My new XT3 GSX

[1711Cub]

Overall, the 82's were the BEST! Now, the Cyclops added some good stuff like the tilt wheel, easy adjust seat, rear fuel tank, but the hood and dash design killed it for me, with all of those stupid idiot lights, and no gauges. Basically, the Cyclops chassis was all 82 series, which was a great improvement over the Quietlines. I think the Cyclops looked dopey, while the 82's looked pissed off, but strong haha.

[Sergeant]

Originally Posted by Oak

Why did they hate them? To me, the 72/82 are the best series and I think the cyclops would have been the best if they would have used metal panels.

At the point the 82 was In development, the Cub Cadet Design section of IH was controlled by a man that was not an engineer, his experience was In sales, not design. The line In the sand for many was the red Paint color choice. Many IH engineers knew the 82 series was the end before it even went to physical production. The red actually hurt sales dramatically with the outdoor Power equipment dealers. The AG dealers did Ok But the dealers that just sold Cub Cadet did not fair as well Until MTD took Over Production and Brought back the Yellow & White paint scheme

I don't see much spoken here, but the Deere 317 was not the only tractor to suffer a bad reputation from the Kohler K series I Because the 782 & 682 had some of the same Issues

Mr McCormick saw the 82 series redesign as a poor business choice, which went Into production after he retired from IH.

I knew the late Mr Stevenson (test Engineer for IH Cub Cadet) most of my Life. I actually saw Many of the IH Cub Cadets Before they even saw Production, as he brought them home to test In his yard. The 82 series had a lot of Hiccups In the early stages. I wish I had some pictures of the Test Model In traditional colors from 1978 when I was 14 years Old.

But I was always disappointed that it wasn't a Deere back then. I really didn't become an IH Man, until I retired from the Army In 2002 and had the pleasure of getting to Know some McCormick Family members, thanks to my friendship with Mr Stevenson.

So to Honor those two men who disliked the 82 series as much as they did. I will not Have an 82 series in my collection

[Farmall450]

Originally Posted by Sergeant

At the point the 82 was In development, the Cub Cadet Design section of IH was controlled by a man that was not an engineer, his experience was In sales, not design. The line In the sand for many was the red Paint color choice. Many IH engineers knew the 82 series was the end before it even went to physical production. The red actually hurt sales dramatically with the outdoor Power equipment dealers. The AG dealers did Ok But the dealers that just sold Cub Cadet did not fair as well Until MTD took Over Production and Brought back the Yellow & White paint scheme

I don't see much spoken here, but the Deere 317 was not the only tractor to suffer a bad reputation from the Kohler K series I Because the 782 & 682 had some of the same Issues

Mr McCormick saw the 82 series redesign as a poor business choice, which went Into production after he retired from IH.

I knew the late Mr Stevenson (test Engineer for IH Cub Cadet) most of my Life. I actually saw Many of the IH Cub Cadets Before they even saw Production, as he brought them home to test In his yard. The 82 series had a lot of Hiccups In the early stages. I wish I had some pictures of the Test Model In traditional colors from 1978 when I was 14 years Old.

But I was always disappointed that it wasn't a Deere back then. I really didn't become an IH Man, until I retired from the Army In 2002 and had the pleasure of getting to Know some McCormick Family members, thanks to my friendship with Mr Stevenson.

So to Honor those two men who disliked the 82 series as much as they did. I will not Have an 82 series in my collection

Dang, that's a damn good reason, even thought they're good tractors.

[1711Cub]

Originally Posted by Farmall450

Dang, that's a damn good reason, even thought they're good tractors.

Some of their dislike sounds like sour grapes, which can be understandable if you are the one caught up in it. IH was a shit storm in the late 70's, and all of the poor choices led to their ultimate demise.


Anyway, the 82 series with the series I could have been better, but that was on Kohler! They came back strong with the Magnums, then the Commands. They are a joke nowadays..

The MTD built 82 series was a total improvement over anything IH did, even with the aluminum rear.

[Farmall450]

Originally Posted by 1711Cub

Some of their dislike sounds like sour grapes, which can be understandable if you are the one caught up in it. IH was a shit storm in the late 70's, and all of the poor choices led to their ultimate demise.


Anyway, the 82 series with the series I could have been better, but that was on Kohler! They came back strong with the Magnums, then the Commands. They are a joke nowadays..

The MTD built 82 series was a total improvement over anything IH did, even with the aluminum rear.

I agree. They also managed to develop a real 3 point hitch. I think the 984 from MTD or 1811 were the peak unit (good engines, 82 series styling but Y/W), although the 1782 is probably my all time favorite with P/S and the D640 Kubota/375 Haban deck.

[Sergeant]

Originally Posted by 1711Cub

Some of their dislike sounds like sour grapes, which can be understandable if you are the one caught up in it. IH was a shit storm in the late 70's, and all of the poor choices led to their ultimate demise.


Anyway, the 82 series with the series I could have been better, but that was on Kohler! They came back strong with the Magnums, then the Commands. They are a joke nowadays..

The MTD built 82 series was a total improvement over anything IH did, even with the aluminum rear.

Well, You're entitled to your opinion on the sour Grapes Point. I am Not saying they're not Good Machines. I was just saying why I won't Buy an 82 series
I find Nothing wrong with them. But I respect the men's Opinions that Brought The world Cub Cadet Lawn & Garden tractors in the 1st Place .

BTW the second series of MTD Production starting in 1985 I do Not consider the 82 series. Though there were not a lot of differences. To Me there Not the 82 series

[Dschneider]

I like your rig, I’ve got one myself. You will like it plenty of power.

[Oak]

I like the XT3's but they are still too pricey for me yet. Maybe someday I will find one.


Sergeant will probably chime in on this I hope but I think the XT3 is gone for good. I believe Black & Decker/Cub Cadet or whoever they are now threw in the towel and will stick to making belt drive box store equipment. These guys just don't stand behind their equipment and they are trying to get into the commercial zero turn business making a $23k+ machine(their top machine). Who in their right mind would buy something like this only to have zero parts or support in 5 years.........

[Sergeant]

Originally Posted by Oak

I like the XT3's but they are still too pricey for me yet. Maybe someday I will find one.


Sergeant will probably chime in on this I hope but I think the XT3 is gone for good. I believe Black & Decker/Cub Cadet or whoever they are now threw in the towel and will stick to making belt drive box store equipment. These guys just don't stand behind their equipment and they are trying to get into the commercial zero turn business making a $23k+ machine(their top machine). Who in their right mind would buy something like this only to have zero parts or support in 5 years.........

Well In 2021, I was told the XT3 was going away. They still made them for 2022. I hear they going away again, but check Cub Cadet Parts about December if you see 2023 listed, then we Know. They decided to keep it for another year. Part of the problem is the Outer Cast Iron Transmission case, is made in China . Cub has had issues getting those in. I think if Stanley B&D continues a shaft driven Tractor, they might go back to aluminum transmission cases.


During the warranty period, Cub Does stand behind their machine. I think that will increase under Stanley B&D leadership for the warranty at least.

[Farmall450]

Originally Posted by Sergeant

Well In 2021, I was told the XT3 was going away. They still made them for 2022. I hear they going away again, but check Cub Cadet Parts about December if you see 2023 listed, then we Know. They decided to keep it for another year. Part of the problem is the Outer Cast Iron Transmission case, is made in China . Cub has had issues getting those in. I think if Stanley B&D continues a shaft driven Tractor, they might go back to aluminum transmission cases.


During the warranty period, Cub Does stand behind their machine. I think that will increase under Stanley B&D leadership for the warranty at least.

Cub has never given our customers an issue with warranty. Last major problem I recall was the 54" deck springs breaking a few years back.