Upgrade or Not?

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Clint

You and I are actually in complete agreement. The KT series 2 and the Mag's are very good. I would want to know how many hours it has on it. If it's under 500 I'd do it in a NY minute. Up around 1000 I'd think about going inside and replacing the rods and gov gear before it fails then you have something that you know. Aluminum rears are not an issue, just stick a set of rear-end braces from Xtreme on them and forget about it. If you want to re-power it keep your eye out for any of the following Cub 2160, 2164, 2165, 2185 they make great organ donors. Hope this is of some help.

I totally agree on this. I know the KT and Mag's are expensive motors to fix, but I just never saw that the "V" engines made the torque the H-opposed did. When I ran dad's 1864 right next to the 1811 the V would drop RPM where mine wouldn't. I dunno, maybe it was a bad test. His engine didn't have the hours mine does, but maybe needed tuning. Just my I just really wish they still offered a H-opposed engine, regardless of make. IMHO, they are just a better motor. Not a big fan of the OHV V motors.

Anyway, to the OP: Where are you in Illinois? I'm assuming near Chicago..... seems like Spudder and I are the only "southern" Illinois members. Can't go wrong with a 82 series. 782 with the hydraulic lift is better, but the 6 is a good tractor. Pretty comparable to the 1250, just more HP and a little smoother running. Other than that, pretty similar. Aluminum rear isn't a issue.

[rugrat1965]

Originally Posted by Cub Cadet 123

As Sam wisely mentioned, they are more expensive to maintain, so I would check with him to see if he has additional parts that may wear out or need replaced. You had to see him for parts for your tractor now and if the parts aren't readily available, then you could face future problems of locating parts and the worst expense....shipping the parts! If possible, then I would have both so that one is set up for one task (plowing) and another is set up for another task (mowing....or whatever task you may need it dedicated for). You are smart for weighing your options....good move.

One thing Sam didn't mention, "I hates that varmit!"

Cub Cadet 123

[rugrat1965]

Originally Posted by drglinski

Ever since dad brought home his 782 I haven't been completely won over by the red ones...maybe because it's something to do with it red and not yellow/white...

when they run good they work good. When they need help, they can be a PITA to fix IMO.

Thanks, bud!

[rugrat1965]

Originally Posted by clint

I would much rather use a 682 than the 1250, I don't disagree with sam mac much but this is one area we have different opinions on the KT 17 series II the twin cylinder engines are so much smoother you will soon be spoiled by the smooth quite engine !! They may be more expensive to rebuild, an option on the 682 is to upgrade engine if you have major mechanical problems the 82 series frame will accommodate many engines Magnum 18, another kt 7 of course and B&S vanguard. The only things that fall short on the 682 is the rear end is aluminum which is no big deal if the rear end ever gave problems you could replace with cast iron. The 682 will serve you well, be n upgrade to your 1250, and you can look around to find a good deck, and mule drive... if you put a 46 GT deck on it you have a really nice outfit.

If $200 will not break your piggy bank keep the 1250 as it looks like a nice tractor in the pictures, and you will miss it also years from now especially if it's your first cub you will regret getting rid of it for $200.

Great info, thanks, Clint! Maybe I didn't explain it right. I'm basically giving back the 1250 and a couple hundred bucks in exchange for the 682. So outright, I could buy the 682 for $500. The money isn't really the issue, it's the space. I'm not fond of keeping anything outside in the elements. I already got rid of my boat so the 1250 could have it's own spot in the man cave.

[rugrat1965]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Clint

You and I are actually in complete agreement. The KT series 2 and the Mag's are very good. I would want to know how many hours it has on it. If it's under 500 I'd do it in a NY minute. Up around 1000 I'd think about going inside and replacing the rods and gov gear before it fails then you have something that you know. Aluminum rears are not an issue, just stick a set of rear-end braces from Xtreme on them and forget about it. If you want to re-power it keep your eye out for any of the following Cub 2160, 2164, 2165, 2185 they make great organ donors. Hope this is of some help.

Great advice. I'll work on getting the hours. Quick question. Did the series II with oil filter come stock on the 82's? Just wondering if the hour meter would be any indication of the actual engine hours. The owner seems to think that the current engine is a replacement.

[rugrat1965]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

I totally agree on this. I know the KT and Mag's are expensive motors to fix, but I just never saw that the "V" engines made the torque the H-opposed did. When I ran dad's 1864 right next to the 1811 the V would drop RPM where mine wouldn't. I dunno, maybe it was a bad test. His engine didn't have the hours mine does, but maybe needed tuning. Just my I just really wish they still offered a H-opposed engine, regardless of make. IMHO, they are just a better motor. Not a big fan of the OHV V motors.

Anyway, to the OP: Where are you in Illinois? I'm assuming near Chicago..... seems like Spudder and I are the only "southern" Illinois members. Can't go wrong with a 82 series. 782 with the hydraulic lift is better, but the 6 is a good tractor. Pretty comparable to the 1250, just more HP and a little smoother running. Other than that, pretty similar. Aluminum rear isn't a issue.

I'm in Sterling. It's about 30 miles East of the Iowa/Illinois border. Where are you located down south? My wife is from Mt Vernon and my family is from Greenup/Casey.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by rugrat1965

Great advice. I'll work on getting the hours. Quick question. Did the series II with oil filter come stock on the 82's? Just wondering if the hour meter would be any indication of the actual engine hours. The owner seems to think that the current engine is a replacement.

No, an 82 series never came with a series II.

Originally Posted by rugrat1965

I'm in Sterling. It's about 30 miles East of the Iowa/Illinois border. Where are you located down south? My wife is from Mt Vernon and my family is from Greenup/Casey.

I am from Oblong. Spudder is from Casey.

[nikster]

I like your headlights on the 1st. photo you posted.

Nik,

[clint]

Sam I was hitting more on the maintenance side of the kt 17,and magnum 18 carb, plugs, ignition coil etc.. you have more experience inside the engine than I do. Also I find my experience mirrors J-Mech vanguard will not hold up to a magnum 18 in tall grass (way to tall and wet at that) my son also noticed this. The OP does need to check engine hours that was a good thing to hit on regardless of engine type.... also to the OP you have gotten a lot of great info on this thread I hope to see pics of a 682 right beside of your 1250

I didn't mean to come off as saying aluminum rear was an issue just not as good as the cast on your 1250. We are running 2 aluminum rears 1541, 1440 with zero issues.

[rugrat1965]

Originally Posted by nikster

I like your headlights on the 1st. photo you posted.

Nik,

I wondered if anyone would notice. Hahaha! I do get a little crap from my friends.