[toyman]

I just sold a '77 JD 212 a month or so ago. It was not a hydrostatic, but did have a variator, which was a pretty cool item and gave you the best of both worlds. Plus it had 2 first gears, which one was a creeper without it being an option. I had a blower, dirt plow and tiller for it all of which worked great. The things I noticed: 1) Attachments - JD attachments are simple and simple to install as compared to our CC attachments. I think some of it was due to the engine being installed a 90* turn as compared to CC's, which makes the PTO pulley a little more accessible. 2) Tractors - CC's are simple (in large components) machines to repair and take apart, again not talking about tearing down the hydro or rear-end, but removing them. The JD I had looked to be a nightmare with all the belts, sheave pulleys, springs etc. It's pretty crowded under a JD. 3) The 12hp Kohler engine was powerful and did all I asked of it without ever breaking a sweat. I don't know if Kohler made a better 12hp for CC or not, but if they did I'm not sure how much 'better' it legitimately could have been.


My personal assessment of the JD/CC comparison is that the implements are simpler and easier to install on the JD, but the CC tractors on a whole are simpler and easier to work on. I am JD free now and enjoy my CC's!