another question

krhoover · #1 07-02-2011, 09:30 AM

I don't want to keep starting threads over and over, but I got so many questions and you all seem to have the answers I need. I don't want to start a fued between everyone, but here goes. I am going to look for another tractor. I currently have a 1450, and a 122 (being worked on). The 1450, its ok but can't say I really like it that well. The 122, when it was running, I liked it, maybe was just what I was used to. I only have had wheel horses that was gear driven to compare it to, but I'm not sure the hydrostatics have the power that the gear driven do, you know, the pop the clutch and go hard till you stop kind of power. I use my tractors hard, not just for mowing, but for pulling on stuff, pushing on stuff, running over stuff, ect. This tractor will need to push lots of snow as well as mow. So the big question is what is the best, most desirable work model out there, what should I be looking for in the 12-14 hp range? One more question that runs thru my mind as I read posts is how much $ are you guy putting into your cubs and where is the break even point on one. I know that is a subjective question, but I was just curious.

CC1450 · #2 07-02-2011, 12:28 PM

what have you thrown at the 1450 that it was not capable of for you? I had some trees blown down in a storm a few weeks ago. I've been dragging around 200-300 pound sections of tree trunk with mine and the only thing that stops me is when the turfs lose traction.

As far as how much to put into it and the breaking point.. Some of the guys here have thousands tied up in a single tractor between engine rebuilds, total restorations, implements and maintenance. I've only had my 1450 project this season and already have about a grand into it, and it needs a lot of work yet. Old or new, you get what you pay for.

CaptMax · #3 07-02-2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC1450

Old or new, you get what you pay for.

Well said. And if you don't intend to sell it, it shouldn't matter any way.
CaptMax

krhoover · #4 07-02-2011, 02:39 PM

I havn't had it that long to have done much heavy work with it, The hydrostatic just seems like it won't maintain the power needed. With a gear drive you got the gear ratio always there until you overcome the hp or lose traction. But time will tell.

Tim S. · #5 07-02-2011, 06:27 PM

You are underestimating your 1450.

westofb · #6 07-02-2011, 08:33 PM

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.

MOturkE · #7 07-02-2011, 10:09 PM

The kids will tell me what mine is worth after they climb aboard the Fragile X-Press barrel train. That's about all mine will do is pull a train for kids who want a ride, because I have virtually NO yard.

These old tractors just kinda grab you, really. And, there's just something about having a machine to tinker with.

I've not spent a lot on my 122 yet, but I bought it for $300, got a new battery, front tires, a few bolts and some metal to make a couple of replacement parts, now I'm rebuilding the clutch and I'm being careful about what I spend on it. I always try to find the best price for good parts and material. If I get a chance to try the mower deck it'll likely be tried across the street on the college's property some weekend.

As we say at work, it's whatever you can afford.

krhoover · #8 07-03-2011, 10:44 AM

Ok, I will start to look for a snow plow for the 1450 and see how it goes this winter as I have sold the wheel horse and plow. The snow plow I have now is for a narrow frame. To put it on the wide frame all I need is a different subframe and the NF plow will fit the WF subframe? Oh and I had posted on here right after getting the 1450 about problems with the the ratchet idler bar on the deck surging in and out, that has gone away. The tension spring on the deck broke and was replaced with new. I don't know if that fixed it or I unknowingly moved or changed something, but its a lot better now.

westofb · #9 07-03-2011, 02:53 PM

I think you are correct on the blade, change out the sub frame for a wide frame and it should work. I think you have to also change out the mount on the plow where the lift rod attaches, I think they differ from narrow to wide frame. You might try posting an ad in the wanted section of the site for the parts you need, you might even find someone who has what you need, and you have what they need and could trade parts around.

I got to use my 149 for snow plow duties right after I got it, my engine was probably performing at around 60% power and was amazed how much snow it would shove. Right after getting it home, we got aroud 18" of snow, it moved it great!

krhoover · #10 07-03-2011, 06:10 PM

I think that it is that I'm just not used to the way a hydrostatic runs. I'm not used to haveing to bump up the lever when it starts to slow or bog down under load. I did the trunion repair which greatly improved the operation of it, Mabe I need to make some other changes?. I did change fluid and filter at that time also. I am thinking about when I'm going to be plowing snow, it seems like I'll have one hand on the wheel and one on the hydro lever to keep going. The snow in NW Pa. can be heavy, wet, deep and crusty all at the same time. At times you hit it hard and back up and do it agian until you get a hole punched thru it. I know that these cubs are workhorses, I just want to be sure I have what I need to get things done. I don't mind putting money into them as I need them. Without a tractor I would be lost and broke as I would have to hire stuff done. I plan on keeping both the 1450 and the 122 unless another comes along that would better suit my needs, that was the purpose of the question as what is the best and most desirable worker out there. While we are on the 1450, I have seen on here things about motor mounts needing replaced. Are there some symptoms that tell when they are in need of replacement?