149 verses 1450

[MinnesotaCadet]

I have a soft spot for the QLs. My 1250 Is super loud, shakes, and needs new ISO mounts while. my 1450 Is nice and quiet and doesn't shake as QLs are known to. I hate how everyone turns them down. They are still an awesome cub cadet line. It all depends on what day of the week you buy them.

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by Yosemite Sam

All good points. Both are great machines and will work circles around anything in their class.

The Quiet Line tractors were very different from the earlier model Cubs. About the only parts that are the same between the Q/L series and 1X8/9 tractors is the transaxle and a few pieces of tin.

With a Q/L tractor, if you intend to end up with "no problems" worker, you will want to pay special attention to the drive shaft and related parts.

What happens is that the rubber motor mounts become crushed over time and cause the engine to set crooked in the frame. This causes the drive shaft to become out of align with the transaxle, then the connecting parts wear quickly. To the best of my knowledge the rubber mounts and the parts that wear out or break are pretty expensive.

The 149 doesn't have these issues, not that it doesn't have parts that wear, because it does. There are just fewer parts and much less expense.

There is the possibility that the PO of this 1450 has already replaced the mounts and drive line parts and that is why the tractor is "somewhat pricey".

A Quiet Line tractor that is in good mechanical condition, should run quietly with little to no vibration and very few rattles. If the engine shakes and the tin vibrates, then there is probably much work and expense in it's future to correct the problems.

Good luck with your decision.

Excellent way to sum it all up!

If you get a Quietline that has the cradle fixed, good ISO rubbers, and no drive line wear (rag joints, hydro fan, and ...? someone else fill in these drive line wear parts), then rest assured that you shouldn't have any issues that other Cub's don't have.

[IH Cub Cadet]

I've got a 109 and a 1650. The 109 is similar enough to the 149 to be a fair comparison - less hydro lift and 10 vs 14 hp engine, but I use it as an example of my experience near to a 149. My 1650 has a 14 hp engine in it, so it is basically a 1450.

IMHO:

149 is a dandy tractor. Hydro, wide frame, solid mount engine, easy access under the hood. If I had to consider everything on paper, I would take the 149 every time, however...

1450 is also a good tractor. I can't explain it, but inspite of the pain of dealing with the iso mounts, side panels, etc., once I got mine back together, it is really a decent tractor and IS quieter than my 109 or 126. I really like the looks of this tractor and it is very comfortable to drive. Hard to put a finger on it, but I just like it!

I'd say the 1450 probably can be had a little cheaper than a 149. I'd say both have equal capabilities. I'd say once you get the iso mounts, etc., out of the way, you've got a long term worker tractor that is easy on the eyes in the 1450.

So many tractors, so little time...

[sawdustdad]

I have one of each--149 and 1450 (and another 5 or 6 tractors...). I like them both. The 1450 is quieter IF you can secure all the tins. I like the electric clutch over the mechanical clutch on the 149. One less belt to wear out on the 1450 with the small starter. Many of the later 1450s (and other in that series) had auto releasing relief valves and larger 1 inch front wheel spindles.

[johncub7172]

I have a 1250, and priced the front snubber mounts at 13.00 for the set, and $26.00 for the ISO mounts each from Cub Cadet. Estimate 120.00 for everything and you go pick up at the dealer. There is a gent who makes the solid mounts from steel for a much better price. I happen to have my own diameter 70 duro stock and will be making my own ISO mounts from better rubber.

I don't have a 149, but I agree with all the other members that the QL Series is one of the best looking, and styled garden tractors IH made. I like the 149's, I like them all!

[darkminion_17]

What's not to love on a 149...

[Muzzy]

Well said, Beautiful.

[wishIhada5.9]

Can't miss with either one in my opinion. I would personally go for the 149 though.

[gmbadgley]

Originally Posted by Rdrnek

also I think some of the 1450s had a hydro output on the front for a power angle plow and such.

The second valve section was an option. I believe they all had at least one for the Hyd. lift.

[kdursus]

Thank you guys sooooooo much for ALL the great feedback to my question. This is why I posted the question here on OCC!! I have a 149 that I think is great and was thinking of adding the 1450, but I'm glad I asked you guys first!!!! If the ISO mounts and the tin is as a prominent an issue as you guys have mentioned then I better think it over a bit. Thank you all, once again, for all your great help on this one.

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

The 149 pretty, the 1450 ugly jusy my 2¢
They both use different keys
hehehe

You funny guy bud .

Originally Posted by wally67

If you do get a 1450 closely inspect the ISO mounts and drive-line before you buy it I made that mistake and cub parts aren't that cheap
Wally

Thank you for the great advice!!!!

Originally Posted by SS5150

How do you check the iso mounts if you were looking at a tractor for sale?

My thought exactly when I read about the ISO mounts being worn. Great question thank you for asking it.

Originally Posted by ACecil

You put your hands on the engine, and push it to see, if it moves. If the engine moves, the mounts need to be replaced.

Thank you for the reply to the above question!!!!


Kenneth