Cub Cadet 149 - What Do You Know About Them?

IH Cub Cadet · #1 06-20-2012, 08:42 AM

I'm traveling this weekend and am going to try to look at a 149. What's the good, bad and ugly about these tractors? Anything I should watch-out for when looking over this tractor?

Thanks,
Bill

Mr.Goffena · #2 06-20-2012, 08:52 AM

When I picked mine up last month the holes that go into the aluminum oil pan were striped out. Also the drive shaft was about to fail.

Cub Cadet 123 · #3 06-20-2012, 09:43 AM

Check the hydro lever to make sure that it functions as it should--some guys pull the handles too hard and snap parts. If it is a running one, check for smoke. Look at the identification tag on the engine and make sure that it is a 14 hp engine--some guys stick 12 hp in them and try to pass them off as 149's. Check the trunion for hydro creep/lurch--when you depress the pedal on start up if it lunges forward a lot then its linkage system may be worn quite a bit. Check the steering wheel for slop in the steering--both for steering wheel movement around the dash and for delay in turning the front tires. Other than that, just check for regular wear and tear on the tractor--expect some as the tractor is about 40 years old. We want to see pictures of it!!

There's probably something that I have forgotten, so hopefully others with more knowledge about them than me will chime in. I really enjoy my 149---it will be a great tractor for you!

Cub Cadet 123

TheSaturnV · #4 06-20-2012, 01:01 PM

As you look it over, keep a running tally in your head (or a notepad) of what will need to be replaced. Seat, tires, missing parts, etc. This will gain you some negotiating power and keep you from overspending. You'd be surprised what you can spend getting a $300 "bargain" back into something of a complete machine.

As always, you could sink $1,000 into getting a 149 looking and running good. The thing is, $1,000 wouldn't even be enough for one of those lawn toys they sell at Lowe's Depot, and a 149 puts those to shame.

jeryan149 · #5 06-20-2012, 09:00 PM

I can't tell you what to avoid, as mine was pretty ratty when I got it. A little before & after, plus my 1200. I hope you score a runner!

wshytle · #6 06-20-2012, 10:34 PM

Bill-

It's a hydro so there are several standard things to look at. I'd ask to remove the tunnel cover if you're going over it with a "fine tooth comb". The trunion will probably need rebuilding. The linkage will probably need tightened up at the least. The driveshaft is a most important part to examine especially if the seller will haggle some. I'd be surprised to see a whole fan too. They always seem to be broken or totally destroyed. The pump to rearend gasket might be leaking and is a major repair...fairly easy but major when it comes to time. I'd replace it with a neoprene gasket but you'll have to cut your own. The only ones I've seen offered are the composite which work well too. I just buy neoprene by the sheet to get several gaskets plus. As mentioned the steering should be checked out from the steering wheel to the spindles. The front axle might show a lot of play when moving the steering wheel back and forth. If you plan to pull the engine then that would be a good time to give the channel a squeeze and refit the axle. Don't squeeze it too much...a little at a time.

Other things to consider are the extras if any. It came standard with hydraulic lift and headlights and I hope the light are still there. A couple of mine were missing the lights which is a bummer. Does it have the 3 pt on the rear? That's always a plus.

On the other hand...if you want a worker then check all of the fluid levels, air up the tires, get the engine running, and use it. It will tell you what needs attention.