[westofb]

I am about 1/2 way through restoring a 149, I have already bought eveything I need to complete the rebuild, just trying to find time to work on it and to get the machine shop to finish the engine, I am going to have about $1500-1800 invested. I originally overpaid for the tractor when I bought it the first of this year, and that figures into the total investment. I don't intended to sale it, building this one as a keeper, during the restore, I am rebuilding and or replacing anything that needs it, basically it will be as good as new or better when done.

I would agree that you are correct about the gear drives having more power, they are directly driving ( through gear reduction) the rear wheels, the hydrostats are a fluid driven machine and there is some loss in power associated with them. However, I chose to rebuild the hydrostat, i prefer the infinite speed selection available to them as well as having the hydraulic lift for the attachments.

I would tend to agree with the posts, your 1450 is a capable machine, it should equal or out perform the 122 (if in they are in similar shape). A plus for the 1450 is that it is much easier to work on.