Cub Cadet 123
 

I'm going to go look at a Cub Cadet 123 tomorrow. The owner says the engine runs, but it doesn't move. Do these tractor have a bypass lever that may be engaged that the owner does not know about? What should I look for (transmission related) while looking at it? Any ideas? Thanks.

Yes, there is a Hydro bypass. It is on the right hand side of the tunnel.
Pushing the lever down bypasses and lever up is for operating the tractor.

Other possibilities that come to mind are; Driveshaft disconnected and No oil in the hydro pump.

Thanks for the information. I saw one earlier today for the first time. I was surprised how big they actually were. They look like a solid tractor.

Most common....broken pin on driveshaft @ the hub bolted to engine flywheel. Linkage may be compromised. If not the release lever, the push pins could be stucked down on the reliefs. No oil???? I'd pass this one unless super cheap.

Id bet on the Spirol pin!

So, I went to look at it today. The bypass lever was down, but I was able to be pulled up, but it didn't stay as it flopped back down. The shaft turns, but slowly at first then speeds up a little bit but not that fast. The parking brake is tight, and I had to pull up on it to get the forward/reverse lever to work, but no motion. The owner said the fluid is full. But the filter looks to be extremely old. The tractor cannot be pushed or pulled. Buying this would be difficult at best as I couldn't load it. What do you guys think is the problem and is it worth buying? The tractor looks clean and taken care of, but $750 is really too steep. Any suggestions or advice?

Too steep for me. Keep looking, you will find another. For 750.00, it should run and drive or at least push.

There is way to many potential issues to repair at that price.For 750 everything should be in running and be in reasonable shape.If you have been watching and studying this site,you will know that the potential parts and lots of labor might be a burden. When you go to look at a tractor,have an idea of all the critical parts ,what they do and if they have been replaced or cobbled up.Offer him,I.M.O,350 and or walk away.Thats just me,you did very well,asking questions,might of saved you some money

Any options on it.......at all??!!
Deck, blade. 3 point, sleeve hitch, hydraulic lift, lights, anything?
There is value there even if the engine don't run or is missing altogether,

No. It was a "restored" tractor and deck only that an elderly man bought for 750 from another man. The elderly guy thought he got something nice; however, right after he got it off the trailer it started to act up and froze up according to the elderly man. I really like the 123 and thought about buying a junk one and taking the rear end out of it and putting in the "restored" one, but that's too much of a hassle. I appreciate the feedback on this matter.