Found nearly new 1864 need side panels and guidance

[Carl_NH]

Hello All,

Mostly lurk/research here to keep my 1811 going and see what others are dong to their machines. The 1811 has been a great tractor but needs attention from time to time - like plug wires, fuel pump and general maintenance. I did refurb the 1811 in 2009 in the pic - its still in similar shape today, but got a Ferris ZT in 2010 that does all the mowing now.

The 1811 is general purpose hauling wood, mosquito spray rig for our property.

My wife who follows estate sales for pottery and antiques, sent a link (on Friday) for an estate sale today for a CC 1864, a 1993 vintage with 175 hours on the clock, 44" deck and the large CC cart.

The listing had the original bill of sale $5700 and all the manuals, so I figured this is not going low. Arrived at the auction 30 minutes before opening, and numbers were being provided, Oh crap.. well the auctioneer said that was for all the other small stuff, not the big stuff in the yard.

Long and short, the Cub Cart and 1864 now have a new home, and it starts/runs perfectly, and has no leaks, just needs some deck work, and cosmetics.

The left side panel has a small break in the front, and is missing the connector at the top so I need a new left side panel. The plastic is also discolored over time, so looking to replace both sides and the decals to keep it original.

Where to find the side panels?

Finally, I don't need or have space to store two Cub's long term, so which one to sell - the 1811 or the 1864?

Thanks in advance!

[Getter-Done]

I have seen the panels on E bay
Maybe someone here has a set?

If you don't have room for both ,
I would keep the one in the best shape.

Unless power steering is better for you.
Then go with the 1864.


...

[1711Cub]

I believe the overall best Cub made was the 1811/1812. Great looks, great power, great durability, and easy to work on/source parts. Also, almost entirely IH designed.

The 1864 is only superior in a few ways: The power steering makes it easier to drive, the seat adjusts easier, tilt steering, and it will use less fuel. While the 1864 is one of the last of the Cub greats, I do not like their appearance, nor the plastic front end. I would peddle the 1864 and stick with the 1811.

[Carl_NH]

Thanks Getterdone and 1711Cub,

Agree on the plastic hood and side panels, there is a set on ebay going for $120 , and if I wanted a pristine 1864 it would need the front frame too $150 as it has some cracks. Putting $300 into body panels doesn't make it run better, and this IMO is the biggest downside to this series.

I took the deck apart today - its the same 44" as my 1811 - bearings are all good, surface rust and under top cover, nothing rotted thru, tensioner works as it should, just need to get it wire brushed, sanded and primed.

Question - on the mower deck - would you get the deck sandblasted (local guy is $150 range to SB and prime/paint) or just a good disc/wire brush and clean/sand and prime? Then what is the best coating on the underside of the mower deck?

I agree the 1811 has been a great machine, it takes some maintenance - like a plug wire failed this year (thank goodness it wasn't the ignition coil), did the carb two years ago and it runs great now but has 740 hours vs the 1864 175 hours. I plan to keep them both for a year then decide which one goes - leaning on keeping the 1811 as I know the history, but the 1864 is a nice machine.

[1711Cub]

I would get the deck blasted. More chance that all the rust is removed.

[Getter-Done]

Sandblast would be better.
That's a good price IMO.
As far as the undercoat I have try different stuff over the years.
I have not found (the best) stuff yet

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[Carl_NH]

Well I didn't win the 1864 side panels- they went for $200 so I ordered a grommet kit and will fab a connector for the LH panel insert - it may not be OEM but will do the job.

On the deck sandblast - and I agree to do it right, need to strip it to the shell and my local guy ball parked it at $150. Need to think on this one as this isn't the primary mowing unit - the Ferris IS2000 ZT is the mower since 2010.

In order to do sandblasting or a proper prime/paint, all HW and bearings need to come off, so that's next weekends project.

Question: The 1811 has the snow plow attachment and lift arm connected to the hydraulic lift while this could transition to the 1864 with some work, my gut says keep the snow plow, and chains on the 1811.

I don't need either tractor for snow removal, as I have a Kubota TLB and snow blower now too - I just enjoy keeping the old iron alive!

[Carl_NH]

So started to attempt teardown of the 44C mower deck spindles tonight for sandblasting. (Deck spindles and bearings are good) just need to remove these for sandblasting.

Soaked tops of spindles with PB Blaster, and under the deck spindles and aluminum bearing housing bolts too.

It would appear the top pulley needs to be removed first to get the bearings out of the deck So I got a wrench on the bottom pulley nut, braced it against the deck and tried to loosen the top shaft nut (with the grease zerk). No go

Question, can I remove the three spindle flange bolts and remove the bottom of the spindle without taking off the pulley?

Thanks in advance! (I have had the 1811 for 33 years - kept it greased so never needed to do this!)

[aagitch]

Never thought I would be a fan of the cyclops. I've owned many 82 series GT's including the 1811. After getting my 1864, it's my favorite hands down.

[CubDieselFan]

If you get the blade off, the pulley and shaft will slide up out of the spindle. Hope that helps.