Need help choosing my first CC tractor

[olds45512]

just come buy this one and be done, it turns every head at the shows.

[johncub7172]

Originally Posted by Gravely67

Thanks everyone for your advice, comments, and suggestions.

Is an 86 model the same except for the motor as a 128--meaning same tranny, same rear axle size, etc. There is an complete 86 with mowing deck fairly close by that I might go look at. Thanks again!

Hi Gravely67! I have a very decent model 86 as well. This model was the first of two 8hp garden tractors IH manufactured, the other being the Quiet Line 800.

From a collector's stand point, the model 86 could be a great choice for a restoration. However, if I were to be using a Wide Frame for heavy work, I'd choose something in the 10 to 16hp range !

[jaynjeep]

Originally Posted by Gravely67

Thanks everyone for your advice, comments, and suggestions.

Is an 86 model the same except for the motor as a 128--meaning same tranny, same rear axle size, etc. There is an complete 86 with mowing deck fairly close by that I might go look at. Thanks again!

Gravely67,

An 86 should be the same tractor as a 128 except the engine... Most of the time the 86's had narrower tires but it didn't have to... and it probably has a 38" deck... The 86 was just a base model in that series... Sheet metal, transmission etc is all the same.
I have never owned a 86 but I do have a 128 that is a real workhorse..

I would suggest you find a copy of Oscar Will's book 50 years of Cub Cadet.. It is my most used reference in the Cadet hobby. He gives a ton of history behind the line and even breaks all the models down one by one with options and changes... It can be purchased many places but here is a link if you want to use it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/3220160...&ul_noapp=true

Welcome to the Cub Cadet side... there are a bunch of great guys on here with a wealth of knowledge!

P/S... I have a Gravely 16G that is a real grass killing machine also!! Just don't tell the Cub guys!!

[Gravely67]

Thanks so much for the info, your comments, encouragement, suggestions, etc. I'll share pics and info when I finally find my first CC. Take care!

[Yosemite Sam]

Before choosing a tractor, I look at the tasks that I want this tractor to do.

Any of the IH built Cub Cadets are fine machines as are many of the CCC Cubs (garden tractors).

One of my biggest concerns is maneuvering the machine. For areas where a lot of back and forth driving is required, I prefer a hydrostatic drive tractor. For working in large open areas (especially long open and hilly straightaways) a gear drive provides a more constant ground speed, with a hydrostatic drive tractor you will be more likely required to adjust your ground speed often, depending on the terrain.

Horse power isn't as big of a deal as one might think. For throwing/blowing snow, more HP is normally better and the same with cutting overgrown thick heavy grass. For pulling and pushing projects, you will usually run out of traction before you run out of power (even with loaded tires, weights and chains).

Your best bet is to find a gear drive AND a hydro, that way all your bases are covered.

Just to be safe, find yourself a 12 hp gear drive and a 14+ hp hydro and they will always do you proud.

[ACecil]

The 86 will be fine for what you want to do with it. Good luck and hope you get it!

[vr4Legacy]

Good luck with your search, eager to see what you find.

Originally Posted by Yosemite Sam

Your best bet is to find a gear drive AND a hydro, that way all your bases are covered.

Just to be safe, find yourself a 12 hp gear drive and a 14+ hp hydro and they will always do you proud.

1200 - Check
149 - Check

Hey, I'm doing alright after all

[jaynjeep]

Originally Posted by Yosemite Sam

Before choosing a tractor, I look at the tasks that I want this tractor to do.

Any of the IH built Cub Cadets are fine machines as are many of the CCC Cubs (garden tractors).

One of my biggest concerns is maneuvering the machine. For areas where a lot of back and forth driving is required, I prefer a hydrostatic drive tractor. For working in large open areas (especially long open and hilly straightaways) a gear drive provides a more constant ground speed, with a hydrostatic drive tractor you will be more likely required to adjust your ground speed often, depending on the terrain.

Horse power isn't as big of a deal as one might think. For throwing/blowing snow, more HP is normally better and the same with cutting overgrown thick heavy grass. For pulling and pushing projects, you will usually run out of traction before you run out of power (even with loaded tires, weights and chains).

Your best bet is to find a gear drive AND a hydro, that way all your bases are covered.

Just to be safe, find yourself a 12 hp gear drive and a 14+ hp hydro and they will always do you proud.

Good Info Sam!!

[drglinski]

OK I'll bite.....

Dad has a 125 that I grew up on (that's me at the age of 1 or 2? in my avatar pic) I learned how to drive it and mow at an early age. Dad used it for mowing and occasionally rototilling the garden. When we needed to move the pop up camper, a ball went on the hitch and pulling it around was easy. Since I lived in a rural area, a "tractor" was Dad's Farmall H (that we used in the winter to move snow), his W9/SWD9, the neighbors 1080, JD 4440, etc. Since we didn't use the 125 in the winter, it was known as the "lawn mower." Being the oldest, I got the most seat time, until my brothers got older and we fought over who's turn it was. Dad got a 782 when I was about 15 and I got to using that quite a bit since the 125 was getting tired.

When I moved out on my own, I knew in the back of my mind I was going to get a CC eventually, if not for mowing for snow removal of sidewalks etc. The woman I wanted to marry came from a suburban area, and although I really wanted to stay in the country, the economy wouldn't allow us to live together there. We ended up getting a nice house with a nice plot of land that allowed me to buy a CC to mow AND for snow removal. I mowed with a push mower for a year, which worked, but wasn't quite the same.

While browsing the local craigslist, someone was selling a 147 for an affordable price, and I looked into it. I went to test drive it and immediately riding the 125 came back. I like that it sorta looks like the 125 what with the front grille, it's a narrow frame, and it's a hydrostat with a drive lever on the left side which IMO is way easier to drive than the right drive lever on the 782, but it's different, making it my own. It needed some help (deck rotted out in places, trunnion/rear end work, new front tires, and the mechanical PTO rebuilt) but it works great. I use it every season for something. Every time I use it it's like going down memory lane driving Dad's 125 again. I love that it's easy to drive, easy to maneuver, easy to work on (the engine is simple to work on) everything mechanical to make the engine run is under the hood, and it's built like a tank. The single cylinder Kohler is easier for me to discern how well it's working by listening to it than the 2 cylinder motor of the 782. Thanks to this site, parts are available, and if they aren't, guys like Jeff in PA makes them as good or better than the originals. I have since learned that it's supposed to be called a "garden tractor." Call me biased and that's ok. IMHO any IH CC built garden tractor that is has a cast iron rear end is good.

[Gravely67]

Does anyone have thoughts to share about a 482? One running/operating one is located nearby and I will go look at it unless it is a model to stay away from. The seller says it is an IH built model (I assume that is a good thing). Thanks for any comments.