next month, July 7-9
I will be there w/cubs, stop by.
Will be good to kick back and relax after 7 days of working RPRU!!
Dave

Dave. Thanks for that little tidbit of info on the blower. I didn't know that there was a difference between the QA42 and a QA42A. I just re-looked at the Tag and it is indeed a QA42A model.

The PO had 6 CC tractors, but the "newest" was a 127. All of them were NF. Either he was mistaken, or doesn't really know, but he said the brackets were adjustable and would fit either the NF or a WF. His 127 had Hydro lift that he said was a factory option. That's not what Tractordata shows, but, then again, I am a neophyte on these tractors except for my project Cadet 95e.

If needed, I would have the engine and driveline done by an expert who knows what they are doing and could get it done in a timely manner. I'm not a fan of "after market" parts unless absolutely no other alternative is available. I have the know how, I rebuilt a '53 MG TD inline 4 a lot of years ago. I just do not have the desire or time to go through it again.

I assume that the Portage show is in Iowa? I am about 20-25 miles west of Milwaukee so it would have to be an overnight road trip. If there is a casino nearby it could turn into a long weekend. Hopefully a profitable one. Are you selling any of the cubs you are taking to the show?

Let me know about Portage.

Mike

Just to give you an idea of what 12 hp will do, here my 1968 model 125 (NF) with hydraulic lift using a QA42 snow thrower.

It works quite well
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfWy8jbj_GY


I used this QA42 on my other 125 with manual lift and it was "doable" but the hydraulic lift makes life easier.

Jeff

The Portage show is in Portage, WI. It is a good one, I will be there, hopefully with all my machines and I would recommend it.

Jeff. Sounds like the QA42 is for NF machines and the QA42A is for WF.

Dave & Ben. Portage Wi. That's maybe an hour and half drive. Easy drive even if they don't have a casino. Sounds like it's worth it.

Zippy pm'd me about a 149 he has and send some pictures. It looks nice and he says it is solid. He got it 4 years ago for the tiller he wanted, changed the hydro fluid and a new filter and put it in storage. He ran it last year in the spring. I'll ask him what kind of money he's looking for. Then I'll come to Portage and see what's up there. At this point, Zippy's will hold sway because he has the knowledge and experience to make a difference. But, I wouldn't pass on anything you guys might suggest. A 169 might change my mind.

Thanks for the info and perhaps we can work out a meet and greet someplace at the show.

Mike

I would not hesitate to buy a cub Zippy, if he says it's good then it's good. The 149 is a good tractor and has the hydraulic lift you want, most 169 had manual lift.

Just for the record, a QA-42A will fit either a NF or WF tractor, the "A" means adjustable. The frame brackets can be expanded or contracted as needed.

As for tractors of choice, a 149 is more than enough tractor for clearing snow, and also is more serviceable than a 169. There's nothing wrong with a 169, but they are a rarer machine and have some model-specific parts that can be very difficult/expensive to find, particularly the engine block itself were something to go wrong. Also, as others have said, a tractor from Zippy's stable is likely good as or better than new, just read any thread of his to see the care that goes into his machines.

I've done all my yard chores the last 6 years with my 125, and I can't speak highly enough of the 12+hp/hydrostatic combo. Speed control is excellent, there's never a shortage of power for any task, and with quick-attach implements its very easy to switch between jobs. If you keep your eyes out for a 125, 127, 147, 129, or 149, you won't be disappointed. The 149 would also meet all your requirements best. Good luck in your search!